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Winter gears
2

Winter gears

Winter gears

(OP)
It's that season where many engineers have to go to their job site in below 0C weather. My question to you guys; where would one look to acquire good quality gloves and clothings that will keep one warm? I'm looking for expert advices here instead of asking my local department store.

I have to mention that I have poor circulation in my hands, and after wearing many gloves in life, I still can't find one that will keep my hands completely warm. I would prefer gloves with a good level of dexterity since I will be writing reports out in the field. Please advise!

RE: Winter gears

A very classic engineering problem with mutually competing requirements, thickness/insulation vs. dexterity.

Unfortunately, the gap between the fingers limits the amount of insulation that can be incorporated in the fingers of a glove.

If you're willing to spend the money, you might look into electrically heated gloves.

TTFN

FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies

RE: Winter gears

Another alternative is to wear mittens over the gloves; they'll minimize the convective cooling around the fingers.

The mittens could be quickly removed when you need to do writing.

TTFN

FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies

RE: Winter gears

Look to hunting, skiing and outdoors stores and military surplus equipment stores rather than department stores.

Hunters in particular have similar needs to keep their hands warm for much of the time and periodically requiring dexterity.

Wearing a thin glove inside a mitten is a good option.  There are also combo glove/mittens where the mitten part folds back over the hand to reveal either bare fingers or gloved fingers.

There are also a variety of chemical hand warmer packs available. Some gloves or mittens have pockets to accommodate them.  

RE: Winter gears

Carhartts or Cabela's. The cotton carhartt stuff wears out, my nylon jacket is in great shape, 6 or 7 years old. Try the kind of mittens that flip up, with a light or fingerless glove underneath. I used to have some fingerless glove made of boiled (pre-shrunk) rag wool, I think they were made by dachstein in austria. Great till the dog got to them.

 

RE: Winter gears

Look into snow mobiling gloves/bibs/boots, etc as well.  They handle wind extremely well, and are very warm.

http://www.wise4living.com/sgloves/snowmobile.htm

I'd definetly look to heated gloves or glove liners, and get yourself some reusable heat packs for those bad times when you need to warm up.

James Spisich
Design Engineer, CSWP

RE: Winter gears

I don't think you will find any (non externally heated) gloves that really keep your hands completely warm when you are not actively moving about to keep your body relatively warm and blood circulating.  My neoprene type gloves have done a pretty good job of keeping my hands warm and allowing some dexterity, but that's when I'm working outside and moving about.  Just standing, they are not any warmer than any other gloves I've had.  You would be able to find these at any hunting store or farm/ranch supply store.

RE: Winter gears

2
...and don't forget the fundamentals:  toes & fingers get cold because your body's core is losing heat and it is shutting down circulation to extremeties to keep the blood going to your brain at healthy temperatures.

Layer up properly, and wear a scarf, turtleneck, stocking hat, or cold weather hat as appropriate.  And make hot soup part of your daily meal plan.

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Virtuoso Robotics Engineering
www.bluetechnik.com

RE: Winter gears

Cabelas or Gander Mountain.

I like Mechanix brand gloves for form-fitting gloves that allow one to still use tools.  Usually available at auto supply stores.

RE: Winter gears

I have found layers work well with gloves (as well as other clothing). Thin tight cotton gloves, then a layer of "mechanics gloves" or similar from hardware store, then a real insulated winter glove.

I am also a strong believer in mittens being warmer than gloves, so if the last layer (which may need to be removed to write, while keeping other on) is a mitten, great. Or perhaps keep a mitten on the left hand, even if you can't have one on the right.

I think the best gloves/mittens I have found are at skiing/snowboarding stores, but they are also the most expensive.

-- MechEng2005

RE: Winter gears

You also need to be aware of and comply with all jobsite specific safety rules.  Many of the Refineries here in the USA require flame resistant "Nomex" outer gear.  

For all the tools I had to carry (Tape measure, level, pencils, plumb bob, knitting needle insulation probe, etc) my wife sent away for Nomex fabric and thread and made me a "Fishing Vest" with lots of pockets.  It was large enough to fit over my winter clothes and really made things easy in the field.

I also found "Nomex" gloves online (don't remember where).

 

RE: Winter gears

Don't forget when you are outside for a long time, your body continues to sweat and your socks and glove liners will become very moist.  Change to dry socks and glove liners as needed.

"Gorgeous hair is the best revenge."  Ivana Trump

RE: Winter gears

I wear polypropylene (thermal) inner gloves and then whatever outer glove is necessary, mittens or ones with 3 joined fingers preferably. The thermal material supposedly wicks moisture away from your skin, I think that is marketing, more likely it just stops water migrating and your body heat evaporates the stuff in direct contact with your skin.


