Winter can be a beautiful and highly enjoyable season with lots of holiday celebrations and exciting sports; however, if you live in an area where snow is inevitable, winter presents some unique threats to your survival you need to be prepared for with appropriate cold weather survival gear.
The temperature drop itself can be a huge threat. In the cold, your body will need to work harder and require more calories and warmth to sustain itself. Additionally, basic survival activities such as harvesting water, gathering food, and lighting a fire become increasingly challenging when faced with snow-covered ground.
However, the best reason to prepare yourself and your family with cold weather survival gear is that you need not only be prepared for bugging out, but also for the chance that a major blizzard could leave you stranded in your home without power, or worse, out in the elements. In this article, we will address the challenges and threats you could possibly face this winter and provide some key tips and recommendations on cold weather survival gear to help you be prepared.
Maintaining Core Body Temperature
For your body to function properly, it must maintain a temperature of 98.6℉. If your body deviates from this temperature, there are built-in mechanisms that kick in to help restore the core temperature and warm you up.
Typical outward signs that your body is working harder to keep you warm include shivering, teeth chattering, and goosebumps. If your body goes through prolonged periods of exposure to cold temperatures, your heartbeat will decrease and blood pressure will slow, reducing the delivery of oxygen to your organs.
This will effectively cut off your extremities from heat sources as body warmth is focused on vital organs (at this point, your hands and feet will turn purple, becoming tingly and then numb; for more information, please click on this link). These changes can severely affect your ability to think and move, becoming life-threatening in the worst-case scenario.
The best way to protect yourself against the cold is to dress in layers. Three layers are best, beginning with a thermal layer, then an insulating layer, and finishing with a shell or outer layer.
What to Look For in Thermal Layers
For the most effective thermal layer that will keep you warm and dry, look for the following fabrics:
- Synthetic polyester blends. These fabrics will wick moisture away from the skin and are lightweight; they include rayon, nylon, polypropylene, and spandex. An added benefit is that they move well with you due to their stretchy nature and can fit tightly under other layers without restricting movement.
- Merino wool. This fine-fibered wool will not cause itching as traditional wool does and evaporates moisture within the fabric to help keep you dry. It is naturally antibacterial, unlike synthetics, which makes a big difference when you will need to wear your thermal layers for an extended period of time.
- Silk. Silk fabric can be treated to enhance wicking and is very soft, however it typically requires washing after each wear, making it an unfavorable choice for survival conditions.
- Cotton. While cotton is a soft and comfortable fabric, it also retains moisture, which is not only uncomfortable but also works against keeping you warm as evaporating perspiration will actually cool your skin.
In terms of fit, look for a close-fitting thermal layer, as this lends itself well to adding on additional layers. Ensure that the arms and legs are long enough that they completely cover your wrists and ankles, and that the waist and shirt overlap in order to protect your back when squatting or bending.
| Thermal Layers For Men And Women | Key Features | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Carhartt Men's Base Force Performance Super Cold Weather Crew Neck Top | • Heavy knit Polyester-Spandex fights extreme cold • Wicks moisture away from the skin and resists odors • Crewneck and droptail back lock in body heat | ||
| Carhartt Men's Base Force Performance Super Cold Weather Bottom | • Heavy knit Polyester-Spandex fights extreme cold • Wicks moisture away from the skin and resists odors • Long, fitted rib-knit cuffs prevent riding up at the ankle | ||
| Rothco ECWCS Poly Crew Neck Top | • 100% Polyester with ultra-soft fleece lining • Tiny air pockets trap heat close to the skin • Same Extended Cold Weather Clothing System used by U.S. Armed Forces | ||
| Rothco Gen III Level II Underwear Bottoms | • Highly breathable Polyester-Spandex grid-fleece with moisture-wicking technology • Microban fabric ideal for long-term use • Level II of the Extended Cold Weather Clothing System used by U.S. Armed Forces | ||
| The First Outdoor Women's Thermal Underwear Set | • Polyester-Spandex fabric with suede lining for added comfort • Fabric resists pilling in high friction areas • Athletic seams on shirt and pants for ease of movement | ||
| Duofold Women's Heavy Weight Double Layer Thermal Shirt | • Double layer Polyester-Spandex blend designed for extreme cold • 4-way stretch and princess seams provide a contoured fit that moves with you • Anti-microbial fabric ideal for long wear | ||
| Duofold Women's Heavy Weight Double Layer Thermal Leggings | • Double layer Polyester-Spandex blend designed for extreme cold • Flatlock seams prevent skin irritation • Drawstring for an adjustable fit | ||
| Sportown®Women's Odor-resistant Merino Wool Base Layer Shirt | • 100% Merino wool is extra soft against the skin • Moisture wicking technology keeps you dry • Lightweight and designed for active use |
What to Look For in Insulating Layers
Once you’ve established a solid thermal layer, your next layer should be made of insulating material such as wool, fleece, or down. Wool, and some types of fleece, will still insulate when wet, however down is best in dry conditions as it loses its insulative qualities when wet. In extreme conditions, there is always the option of adding additional insulating layers.
