How does one dress for cold? And drive in snow?
- Thread starter GlassOnion
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Another Minnesotan here. I wear long underwear all the time, a Columbia fleece over whatever shirt I am wearing, a NorthFace jacket (warmest I have come across), heavy mittens (gloves don't keep your fingers real warm in subzero temp), and a hat that covers my ears. One thing to keep in mind if you are driving is to have some warm extra's in the car in case of car trouble.
Don't drive like an idiot, lol. Slow down on overpasses and bridges as they get more slick because they are higher up. Make sure to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you do start to slide steer into the slide and press gently on the gas, not the brake. Test your brakes to see if they are anti-lock, if you aren't used to anti-lock on ice you are going to get nervous when you brake, it feels awful funny and like you are not going to stop, keep them down and don't pump them.
Be safe!
Don't drive like an idiot, lol. Slow down on overpasses and bridges as they get more slick because they are higher up. Make sure to leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you do start to slide steer into the slide and press gently on the gas, not the brake. Test your brakes to see if they are anti-lock, if you aren't used to anti-lock on ice you are going to get nervous when you brake, it feels awful funny and like you are not going to stop, keep them down and don't pump them.
Be safe!
Oh, one other thing. If there's a lot of snow/ice on the road, assume there is extra under bridges as well where the shadows fall. I lift off the gas slightly at those and just cruise on by.
Do make sure you have a full tank of gas before crossing over into Iowa! The stations are few and far in between and fairly far off the highway after that. I think Bethany, MO is probably your last best for good gas. A full tank from there will get you all the way to Des Moines. I-35 doesn't have any tolls in that stretch, but it's always nice to have some cash on hand just for "whatever".
Do make sure you have a full tank of gas before crossing over into Iowa! The stations are few and far in between and fairly far off the highway after that. I think Bethany, MO is probably your last best for good gas. A full tank from there will get you all the way to Des Moines. I-35 doesn't have any tolls in that stretch, but it's always nice to have some cash on hand just for "whatever".
im going to second the "layers" but i want to add BREATHABLE...
cotton feathers and wool will keep you much warmer than poly blends ect...
ill give an example from when i worked at the zoo, it was mid december in CT a couple of the worst storms theyd seen in a long time and i was working outside most of the day.
1: cotton thermals and a comfortable fitting pair of cotton socks, too tight and youll be uncomfortable same for loose.
2: Cotton Pants or jeans, strangly with the thermals the jeans were plenty warm enough as long as kept DRY!
3: cotton t-shirt
4: fleece or wool sweater
5: good boots with a good thick tread
6: my timberland down filled coat.
7: gloves, i livke the fingerless gloves that are also mittens (you flip the top over)
8: hat that covers the ears or neck wrap/scarf.
keep extremities covered, fingers, nose, toes and ears are at the most risk.
keep extra clothes, particularly socks handy!
the only thing worse than being cold is being WET and cold so make sure you have lots of dry options.
id also keep a couple fleece blankets handy in the car.
with you doing such a long drive pack an "emergency kit" not only your roadside kit, but bottled water, granola bars ect
and be prepared not only to stop for traffic but to take breaks frequently.
driving in sno takes a toll on the eyes, if its bright out it can be blinding...if its snowing just strainign to see through it will do numbers...
take your time, keep your travel distance, keep your head, and if you feel yourself slipping PULL THROUGH...(ie if your on a hill and feel yourself sliping backwards dont stop, keep on the gas (dont gun it) and gently turn your steering wheel a little side to side, (like your elbow crawling up the hill)
we learnt this pretty quick with my little hyundai on my parents driveway. took me an hour but i got up!!! lol.
when picking up the rental at least ASK for all wheel or part time 4 wheel drive if possible, if not try for front wheel drive.
if its still in the same class most are happy to help if they can.
if no awd/4x pick up a couple bags of kitty litter, the clay kind...
put the bags equaly in the trunk over the wheels if possible (added weight = better traction) and if you do get stuck a sprinkling of the kitty litter will act for some extra grip...
if you have gps or can borrow one...id suggest it.
even if your good with direction...
least if you do get lost you can easily get out ot the pickle and if you get stranded with no idea where you are you can get your co-ordinates for the rescue
youll be fine.
lots of breathable layers, dont drive in all of them of course, and take your time
and GOOD LUCK
cotton feathers and wool will keep you much warmer than poly blends ect...
ill give an example from when i worked at the zoo, it was mid december in CT a couple of the worst storms theyd seen in a long time and i was working outside most of the day.
