Choose outdoor clothing according to the temperature and the wind. Watch the thermometer and listen to the weather reports. It is almost as bad to wear too much clothing as too little clothing. Children are very active and overheat readily when dressed too warmly. Proper outdoor clothing is key to ensure your Alaskan winter is fun and safe!
For Wet Cold
Down to 10 above, lightweight underwear, medium-weight pants, a long-sleeved shirt and socks, plus waterproof boots, are usually enough clothing. Add a warm, water-repellent coat, lightweight cap and warm mittens to keep the child warm and dry. Nylon mittens with flannel linings are a very poor choice because when the hands perspire, the nylon does not allow for evaporation and the hands become cold and wet. In extreme cold, the nylon on these mittens tends to crack.
For Dry Cold
Anywhere from 10 degrees above to 20 degrees below zero, add more clothing, such as wool socks over cotton socks, snow pants over jeans, heavier mittens and warmer cap. Footwear may be fur-lined, synthetic fleece-lined or wool-lined boots or mukluks, and should be removed in the house. Feet should not perspire or the socks get wet. Frosted feet easily develop in extreme cold with perspiration-soaked socks.
For Extreme Cold
At 20 degrees below zero and colder, the same basic garments can be worn close to the body. Add lightweight long underwear for longer periods in the cold. Jeans as a single layer are not sufficient in extreme cold. They fit tightly and do not hold enough warm air. Fleece pants or other warm fabrics are preferred. Snow pants, a sweater and a parka are needed. Mittens should be used instead of gloves because they hold the fingers together and make for greater warmth. In extreme cold, a parka is preferred to a jacket or coat. Also add a neck warmer or a scarf to cover the nose and lower part of the face. A hat should be worn under the parka hood.
Important Tips
Keep it clean. Clothing must be kept clean. Dirt clogs the air spaces in clothing and reduces the insulation
Avoid overheating. Do not overheat to the point of perspiration. Always remember that perspiration invites freezing.
Wear loose layers. Several layers of medium weight clothing holds more still air and keeps the body warmer than one heavy garment of the same weight. Remember that weight doesn’t mean warmth, but layers do.
Keep it dry. Clothing must be kept dry from the outside. Keep snow from collecting on outer clothing. Body heat can melt snow, thus forming moisture that may penetrate through the fabric.
The full publication can be found online and has even more in-depth information on cold weather safety, frostbite and hypothermia.
