Hmm Jodi, I don't have pictures... but I would say layers. Plenty of layers. Take the biggest pair of warm boots you have, to enable you to wear at least two pair of socks. Wool would be GREAT.

I own wool long johns, very nice and toasty warm.

Get some hand and foot warmers! They are AWESOME!

I hope the link below works for the warmers.

Hat, nice warm hat, scarf, gloves all help tremendously. I would also bring a thermos of my favorite hot beverage along. Drinking warm liquid sure warms you up from the inside out. :)

Hope this helps.

Moni

Here is a link that might be useful: campmor hand warmers

No pictures - dress in layers. Also if you are going to be standing outside get some hand and feet warmers. Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves and wear a hat! You lose heat faster if your head is bare. If it is really, really cold make sure you have something to cover your face-like a scarf. Oh yeah, don't wear pierced earrings. I learned that while waiting for buses in Alberta.

I love watching the Iditarod but on television. LOL

Anne

I don't have a picture of myself in my winter wear but I can tell you that Landsend.com is my friend. A hooded parka is a must. The hood should be as warm as the parka. Besides keeping your head warm, the hood also keeps your neck warm. Warm gloves are another must, as are Cuddledud bottoms. A warm pullover maybe with a turtleneck underneath and a warm pair of pants. Heavy socks, preferably wool to wear with warm, lined boots. I always tell my CA friends, cold weather isn't so bad, you just have to dress for it.

I'm not an Alaskan, but a dyed-in-the-wool southerner who gets cold any further north than middle Georgia. So when I go to cold country it's hard for me to stay warm.

I prefer to wear silk long underwear next to my skin, but my duofold long underwear is the warmest I have. If I'm going to be in the snow I wear my duofold, sometimes silk next to my skin and duofold on top of that.

For socks I like silk liner socks next to my skin and wool socks on top of that. Good boots. The lined ones are really nice.

I wear a wind breaking hooded parka, but underneath I still wear a hat (wool if it's really cold...I hate wool but wear it if it's cold). Or I wear those hats that are essentially hoods - come over my head, down my ears and down to my neck, and come up over my chin. I wear that under my parka. The one I have is sort of snug, so it keeps my head really warm.

As Cherryfizz says, I find mittens to be warmer.

If I were you I'd wear ski pants - not sure what they wear up there. But I'd wear wind-breaking pants for sure, not blue jeans.

As others have said, the warmers are great, layers are great. Don't sweat - it can make you really cold later, so that's why layers are good.

Perhaps I'm paranoid, but I would be tempted to tuck in some ski goggles. If the wind is blowing, those might come in handy.

Have fun!

Ok, ok, I know all about layers, I just want to see what you all are wearing. I'm a graphic designer, I'm visual. :-)

I've got the base clothes (as they call them) and a warm parka, gloves, wool scarves, a neck thingy I got in Antarctica plus a headband that covers the ears. I do need to get mittens though and was going to take a pair of brand new racquetball safety glasses because they will fit over my regular glasses. I just bought warm, heavy duty hiking boots and socks. But I want to see pictures of this stuff on you, the ones living this life, doggone it! :-)

Jodi-

Jodi, I don't live the life.... LOL, I just put on lots of layers before going out. It is easier to peel a layer off, when you get to warm, then to take off the warm coat.... and then be cold.

Layers are for adjustments in temperature.

Moni

look at the picture of Mel and me eating breakfast... we wore just about all we had along.

Here is a link that might be useful: all the clothes I had along....

OK Jodi. I will try to get a picture of me tomorrow outside in the snow.

Well, Visual Jodi, here's a picture of my daughter Suzanne dressed for the cold. :-)

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As for me, no one has taken my picture out in the snow recently. But I can echo the suggestions above, especially the foot and hand warmers. Also, because my hands and feet can be a real problem because of Raynaud's, I wear down mittens, and my warmest boots have a removable felt liner.

A headband that covers the ears will still allow heat to escape through the top of the head. Plus they have to be adjusted all the time. I recommend a wool hat.