1: cotton thermals and a comfortable fitting pair of cotton socks, too tight and youll be uncomfortable same for loose.
2: Cotton Pants or jeans, strangly with the thermals the jeans were plenty warm enough as long as kept DRY!
3: cotton t-shirt
4: fleece or wool sweater
5: good boots with a good thick tread
6: my timberland down filled coat.
7: gloves, i livke the fingerless gloves that are also mittens (you flip the top over)
8: hat that covers the ears or neck wrap/scarf.
keep extremities covered, fingers, nose, toes and ears are at the most risk.
keep extra clothes, particularly socks handy!
the only thing worse than being cold is being WET and cold so make sure you have lots of dry options.
id also keep a couple fleece blankets handy in the car.
with you doing such a long drive pack an "emergency kit" not only your roadside kit, but bottled water, granola bars ect
and be prepared not only to stop for traffic but to take breaks frequently.
driving in sno takes a toll on the eyes, if its bright out it can be blinding...if its snowing just strainign to see through it will do numbers...
take your time, keep your travel distance, keep your head, and if you feel yourself slipping PULL THROUGH...(ie if your on a hill and feel yourself sliping backwards dont stop, keep on the gas (dont gun it) and gently turn your steering wheel a little side to side, (like your elbow crawling up the hill)
we learnt this pretty quick with my little hyundai on my parents driveway. took me an hour but i got up!!! lol.
when picking up the rental at least ASK for all wheel or part time 4 wheel drive if possible, if not try for front wheel drive.
if its still in the same class most are happy to help if they can.
if no awd/4x pick up a couple bags of kitty litter, the clay kind...
put the bags equaly in the trunk over the wheels if possible (added weight = better traction) and if you do get stuck a sprinkling of the kitty litter will act for some extra grip...
if you have gps or can borrow one...id suggest it.
even if your good with direction...
least if you do get lost you can easily get out ot the pickle and if you get stranded with no idea where you are you can get your co-ordinates for the rescue
youll be fine.
lots of breathable layers, dont drive in all of them of course, and take your time
and GOOD LUCK
Kindling? Flare gun? Should I go ahead and bring a sleigh and dogs as well?
We'll Iditarod this bitch. "So, how was your trip into Iowa?" "Oh, alright, until the lead husky sprained his leg, had to put him down right there but it was actually fortunate as I was running out of supplies and the extra meat got me through that night."
We'll Iditarod this bitch. "So, how was your trip into Iowa?" "Oh, alright, until the lead husky sprained his leg, had to put him down right there but it was actually fortunate as I was running out of supplies and the extra meat got me through that night."
LOL!
i wouldnt nessicarily say flare guns lol...
but i would say a RED bandanna or ribbon or something similar...
something bright that can easily be tied to an antennea or shut into a window to help visability in a just in case.
honestly my personal experience with driving in the snow...
prepare for bad (ie water/food on hand) take it slow and when in doubt pull over somewhere safe.
i wouldnt nessicarily say flare guns lol...
but i would say a RED bandanna or ribbon or something similar...
something bright that can easily be tied to an antennea or shut into a window to help visability in a just in case.
honestly my personal experience with driving in the snow...
prepare for bad (ie water/food on hand) take it slow and when in doubt pull over somewhere safe.
Black ice...especially when it's in the -10 range. Watch entrance and exit ramps on the freeways and go extra slow.
Make sure to have a break down kit, etc. and STAY in your car if you should break down. Don't think you can walk it. This is when people parish in cold weather.
Every year there are one or two deaths because people break down and think they can walk, then get disoriented after getting cold, panic, and well...
But, on the other hand, it's NOT like you will be driving out in the wilderness! Usually when there are storms up here, there's a snow/to ice line that usually ends up in the mid Iowa area.
There's no shame in pulling over and resting somewhere. IF you've never had 4WD, I'd just stick to a front wheel drive vehicle...check ahead in MO. I don't know what is standard there, but when my friends moved to MN from CA they had to get new cars because they were real wheel as that is normal out there.