| Insulative Layers For Men And Women | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Columbia Women's Fast Trek II Full-Zip Fleece Jacket | • 100% Polyester with four-way comfort stretch for mobility • Full zip doubles as a jacket in warmer weather • Zippered pockets on front and sleeve for keeping gear close at hand |
| The North Face Womens Glacier 1/4 Zip | • Polartec Micro fleece dries quickly to keep you warm • 1/4 zip allows for ventilation during rigorous activity • Lightweight and great for layering |
| Minus33 Merino Wool Women's Sequoia Midweight 1/4 Zip | • 100% Merino wool with interlock knit construction to trap heat • Flatlock seams make for a low profile when layering • 1/4 zip allows for ventilation |
| Columbia Men's Steens Mountain Front-Zip Fleece Jacket | • 100% Polyester filament fleece is soft yet rugged • Standing collar provides extra neck protection • Zippered pockets ideal for hand warmers |
| The North Face Mens TKA 100 Glacier 1/4 Zip | • Ultra-soft TKA 100 fleece insulates against the cold • Reverse-coil 1/4 zipper reduces bulk around the collar • Thin and comfortable for layering |
| Minus33 Merino Wool Men's Isolation Midweight 1/4 Zip | • 100% Merino wool with interlock knit construction to trap heat • Flatlock seams make for a low profile when layering • 1/4 zip allows for ventilation |
What to Look For in a Shell or Outer Layer
The ideal outer layer for cold weather survival is breathable, allows for movement, and protects against the elements such as wind, rain and snow. Breathability is key in order to allow perspiration to evaporate, otherwise, it will condense on the inside of your shell and cause you to feel colder. Good options for lining that allow for air circulation while keeping you warm include Gortex and eVent.
For outer fabric, look for something treated with weather proofing, such as teflon, as this will keep out wind, rain and snow to keep you dry and retain body heat. Also opt for a hood in your cold weather survival gear to provide protection for your neck and head – some hoods even have a built-in brim to keep rain and snow off your face, helping to prevent frostbite.
While heavy, bulky winter coats are a great source of warmth, they do little to allow for sufficient movement to perform survival tasks. Look for an ‘athletic fit,’ which will typically be trimmer and stitched to accommodate arm movement.
Finally, don’t neglect your legs, they need protection too! When looking for a cold weather survival snow pant, the same favorable qualities you would look for in an outer shell apply: breathability, mobility, and wind/water proof. Additionally, look for plenty of pockets so you’re able to keep cold weather survival gear close at hand.