I'm another fan of Lands End, and also Eddie Bauer and REI.

I don't know about the hiking boots, Jodi. I would go with something warmer, something made for standing in snow.

Have fun!

Susan

I would be dressing like Suzanne. And I second the no earrings.

Have fun Jodi...I am envious!

No visual here but wanted to add how I love my Merino wool socks. They are so warm and soft, unlike traditional wool socks.

Great buys on Merino wool socks on Ebay.

Since you may want a variety of warm things to wear while there, you might consider too a pair of flannel lined jeans (LL Bean and other places).
I was out about 2 hours today at 22 degrees, but was walking and kept moving, and was quite toasty with several layers.

Have fun!

Sue

Well there was the picture of the guy sprawled out in the snow in a thread a week or so ago....

Jodi, all that stuff about snow and cold is just "SST" Southern Scare Tactics. Wear the same stuff you wear in California! :D

jodi you may have to get any clothing via catalog...i've been trying to get men's bottom long johns and they've been sold out for weeks. finally went thru a catalog, and the bottoms are on back order! and don't forget the proper boots/socks...lot of the news press here start with a silk layer next to the skin (it wicks the moisture)

I agree with Daisy about the silk long underwear. They feel so good! Chemocurl, I love Merino socks too.

I'll post a pic of the kids tomorrow and how they dress for weather from 0 C to -40 C. Definitely wear mittens instead of gloves and lately my glasses have gotten so cold that they freeze my face. I'm not sure how to avoid that though.

Danielle

I second the earrings thing...the metal will freeze and hurt the heck out of your ears!

Here's what works for me down to 0 deg F.

Turtle neck sweater, full front zipper.
Parka by Pacific Trail
Winter cap with ear flaps that fasten under the chin. Looks ugly, but works. When the flaps are down, it should also cover the back of the neck.
Ordinary dress trousers.
9 inch shoe boots, full length side zipper., thick crepe rubber soles, fleece lined.
Over-the-calf socks.

This collection works for a casuual walk not more than 15 minutes, or 30 minutes of snow shoveling.

If I am going to be out for an hour or longer, the lower part of my body (legs and feet) must have more cover. The first indication of too much heat loss in the lower body is cold toes. The parka come off and if replaced with a snowmobile suit! This suit has full length zippers on the legs and from cotch to neck. The upper zippers can be adjusted to let out sweat and ventilate as needed. When you feel you are cooling off, begin closing the sweater followed by the snowmobile suit.

When you are going to be out all day, the feet may need more insulation. The next step up in protection is to replace the shoe boots with ordinary shoes covered with overshoes. Its amazing how good this two layer of foot covering works. When you are properly attired, you should be able to lay back in a snow bank and feel comfortable (provided that it is cold enough so that the snow is 'dry' - no melting). Never, never get the clothing wet or soaked. If the gloves become wet, switch to another pair.

But you are going to the Iditarod. Wear what the locals do. Start your layering with a set of thermal, full length underwear made of material designed to wick moisture away from the skin, and build from there.

Hope you enjoy. However, you must remain warm to have a good experience. Get chilled, and its pure misery. Take it from me who has camped overnight at -12 F with the Boy Scouts. It wasn't fun anymore; Everyone was in a survival mode. While sleeping, your head must remain warm else you will awaken with a throbbing headache and a very cold forehead.

Jodi, one more thing... walking on slick surfaces can toss you on your bottom really quick.

I have yaktrax for that purpose. AWESOME stuff, you stretch over the bottom of your shoes.

Here is a link that might be useful: yaktrax

Wow, I would never have thought to take my earrings out. Well, not until they froze to my ears. :-)

I do have the silk "base" pants and the Merino socks. I have waterproof overpants and the headband that covers the ears but not the top of the head. I have wool caps and scarves and neck coverings and a heavy waterproof jacket.

What I do still need to buy are hand and feet warmers, overboots (might wait until I get there to buy these because of the weight) and the YakTrax. I started researching YakTrax online a few weeks ago. Looks like I'll be heading to REI this weekend.