Also, I think in MN, it's 511...not sure what it is in IA, but we have those emergency helper green trucks that will assist motorists.
Make sure to have a break down kit, etc. and STAY in your car if you should break down. Don't think you can walk it. This is when people parish in cold weather.
Every year there are one or two deaths because people break down and think they can walk, then get disoriented after getting cold, panic, and well...
But, on the other hand, it's NOT like you will be driving out in the wilderness! Usually when there are storms up here, there's a snow/to ice line that usually ends up in the mid Iowa area.
There's no shame in pulling over and resting somewhere. IF you've never had 4WD, I'd just stick to a front wheel drive vehicle...check ahead in MO. I don't know what is standard there, but when my friends moved to MN from CA they had to get new cars because they were real wheel as that is normal out there.
Also, I think in MN, it's 511...not sure what it is in IA, but we have those emergency helper green trucks that will assist motorists.
LOL! Please don't eat your dog. Take some granola bars instead.
Serious though about the flares. They are something one should carry in their car anyhow. (I don't, but do as I say, not as I do or don't do) :rofl1: Where I live, it's quite the wilderness and there's a long, 30 mile highway to get to a real town. (there are some little stores and things around here.) But if you're on your way to the real town, (which is nothing, but it's on the way to a more real town) there are a very few little farm houses scattered here and there. If you break down or go off the road, it's pretty much May day. There are occassional cars that go up and down the highway, but it's not like a real highway...more like a country road. If you fall off the edge of the cliff....off the highway, you're probably going to die if you're injured badly. No one would ever know you're down there. It's trecherous.
People around here, especially the old timers carry a small bundle of kindling and something to make fire with just in case. They carry a few flares, flash light, water, Nature bars, a few first aide items and blankets.
Anyhow...not to freak you out or anything. You'll be on flat land I presume. It will be fine.
Serious though about the flares. They are something one should carry in their car anyhow. (I don't, but do as I say, not as I do or don't do) :rofl1: Where I live, it's quite the wilderness and there's a long, 30 mile highway to get to a real town. (there are some little stores and things around here.) But if you're on your way to the real town, (which is nothing, but it's on the way to a more real town) there are a very few little farm houses scattered here and there. If you break down or go off the road, it's pretty much May day. There are occassional cars that go up and down the highway, but it's not like a real highway...more like a country road. If you fall off the edge of the cliff....off the highway, you're probably going to die if you're injured badly. No one would ever know you're down there. It's trecherous.
People around here, especially the old timers carry a small bundle of kindling and something to make fire with just in case. They carry a few flares, flash light, water, Nature bars, a few first aide items and blankets.
Anyhow...not to freak you out or anything. You'll be on flat land I presume. It will be fine.
You can wear thermal underwear and you can also put sweatpants under a pair of jeans - I used to wear sweats under jeans when I was in high school and we'd still go outside and run in nasty wind. The wind biting into you is way worse than it just being cold, or at least it is for me... I don't really get cold unless there's a crazy wind.
Same here Cheetah. LOL. Right now, it's 16 F. And if I go out for a walk, I will probably just wear my sweats which are thinner material than regular sweats, a t-shirt or long sleeved, thin shirt and my coat. Of course, my coat is very insulating. Then I'll don a hat and gloves. Whenever possible, I try to not have to wear my boots because they aren't as comfy as my tennis shoes for walking. My tennis shoes (aren't really for tennis) are North Face and they're water proof and have good tread. So, I don't generally need to do a lot of layers because my coat is so good. Sometimes though, without layers on the legs, like even a pair of panty hose under, you get those chill blains. I guess when you live in it, you get more acclimated....up to a point. When it's any colder than this, I usually skip the walk.
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Alright I think I'm ready.
I got:
Sock liners
Socks
Wool Socks
Thermals for the legs
Jeans
Thermals for the chest
(Shirts)n
Down Jacket
Muffler
Sunglasses
Wool cap thing (which has a name, but can't think of it; it does cover my ears though)
One way or another, I'm gonna be the hottest person there.
I got:
Sock liners
Socks
Wool Socks
Thermals for the legs
Jeans
Thermals for the chest
(Shirts)n
Down Jacket
Muffler
Sunglasses
Wool cap thing (which has a name, but can't think of it; it does cover my ears though)
One way or another, I'm gonna be the hottest person there.