We are going to Lapland for a moose hunt in January. I have been advised of temps. -20 to -30.
I have boots and base layers sorted , I have a good warm jacket but it is not tried to those temps.
Does anyone have practical advise for kit in these conditions, I am also thinking of value for money.
Cheers, Markcz
Sounds like a great trip. More than you asked for below and maybe more than you want to pay, but all proven to work in extreme cold.
Here is what many of us have made by Apocalypse Clothing here in the sub-arctic. These items served me well for years (and still do) between minus 20 to minus 40.
https://akgear.com/ Look under "Winter Activity Gear" then take "Expedition Parka," "Expedition Anorak," "Insulated Pants," and "Musher Mitts." I have the Expedition Parka as I like full length zippers.
The Musher Mitts are worn on a harness and cross around your back, so you can quickly put them on as over-mitts when necessary. My preference, however, are locally made moosehide mitts with beaver fur.
The Apocalypse "Explorer Hats" work great in severe cold. Take a merino wool or "Turtle Fur" ear band in case you overheat with the hat--you can vent for a while with just the ear band.
You will also need face covering. I would suggest double layer merino wool. Get long ones and fold them over, or shorter ones that are sewn double. These I get from Amazon:
and
Take at least two merino face coverings so one can dry overnight.
And long merino wool socks.
Many where I live use Steger Mukluks (I have several pairs)
https://mukluks.com/ Any of the styles on the top row under "men's mukluks" work well in extreme weather. For extreme cold we get one or two sizes larger than our normal size so we can fit two layers of felt liners--they come with one set, and we buy the second. The mukluks are super comfortable and warm. I've been wearing ladies Steger mukluks for hiking (and dog mushing when I did that) for many years, since the late 1980s. Don't get the soles too close to a campfire!
I have not tried Steger's mitts. I do have Apocalypse mitts. As I mentioned, I mostly use moosehide mitts with beaver fur in extremes. But sometimes I'll use the un-insulated Apocalypse over-mitts with double layers of fleece mitts inside, or gloves with fingers inside a fleece mitt, all inside the over-mitt so I can use my gloved fingers quickly if I need to.
Take a few packets of "Hot Hands" air activated warmers for hands and feet in your pockets each day just in case you need them.
Layer long underwear.
Laura
