Taking on frigid weather

The Arctic deep freeze that has camped out over much of Canada over the past week is pretty standard for January, especially here in Northwestern Ontario.
Enjoying outdoor activities when it’s blistering cold like it has been recently is tough. But if you dress properly, you still can have some fun outside.
Whether you enjoy ice-fishing, skiing, snowmobiling, or even hunting in cold weather, the key to being able to stay out there is to avoid getting cold. With the great clothing we have available today, it’s possible to be out in just about any conditions that we’re faced with but it’s all about being prepared.
We experience some of the harshest winter weather on the planet, and the most important aspect of staying warm is to make sure your feet and hands don’t get cold. If they do, you’ll be done–quickly.
Of course, good quality boots and mitts are key.
With boots, you want to be wearing heavy-duty ones with thick insulation. The best boots have a good layer of rubber between the bottom of your foot and the ground.
For ice-fishing, I like to wear insulated rubber boots with an insulation rating of at least 1200-1600 gram Thinsulate. I usually drill a bunch of holes so the rubber boots keep my feet dry.
If I’m doing something where I’m walking a lot, I like to wear leather boots with the same insulation properties because your feet sweat naturally and they will breathe better than the rubber boots do.
Socks are important but one misconception a lot of people have is they layer up too heavily. If you have heavy boots, you only need one pair of socks but if you’re boots are thinner, then two pairs of socks are a good idea.
The key is to not wear socks that are too tight and cut off the circulation to your toes. You’ll be doomed quickly if you do. Good-fitting socks are more expensive but a good pair or two will save your day so they are a good investment.
Leather gloves or mitts are tough to beat for durability and warmth. A good heavy pair will keep you warm in the coldest weather. The challenge is to find something smaller to wear while you’re jigging a fishing rod or working with tools.
Thinner gloves will keep you protected if you keep them dry while you’re doing your activity, then have the heavy-duty mitts ready for warming up occasionally or when you’re riding on the snowmobile.
The air-activated heater packs also are a great day-saver for your hands. When I’m going to be out all day, I like to put a couple in my pockets so I can warm my hands up quickly after catching a fish or baiting a hook.
They are great for hunters trying to stay out all day, as well. Another good investment.
A few other must-have items that I never leave home without on the coldest days are a neck warmer or cover. The neck covers that fit over your head with a space cut out for your face are designed to be worn under a snowmobile helmet and are the best.
A good toque or hat that is double-layered or wind-resistant will keep your head warm while bib-style snow pants are way better than regular-style pants because they keep any wind and cold air out of your midsection area.
Finally, layer up with good long underwear. This base layer against your skin will wick away any moisture and keep your core warm.
You still can have fun outdoors during these winter deep freezes. You just have to prepare for it to stay warm.
And take heart–spring will be here before we know it!