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In the near future I will have to prepare myself for a Siberia expedition.

During the winter, average temperatures in Siberia range from -10°F (-23°C) to below -50°C (-45°F).1

What should I wear in very low temperature conditions? Is there any layer system that has been proven to effectively protect the body from very low temperature exposure? I have found this paper but I am sure many of you have some personal experience/tested “solutions” – that's what I am asking about.

Most of the time (60-70%) I will be outdoors, just visiting different places (i.e. sight seeing, walking). I will also travel through Siberia (by train & bus) but the question mainly concerns protecting from cold when outdoors.

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What sorts of activity will you be engaged in? Physical? Sitting around? Dashing from sheltered transport to shelter? – LBell Mar 19 '12 at 14:59
Most of the time (60-70%) I will be outdoors, just visiting different places. I will also travel through Siberia (by train & bus) but the question mainly concerns protecting from cold when outdoors. – REACHUS Mar 20 '12 at 17:34
That helps - so that 60-70% outdoors you will be doing normal tourist type activities (ie sight seeing, walking) not climbing, hiking, excessive physical activity, etc. And you will be returning to stable, safe, warm shelter. (Recommended clothing choice will vary depending). – LBell Mar 22 '12 at 1:19
Yes, that's right. – REACHUS Mar 22 '12 at 8:46
I think many of us have probably traveled in very cold places, but personally I'm having trouble answering the question as-is. Do I answer with defining a layering system, or by listing actual clothing, or by stating the obvious (big warm boots, big warm jacket, protect your exposed skin)? – Greg.Ley Mar 22 '12 at 16:07

1 Answer

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  • a two layer winter hat to protect your ears
  • a good winter jacket (long enough) supporting -40ºC (-40ºF)
  • winter boots
  • a two layer gloves
  • a scarf

For the intermediate layer: The key point is to not sweat. Depending on your body, you should choose the appropriate "heat level" intermediate layer. Some shops will have different categories from very cool to very warm.

Last but not least:

  • it is more important to have a very warm winter jacket than very warm intermediate levels
  • Carry with you spare socks, colder or warmer intermediate layers, instant hand and feet warmers

Personal preferences (I live in Canada and do snow-shoeing in winter):

  • Salomon, Columbia, Northface winter jacket
  • Merrel boots thermo 8 or 12 (Northface is nice also)
  • merino socks
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