A heatpack in your pocket is a nice idea.

 

Cheers

Greg Locock


New here? Try reading these, they might help FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies  http://eng-tips.com/market.cfm?

RE: Winter gears

All good advice.

My specific recommendation is Duluth Trading Company.

Greg,

Is there a name for the gloves with three fingers together, or can you point me in the right direction to get some?

RE: Winter gears

Here is some info so you can make an informed decision:

http://www.summitpost.org/the-science-of-warmth/359562

There is no ultimate glove that has both warmth and dexterity, otherwise mountaineers would definately know about it.

There are some ice climbing gloves that come close though but these are quite expensive.

As you obviously realise the hands are the most crucial thing to keep warm but it is important to consider the other parts too.

Warm socks with at least 60% wool are very worthwhile as they will keep you warm even if they gat a bit wet (from sweat if nothing else).

20% of your heat will be lost from your head so definately keep it warm particularly your ears.

With regards to your body you should try to do it in layers so they can be vented or shed when you are more active. Converse to what you may think, overheating in these conditions is one of the worst things you can do as the sweat will turn to ice when you cool down.

As far as layers I would recommend an inner layer of polypropylene or simialar thermals and a middle layer of fleece with an outer layer that is windproof such as softshell or goretex type waterproofs. When it is particularly cold and you are inactive then you should consider getting a synthetic down jacket (haevier than real down but will still provide warmth if it gets wet).

Hope this helps, this is thetype of stuff I wear when I go into the mountains overnight at around -10F. Dont get too obsessed by brands the reasonable priced stuff will perform just as well as long as you are not doing any extreme excercise (like climbing a mountain).

RE: Winter gears

I'd also recommend looking at REI or another outdoor/sporting company.

Wells Lamont makes excellent gloves, but I don't think you can buy directly from them.  I have a pair of their Thinsulate(TM) 80gram gloves which are warm and highly water resistant.  I also recommend a silk or polypropylene inner glove as an extra layer, and can help wick away any moisture.

______________________________________________________________________________
This is normally the space where people post something insightful.

RE: Winter gears

there are cheaper companies out there than REI, I will see if I can find any of my old favourites at home.

RE: Winter gears

campmor.com is a fairly good outfit, offering cheaper no-name brands as well as the big names.

RE: Winter gears

fur is the best choice (rabbit, beaver, caribou, or wolf).  short of that, this site has outstanding headgear:  http://www.headsokz.com/

been in -50F climate and stayed comfortable - per se.  i purchased some mittens of same material with good results.

with the poor circulation, i wish you good luck in finding suitable gear.  i would recommend purchasing the hand-warmers to provide further warmth.

good luck!
-pmover

RE: Winter gears

I work in areas where FRCs are required at all times, which makes finding good cold weather gear difficult.  

If you're going to find yourself in a job site where Nomex or other flame retardant clothing is required, find out if you can get insulated coveralls.  I've got a set that are nice and warm even in 0-30°F weather.  However, they are not water resistant, so you'll definitely want something to keep water and moisture away!

Also, a good set of insulated high boots will go a long way in wet/snowy/muddy job sites.  You might look a bit silly, but you're an engineer anyway!

RE: Winter gears

My wife has Sjogren's syndrome, and her hands are sometimes icey cold. She made a rice bag that heats up nicely in the microwave. She is now marketing this among the ladies.

Maybe you can derive a glove improvement from this: a quilted rice filled section above and below the palm that doesn't include the fingers. Microwave 1+ min. before wearing. In this syndrome it's important to get warm initially.

RE: Winter gears

My only comment is a "when in Rome" type thing.  Take a look at what the construction guys are wearing, this will give you an idea for what works for your particular job site. They are working in the conditions all the time so they've usually found something that works.  

On a recent project it became evident to me that "Muck" brand boots are very good for wet muddy conditions.  I bet that 80%+ of the guys on the job had that brand of boots.  

I've found that I usually need to dress a little warmer than the crew does since I'm not moving around much.   

RE: Winter gears

I think that I should have read this thread before today!  Fumbling with frozen padlocks at -30... brrrr!  My technique for warming up - lots of hot tea :))

RE: Winter gears

(OP)
Excellent advices everyone! Thank you!

RE: Winter gears

Naturally it depends on the type of field work that you'll be doing but generally my preference is Carhartt jackets and overalls.

While Carhartts may not be the lightest or warmest hi-tech stuff out there, it's durabilty is what makes the difference.  Nylon jackets are much more apt to get snagged on a rough surface.  