| Outer Shell Layers For Men And Women | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Arc'teryx Men's Theta AR Jacket Arc'teryx Women's Theta AR Jacket | • 100% Polyester is rugged and durable • Reinforced to add support to high wear areas • Gore-Tex shell is light and breathable with side vents to cool off during exertion • High collar keeps heat in and protects the neck • Hood is roomy enough for a helmet but cinches for normal wear, with brim to shed rain • Athletic fit eliminates bulk and longer length provides extra coverage from wind and snow |
| Mountain Hardwear Kelvinator Hooded Jacket Men's Mountain Hardwear Kelvinator Hooded Jacket Women's | • 20D Ripstop Nylon shell is water repellant and designed to handle tough outdoor use • Filled with Q.Shield Down treated to maintain insulating performance even when wet • Compresses easily for packing due to stitch-through quilting • Dual draw cords at the hem lock out cold air and adjust easily on the move • Side zip pockets for warming hands or stashing gear |
| The North Face Apex Elevation Jacket Men's The North Face Apex Elevation Jacket Women's | • Durable ripstop Polyester treated to be water resistant and block out wind • Tight weave is abrasion resistant on the exterior and brushed on the interior for comfort • Insulated body, hood, and sleeves provide superior warmth in harsh conditions • Four zippered pockets with interior headphone slit perfect for listening to an emergency weather radio |
| Arctix Men's Mountain Snowboard Shell Cargo Pants Arctix Women's Mountain Snowboard Shell Cargo Pants | • Waterproof, breathable nylon construction with reinforced seams and abrasion resistance • Zippered hip pockets and velcro cargo pockets for holding tools • Articulated knee for improved mobility especially when squatting by the fire • Boot gaiters have grippers to keep them tucked into boots |
Using Hand Warmers For Maximum Effectiveness
For those who participate in winter sports, hand and foot warmers are most likely a very familiar item. In everyday use, they make activities such as skiing or sitting in a football stadium much easier on your body, and in survival use, they prevent frostbite and lack of circulation to extremities. In terms of value, they are relatively inexpensive and can provide hours of heat without adding unnecessary bulk or weight.
Hand warmers work by using the exothermic reaction of oxidizing iron and forming rust. When sealed, the lack of air (oxygen) prevents the process from starting. After opening the package, shake it vigorously to allow air to enter the breathable cloth and mix with the iron, this activates the reaction and starts the production of heat. Once activated, place your warmers in an enclosed space, such as gloves, boots or pockets, trapping the heat and allowing it to build up continuously.
| Hand And Foot Warmers | ||
|---|---|---|
| HotHands Hand Warmers 15 Pair Value Pack | Heat Factory Premium Hand Warmer, 40 Pairs | Zippo Refillable Handwarmer |
| HotHands Adhesive Toe Warmer 6 pair Value Pack | Grabber Foot Warmer | Little Hotties Adhesive Toe Warmers, 30 Pairs |
The Benefits of Wearing Snowshoes
If you’ve ever had to trek through deep snow, you know how laborious it can be, but an additional concern in a survival situation is that it increases the risk of frostbite to your feet. With snowshoes, not only can you keep your boots above the snow, but also you conserve energy as it takes less effort to walk.
This can become of the highest importance in a situation where you find yourself stranded and need to walk to a nearby town or make your daily commute on foot due to a snowstorm.
| Snowshoes For Men, Women, And Youth | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Chinook Trekker Snowshoes | • Aluminum frame is curved for ergonomic comfort • Dual ratchet bindings adjust for a perfect fit and quick-release heel strap makes removal easy even with cold hands • Heavy-duty crampons provide grip on slopes or icy areas • Includes carry bag with mesh panels for ventilation |
| Alps Performance Light Weight Snowshoes | • Frame is designed for maximum floatation in heavy snow • Aluminum tubing with TPU-85 plastic engineered for heavy use in cold temperatures • Heel and toe crampons prevent slipping • Bindings are situated to eliminate pressure points |
| MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe | • Toothed frame with lateral crampons sustains 360 degree traction • Ergo Televator heel lifts reduce calf fatigue when ascending and can be activated using a pole grip • Modular tails (sold separately) can be added for deeper snow conditions • PosiLock bindings contour to any boot for a secure fit every time |
Cold Weather Survival Gear & Tools
There are two major obstacles you will come across in winter that will impede your survival activities: clearing snow and starting a fire.
Clearing Snow
You can never truly understand the importance of having snow removal gear on-hand until you’ve been through a situation where you needed it and it wasn’t there. On a personal note, this author will never forget the time I landed at the airport at night only to discover an unexpected blizzard had completely covered my car in over a foot of snow.
It was early in the season for snow, so having not expected it, I was left without any scraper or brush and had to use my bare arms and hands to clear the snow from my car. Now, I travel with snow removal tools year-round!