I think the reason I want to see pictures is because when I get up to Anchorage/Wasilla and start walking around town, I do not want to have people to take one look at me, shake their heads and say "There goes another tourist." Reading about layering and such is fine and good, but actually seeing how those who just need to get a job done or be prepared to get somewhere are the true survivors, the sensible dressers, not flashy, which is the category I would probably land in if not directed toward function over fashion ideas.

Keep 'em coming!

Jodi-

Here you go Jodi, I found this site..towards the bottom is a PDF with pictures and clothing pieces for layering.

Here is a link that might be useful: Iditarod Itinerary

I do not want to have people to take one look at me, shake their heads and say "There goes another tourist."
I think the only way that might happen is if you lack warm clothing, head, hand, and footwear, or act like you are shivering and uncomfortable. As in any crowd in cold weather, there will be the fashion mavens who have chosen looks over function, and then all the rest of the folks who are just dressed for warmth and comfort.

overboots (might wait until I get there to buy these because of the weight)
They might be hard to find, or the price might be marked up considerable knowing that they can get it if folks are 'needing' them. I would not want to depend upon finding a good pair there at any price. They can be expensive at just normal prices. I have Sorrels, tested to 20 or 30 below I think that were about $80 many years ago. They have held up well and have never failed to keep my feet warm. The downside is that they are white and put me in mind of Go-Go boots, but I'm no fashion maven when trecking about. I am warm and comfy though.

Sue

I forgot about the picture and now both older girls have gone next door, LOL. I think you have a good idea though! A headband to cover the ears will not be enough. You must cover your entire head and ears or you will be cold.

Also, don't blow your warm breath into your scarf to warm up your nose because it fogs up your glasses which then freeze leaving you with zero visibility. This happens to me a lot. LOL You'd think I would learn.

Danielle

Layers, my dear, layers! No skin exposed.

This photo was taken on a windy night at about -25. I am wearing (besides the normal unmentionables!)

...Full set of thermal underwear, top and bottom

...Thin cotton socks

...Heavy insulated socks

...Insulated boots rated to -45

...Light weight sweat pants over the thermals

...Heavy jeans over sweats and thermals

...Long sleeved turtle neck T-shirt over the thermal shirt

...Heavy sweat shirt over turtle neck and thermal shirts

...Polar fleece scarf wrapped around my neck and crossed over my chest. I could reach down the parka and pull this scarf up over my face when we were walking.

...Parka with hood and wind flap rated to -40

...Insulated gloves over thin insulated glove liners

This was taken my first winter here in North Dakota. I learned that at -20 the tiny hairs inside your nose freezes!

If it's windy or colder than 20-25 (above) you want to wear insulated leather gloves. The wind and moisture will go right through regular cloth or knit gloves and mittens. I wear glove liners, and insulated leather gloves.

Dress for comfort, health, and safety. Here in North Dakota it's "fashion be damned." I've seen women dressed for Church, wearing fur-lined mad-bomber hats and insulated boots...like these.

And snap that neck flap down tight! Wes has two mad-bombers, one for "regular" cold weather and one so heavily insulated he wears it only if it's -25 or lower.

My boots are something like this, but even thicker and the tops of mine are leather, too. Not quilted material.

Terri, thanks for the link, I hadn't seen that one.

Carol, thanks for the info and photos! Love the boots.

Everyone else, thanks for all your suggestions.

An old high school friend of mine lives in Eagle River, between Anchorage and Wasilla and I'll be seeing him while in AK. He suggested Gators to wear over my hiking boots. He really doesn't seem to think it will be cold enough to warrant anything more that hiking boots and foot and hand warmers. Gators help keep any snow out of the tops of boots and inside pants. They're lightweight and easy to pack. Here's a picture:

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Jodi-

Jodi ~ Please don't go to Alaska without lots of protective, cold (as in North Dakota and Alaska cold) weather gear. I'll be worried sick if you don't.

