Winter gear for flatbedding?

Hats, neck gaiter, boots, plenty of warm socks, long johns. I like to have some fleece pants for lounging around the truck, plus I've been known to sleep into the teens without idling, but 25 degrees and up is my preferred no idle temps. I do have an ignition switch in the sleeper that lets me make the truck toasty before I get out of bed. The biggest thing is to plan for worst case scenarios like it's 0 degrees and I have to chain down a load, or it's -20 and my truck won't run, I don't want to freeze to death. Sleeping bag, emergency food and water, etc should be in everyone's sleeper.

 

You know, I'm pretty set for having to sit it out in the cold but didn't think about the sleeping bag.

 

You don't really need it. Your jackets and at least one heavy coat work great for blankets. And don't forget your towel, which you should always have anyway.

 

I have insulated rubber gloves for the wet loads.

 

To add to the list of things mentioned, I have a set of -100* coveralls (from prior job) but thinsulate Carharts work well.

Also, I carry a box of surgical gloves that I put on before I put on my gloves. Keeps your hands dry and clean and are very cheap.

 

I dont mind being a little cold, its when I get wet and cold is when I get real grouchy. So, I keep multiple sets of dry gloves available and a back up pair of work boots.

I absolutely love the underarmour shirts. Ill wear one of those, with a tshirt over it and a light jacket, and im usually good to go down to around 10F degrees.

When its really wet out I have a set of Frogg Toggs Pro Action rain suit I wear. Best thing since sliced bread.

Gloves, I dont really have a certain brand I recommend. Ive tried them all twice by now, and what Ive found is you always have to make a sacrifice. Actual work gloves wont keep your hands dry, and the best warm and dry gloves aren't nimble enough for work, and will always get tore up flat bedding.

So... I use gloves by committee. I keep three or four pair at the ready. I buy the rubber gloves with cotton liner. My favorites are Memphis (brand) Ultra Tech and Splash.

And yeah, always keep a towel ready for when your done lol.

 

Packets of hand warmers are a great back up. Can be put into sleeping bags or your pockets. They get warm when opened and esposed to air. And keep forever and take up very little space. Surprised I don't see these in the truck stops but most farm stores sell them in bulk. Farmers must know little about keeping warm also.

 

A lined rain coat with a hood, you can get one that's high vis at cabelas and the like, heck walmart probably