For stocking your bug-out bag, a folding shovel works great. Not only is this a compact tool, it also has multiple uses including clearing a spot for a fire, digging a shelter, and collecting snow to melt for drinking, among many other essential tasks.
Starting a Fire in the Snow
When it comes to fire starting implements, if you have one, you have none. Carrying multiple means of starting a fire and packing them separately is a measure of precaution that most preppers live by.
In terms of firestarting tools, lighter fluid is not ideal in extremely low temperatures and tools such as Ferro rods or flint will be much more reliable.
For collecting firewood, start as early as possible, avoiding waiting until dusk if possible, as you will need a fair amount to keep the fire burning all night. Pine trees are good to scout for as they naturally shelter their undergrowth and there are typically plenty of dry dead branches beneath dense evergreen that can be collected for firewood with little effort.
However, obtaining larger dry logs can prove a bit more challenging, so it’s always prudent to carry a hatchet or tomahawk with you as these tools prove immensely helpful in cutting through thicker wood.
Even if the outside is damp, a fallen tree can provide enough fuel for one night if you can split the logs and cut away the damp portion to use the dry, inner part for firewood.
Once the fire is burning large and hot, you can add the occasional green log, which doesn’t produce as much heat as dead wood, but does burn much longer.
An excellent option for quickly and easily starting fires in windy, cold conditions is the Everstyke Survival Lighter. Click here to read more about this essential cold weather survival tool and how you can get your very own!
Harvest Water Safely in Cold Conditions
Yes, snow and ice are made of water, but there are still some unique obstacles to navigate through in obtaining life-saving, clean drinking water.
Harvesting Directly From Snow
Clean snow, such as fresh snow scooped directly off branches or brushes, is considered reasonably safe to consume. The part you’ll want to watch out for is that consuming snow (which is frozen) will result in lowering your core body temperature, making your hard work to preserve your body heat all for naught. If possible, boil the snow before drinking it and bring the water down to a consumable temperature by placing your drinking container in the snow.
Harvesting From Lakes, Rivers and Streams
The challenge with harvesting from an iced-over body of water is the danger that you may fall in and have hypothermia set in. Hypothermia is life-threatening and can be triggered by something as simple as submerging your feet in cold water, which can cause a significant drop in body temperature and increase your risk for frostbite.
When conducting survival activities around frozen or partially-frozen bodies of water, it’s always best to put safety first. One way to avoid coming too close to the edge is to carry cordage with you: throw a rock or log to make a hole in the ice within reach from shore, then tie your water bottle to a length of paracord (make sure it is secure so you don’t lose your water bottle!), then safely submerge the water bottle from solid ground and reel it in when it is full.
Before drinking, be sure to filter, boil, or treat your water as Giardia bacteria can survive in very cold temperatures, even ice!
To be able to drink your harvested water safely without having to worry about bacteria or contamination, consider packing Lifestraws in your bug-out bag. These ingenious tools make it easy to turn harvested water into safe drinking water. Click here to learn more about Lifestraws and find out how to get your very own!
Conclusion
Survival is challenging, but the additional threats posed by cold weather make survival activities extra challenging in winter, including maintaining your core body temperature, starting a fire, and harvesting water. However, with the proper knowledge and the right cold weather survival gear, you’ll be prepared to survive anything nature throws at you!
More Great Cold Weather Survival Gear
Your Thoughts
What is your most essential winter survival tool? What other winter survival gear do you pack? Tell us in the Comments section below, thanks!
Great article. In a desperate situation, or in a situation where you just can’t carry much in the way of rainwear or cold-weather clothing, here’s a tip: use a really large trash bag with a hole cut for your head, and wear it to shed rain and wind. Even in relatively mild weather, if you’re wet and exposed to wind, you can suffer hyperthermia. I once had a trash bag, used as just described, turn a potentially dangerous experience while hiking into one where I was actually very comfortable. When hiking, I always take a trash bag for packing out trash. If you take a really large one, it potentially can save your life. But, obviously, it’s best to be fully prepared by having the right clothing and gear.