You will need good, full coverage head gear.

I'm sending you a private email. Let me know if you don't get it.

Jodi,

I agree with Caroline - dress for the worst. What your Alaskan friend thinks is a mild winter will seem outrageously cold to you, I'll bet.

My next-door neighbors had a student from Australia living with them for a year. (We're near Boston, not nearly as cold as Alaska.) I remember clearly the cool day in October when Jill (the student) said, "On a scale of 1-10 with 10 being the coldest Boston gets, what is today?" My neighbor and I said, "Oh, maybe a 3." She said, "My God, I figured an 8, at least." My neighbor and I were wearing light jackets, but Jill was already wearing the wool coat she'd bought.

I'll bet it will be the same for you, and it's just *miserable* being cold like that. Rather to be too warm and take off a layer. (I'd add a light backpack to your ensemble, so you can carry extra socks, gloves, and a hat, and carry around any layers you may remove.)

Hope you have a terrific time.

It depends on how cold it is. When it was -40, I wore long underwear under my jeans. A tank top, a t-shirt and a sweater under my long winter coat (goes to the knees). A pair of little ankle socks under a pair of thermal socks. My feet then went into a pair of Sorel boots. Then I wore a toque and pulled my coats hood over top of that and then I wrapped a scarf around my neck and face so only my eyes show. THEN, I put some felt gloves on and over that, a pair of lined leather mitts and my hands still froze. Today it was about 8 above (celcius) and I wore a spring jacket under a poly filled vest. I wore the felt gloves but didn't really need them. It was so nice out today. When it's about 20 below celcius, I wear a shorter winter coat that covers my butt. I wear the toque, but don't pull the hood from the coat over my head, but I do wrap a scarf around my neck. I still wear the gloves inside the mitts, but no long underwear.

But then again, it also depends on how long I plan on being outside. If I'm going from the house to the car, the car to a store, I leave the toque, scarf, mitts, and long underwear home, and wear the shorter winter coat. And I wear runners. I only dress in a million layers if I know I'll be outside for more than 10 minutes at a time.

As said before, form follows function. Couple tips: Do your feet get cold easily? Mine don't so I don't have an issue there, but my feet do sweat easily so I have to "dress down" on the foot warmers and put heavier stuff on the body. If your feet feel chilly, wiggle your toes a lot. Sounds silly but the friction and circulation will help warm your feet and increase circulation. If you do feel chilly, stand up. It makes the heat go through the body rather than vent out the horizontal planes of your legs or more if you lie down. The increased calorie consumption produces more heat, plus, warm air rises in the body too, hence the known importance of keeping your head covered and insulated since the heat rises out of the top of your head. But your shoulders are often overlooked. Heat also leaves from the top of your shoulders.

I've frozen my hands several times, last time was second degree so my hands are very sensitive now in cold weather. Even cold water running on them can occasionally be very uncomfortable.

Here's someone who says layers=comfort. Also, you don't need dedicated outer wear. Things like flannel lounging pants fit under jeans nicely, or sweatpants will go over them. The old "winter woolies" as I call them, aka long underwear, union suits, etc are great, but again, if you get warm, regulate the temp. Don't overheat or you'll freeze easily. This can be a problem when you go inside. With top layers, they come off easily, but if you go into 70°-80° temps and have long underwear under several layers, you'll overheat, sweat and damp clothes are COLD clothes. You may need to change socks or underclothes if you do sweat.

The biggest thing is to use common sense. If you get cold, go inside or get more clothes. Eat well. You will likely burn more calories cranking out more heat. Stay hydrated. Never thought I'd be one to say this, but it is true, avoid alcohol in cold weather. It doesn't warm you up in reality, it can cool you down. (Hence a cold beer on a hot day!! LOL) Warm beverages rather than hot are also better.

And believe it or not, your state of mind will make a difference. If you think you'll get cold, you will. Not thinking about it will help.

Extremities are the first things to freeze of course, so watch your fingers, toes, hands, feet and yes, your nose and ears.