[granny weatherwax]

Hi everyone

I would like some advice if I may. This is my first real winter as last year was pretty mild where I am. Yesterday was my first really cold day. I was fine until I decided to go help my husband bring in his horse I wrapped myself up (Michelin man comes to mind) what I thought was rather well, but man was it bitter, north wind and so on. Anyway we were there for about half an hour that included walking (briskly) to the field and back to his stable.

We then went to his parents for about an hour and I sat by the fire again for about an hour. We then drove home (which takes about 10mins from their house), got home to our lovely warm house and I couldn't warm up. It took 2 hours at least, 1 hot water bottle my microwave bear, a fleace jacket, a wheatie thing round my neck and a blanket (over kill maybe) and my joints were a little sore too.:shiver:

Has anyone got any great survival tips on how to keep warm outdoors as I get the feeling it may be a little colder this year. I have invested in some Long Johns and thermal top, but as I cannot wear lovely warm wool I am a little stuck (other than looking like Michelin man!)

All tips gratefully welcome

Claire

 

[Katharine]

Hi Claire,

I find the warmest (and least irritant) is polar fleece. You can get very thin, almost T shirt like long sleeved tops as well as thicker ones as a sweater on top.

Here in Belgium you can find them very cheap in shops like Decathlon (basically any large sport/outdoor outlet).

Other than that, layers are really important. A big jumper is no use, just lots of thin layers. Also, make sure you wear a hat, gloves and shoes that are big enough to wear thin tights under two pairs of thin socks. That will be much warmer than two thick pairs and if you can't move your toes around freely, your feet freeze.

We lose a huge amount of body heat through head, hands and feet so neglecting them is a really bad idea.

I used never to wear hats but am lucky that at least I can find winter ones that suit me (which is not the case in summer).

My first winter here in Belgium it snowed 40cm then froze to -20°C for a month. I thought I would die - and then someone told me about layers!!

just my tips...

If I do get really cold and can't heat up, I take a bath, it really is the only way to stop that "through to the bone cold" that won't go away otherwise.

Katharine

 

[granny weatherwax]

Thanks Katherine

Strange thing is my in laws asked me what I wanted for Christmas the other day. So on your advice I went in search of polar fleeces and sent them the web link. So that is what they are getting me for Christmas.

Thanks for all the other tips too. I always wear my gloves (usually start around September if it is getting cold - esp when driving.)

Thanks again

Claire

 

[KarolH]

Hi there,

I can only assume that Carhart under ware if offered over where you are. These are very pricey and well worth every penny. They are silky, not bulky and fit well under clothing.

They are a great insulator and I would suggest you look into getting a pair.

I am having horrible issues with the cold this year, especially since I have lost so much weight. It has really gotten to me and I use the under ware everyday.

It has become my best friend.:rotfl:

 

[macfamily53]

There is a lot of wonderful advice in here most defaintely .My problem is and always been since i was little is i have raynaunds and has always kept me from wanting to go outside and if i did go out i turned such a wonderful purple on the lips hands feet and knees and could never seem to warm up.I could not run the hands under warm water either because it would hurt my hands and feet like you would not believe.I do have to agree though to keep warm in the winter it is very important to cover the ears hands and feet.I got some hand warmers to help me when i go for my walks and today will be the first time i get to use them when i go for a walk today.We got our first real snow and cold last night.I will let you know how they work when i get back from it:lol:.

I just hope everyone can find a way to keep there self warm and healthy this winter.Lets also hope that where ever there is winter it goes fast for us all(((hugs))).

Tammy

 

[KarolH]

Gosh Tammy, that being the case then Illinois is not the place to live. I have no right to complain now do I!!!

 

[granny weatherwax]

Hi Karol and Tammy,

Sounds like it is getting really cold over there. Thanks for the Advice Karol (have since been surfing on the web and unfortunately the do not do that make over here). I have invested in some thermal type long jane's and a top (very sexy - NOT), these are not too bulky and I wore them the other day and felt toasty. My hubby has bought me some of those rechargeable hand warmer things and I love them. He even bought me microwavable slippers - probably because he got fed up of my cold feet at night :rotfl:. I think I need to get my long coat fixed too that might help:wink2:

Thanks for all the advice I am sure I will now be toasty this winter.

Claire

 

[KarolH]

Your very welcome and YES.....IT IS BITTER COLD HERE.

Is Spring any time soon???

 

[rachna]

Hi Claire,

I suffer in the winter too, especially this year the cold seem to be worse than ever before.

I tend to wear thermal socks to keep my feet warm. i wear a thermal vest under a thin jumper as this seem to work better than just a thick jumper. Also fleecy scarf and gloves. The cold gets to me in the night too, so in bed i wear thick long bed socks, not very attractive but they keep my feet toastie warm and thats what matters

Hope this helps

love always
rachna xxx