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Let's move to South Dakota! (Help me avoid becoming a copsicle)
Chases Street Demons
Registered User regular
Registered User regular
I just accepted a position with a police department in South Dakota. I'm from New York. My idea of cold is woefully unprepared for their version of cold, according to my wife. So I'm looking for first hand advice from those of you who have had to stand outside in very cold environments - how do I prepare for this? I've got some sets of thermals but I'm looking for advice on particular brands to wear and any tips that can be offered. I've seen some of these disposable warming pads in places like True Value, but they seem like an expensive way to make it through the day - it might be okay for a once in a while thing but definitely not a regular occurrence, you know?
"Sometimes things aren't complicated," I said. "You just have to be willing to accept the absolute corruption of everybody involved."
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Make sure to look into methods for staying cool as well.
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There are reusable handwarmers, go to Cabellas or similar outdoors store and you can find them in various types. Wear a hat or at least earmuffs.
It has been 0 to-10 here in MN for a few weeks now and I haven't used any handwarmers or anything.
Will your duties involve being outside much? If you are just in and out of the car you wont need handwarmers.
but they're listening to every word I say
Keeping the extremities warm is the hard part for me, especially having to touch metal constantly. Wear as thick socks as your shoes will accommodate, but not multiple pairs. Stuffing too much sock in your boots/shoes will cut off circulation and make your feet colder than they would be with a single sock. I generally like Smartwool socks. Super comfy and they have a lot of different weights for different temperatures. An insulated winter boot will make your life much improved as well.
Other than that, as said above wear layers. When it creeps down below 20 or so you probably want to have something covering your body, then regular clothes, then winter clothes on top of that assuming you are gonna spend time outside. As for gloves it depends on what you are going to do outside. My brother had a pair of somewhat thin anti knife gloves when he was working as a security guard, that also happened to be passable to keep his hands warm in -20ish that left him capable of actually using his hands. Otherwise there are many kinds of gloves, just find a pair that's comfortable and keeps you warm.
If you get any kind of warming pads get renewable ones, not disposable. There are a lot of different kinds actually. I can't help you on brands or stuff though as I don't use them myself.
From what I know of the area the wind chill there is the worst part. I guess we'll see as time goes by.
I always found the horrifically hot and humid summers to be far more taxing than the winters.
Be prepared for no 24 hour anything and very little happens on Sundays.
But hey! Maybe you'll get to arrest someone for DUI on a horse! It happens there!
Anyways, I lived in SD for 2 years and my wife lived there for about 7. I can fill you in on other things if you wish.
Layers
Layers
Layers
When I was working at the airport where -40 F was consider 'child play', the most important thing you can do is layer up.
Also, cotton kills. Nothing will drain your body of heat faster then wet cotton. Wool is king, and if you can't stand the feel of wool on skin, use a synthetic base layer and then layer on the wool.
Nothing sucks more then numb feet, I'm not sure if your department will provide you a budget for footwear, but If not I would give yourself an early present and buy high quality boots. Do your research and make sure that the boots you do buy meets the standard that your department may have. Once you have boots, but some good wool socks.
BUT I WARN YOU! Some boots are extra 'gripy' and will pull your socks down and off, and NOTHING SUCKS MORE then having your socks be dragged all the way down to the toe box, and you can't find the time undo your laces and pull your socks back up. So always make sure your boots and socks combination works.
Lastly, the best way to keep warm is to limit skin exposure. The best thing I've ever brought for cold weather was a Balaclava. Seriously, buy one.