I prefer overalls instead of coveralls because it's easier to layer things that way.  If you are getting zippered legs do NOT get the ones that go all the way up to your waist.  Get the ones that have a zipper only up to just below the knee.   

RE: Winter gears

regardless of what type of outer glove you chose, I would also suggest a pair of surgical gloves for if you have to remove your outer glove.  Won't provide a lot of insulation, but will prevent any evaporation from your hand, and help them stay warm that way.  I wear some all the time when I work outside now.  And tygerdawg is absolutely right as well.  If you keep your core warm, your hand will stay warm.  Coveralls or snow mobile suit with a hood.

RE: Winter gears

I'd say move to California, no need for gloves mostly, but we have too many people already.  

Best of luck in your search, I would assume all the places above would have something to fit your needs.  The hunting places would probably be best since the warmth and flexibility you desire is also tops on hunter needs as well. (or fishing)  

RE: Winter gears

Since I don't live in a part of the world where the workforce has to dress for that type of weather, I wouldn't expect to find local sources for good cold weather gear, especially gear suitable for job sites, assuming construction or industrial sites.  What I would do is go to a sporting goods store and gear up like I was going skiing.  Some ski gear is generic enough or drab enough to be worn in work settings, some obviously isn't.

But they can get you fitted out with the layers and warm gloves, etc.  At worst, you can wear sporting clothing and put a light coverall over it.

However, one thing.  While I have never had any trouble for extended periods in sub zero Fahrenheit temperatures in ski gloves, I wouldn't think of trying to write while wearing them.  You'll have to improvise there, I think.

Skiing fluctuates from sweating profusely while skiing to sitting still for long periods right after that in high winds suspended in the open air in ski lift chairs - often with long delays if someone gets hurt loading or unloading and the stop the lift.

I have always been toasty warm in the proper ski gear.  A previous poster mentioned snowmobiling gear, and I would think it has to be much the same.

rmw

RE: Winter gears

I'd have to vote against surgical gloves.  They always get wet and slimy on the inside when I work with them, and in the cold, that translates to pretty rapid heat loss.  Dry hands stay warmer.  But, if your hands stay dry normally when using them, go for it.

RE: Winter gears

By coincidence, my wife got a pair of gloves with microwavable inserts for Xmas. Product name: Soothing Hand Warmers. The mfr: Carex Health Brands. package doesn't show a web site. Good luck.

RE: Winter gears

My father in law gave me some carhartt overalls for xmas. Definately takes the misery out of rolling around under a car in a freezing garage.

RE: Winter gears

Only loosely related -

My wife bought me a travel coffee mug for Christmas that has a double chamber separated by a vacuum.  It keeps coffee hot for three or four hours.  Quite an amazing contraption.

Hydrology, Drainage Analysis, Flood Studies, and Complex Stormwater Litigation for Atlanta and the South East - http://www.campbellcivil.com

RE: Winter gears

For those that use hand warmers:

If you use them inside a glove (between layers), I would suggest you use the toe warmers.  They have an adhesive to keep them in place, are thinner, and are made to use with less oxygen than the hand warmers (so they get warmer in the closed up environment of the glove).  I have found these work well in my ski gloves, when needed.

Swanny makes "Toaster" mittens. The have a sealed zipper that runs along the index finger that allows the fingers to come out.

RE: Winter gears

I spent some time in alaska and my gloves and underlayers were all from the cycling industry.  Basically the unerlayers are designed specifically  for wicking moisture away from your body.  You want wind protection for your outer layer, and moisture removal on your inner layer.  and the middle layers are your insulation and they can be tuned to how cold the day happens to be.
 A trick I learned was to cut a hole in the sleeve of my shirts right at the cuff for my thumb to slip through. Then put some stiches to reinforce it. You never have a gap at the glove/jacket from your jacket pulling your shirt back.
I had a pair of cycling socks under some wool socks, and I had 2 pairs of gloves as most people suggested.  the inner gloves had great dexterity as they were thin and again were good for wicking moisture rather than for keeping warm.  the outer gloves were windproof and all my fingers were in the same space.  I could turn a wrench or twist a valve but if I need to write something I took off the outer glove.  also had shirt, pants etc that were cycling oriented.

 

RE: Winter gears

"I'd have to vote against surgical gloves.  They always get wet and slimy on the inside when I work with them, and in the cold, that translates to pretty rapid heat loss.  Dry hands stay warmer.  But, if your hands stay dry normally when using them, go for it. "

If I start getting that warm I take off a layer or two.

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