Cold Weather Clothing Choices: S1E1 Into the Winter | Gray Bearded Green Beret

[@micktaylor5024]

Wool is my winter active wear clothing. Rubber on the feet attracts the cold. People spoil themselves by wearing way too much clothing. Move. Don’t stand still. Fingerless gloves within mitts. Keep wrist arteries warm. Keep upper leg arteries warm with extra layer. The ancients did very well on this land for ten thousand years without oil based not renewable clothing. This is how I see things from my side of the Canadian Border in the boreal forest Precambrian Shield of Northern Saskatchewan.

[@backwoodstrails]

"Cotton doesn't kill, stupidity kills" Great quote from David Wescott!

[@tommyboyindy1157]

If you don’t get it wet cotton is great

[@amsb4dafunk558]

@@tommyboyindy1157 If Is a malicious SOB

[@tommyboyindy1157]

@@amsb4dafunk558 : that’s what a good nylon shell is for

[@mrwes100]

I wear cotton all the time. Just not as a base or outer layer.

[@amsb4dafunk558]

@@mrwes100 You can wear cotton To Your heart’s content But When I am 2 days off the pavement And In a cold weather environment That Will homicide my ass in a matter of minutes My Mama would be highly upset for Letting “If” Efff with me. When You can plan, prepare, and have options Why Make foolish choices.

[@eloquentsarcasm]

Grew up in Chicago, was stationed in Punmunjom Korea, and live in Colorado these days. I love winter, and have a tolerance for cold that blows people's minds. We recently had a -20 windchill night here, and with nothing but a Triple Aught Ranger Hoodie and Northface shell, I was cozy on my hike home from work. Layers, heat management, and just general awareness will serve you well in the cold.

[@elizabethmorton4904]

I'm a Canadian, used to very cold temps, and your advice is great. The one thing I would point out is that the gear you presented costs a heck of lot of money. Here in Canada, I think what you have there would set a person back a good $2000, at least. Oversized gear is great, but what I find is that you don't always need all those layers, and if you don't need them, you shouldn't wear them, because you'll overheat. With fewer layers the oversized gear is going to be too big to be practical. That means having gear in several sizes, and if you're looking at boots that cost at least $200 a pair, that's one heck of a lot of money. Plus, where the hell are you going to store all that stuff! My experience is that having the right gear all the time is just a challenge.

[@daegannlongstrider1293]

For everyone saying that this stuff is too expensive. Summertime in Goodwill is your friend. All the wool you will ever need. Poke around and you can find some gortex or other types of outer shells.

[@MarkfromLodiCA]

I am with you! Nothing better for the Mother Earth than to buy, or be gifted, used but functional items!

[@jsm806]

@@MarkfromLodiCA Yea !! Now gift me some money

[@DWMurry]

I completely agree with the choices and the manufacturer. I too use minus 33 best i have found to date, and i been out and about working for 50 years now... Only thing i see everyone either ignore or forget... "Fish nets". I get mine from wiggys. Lots of folks make fun of me as they stand there shivering... I just know what works for me. Gore Tex doesn't work... It traps moisture. Never had any gore tex ever that breathed. And no. Cotton does not kill. Stupid kills. Good review . Excellent information.

[@hellsscoutact5379]

I use Wiggys also. Far better gear then other companies. JMHO

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Minus 33 is very good. Icebreaker and Ibex are also very high quality.

[@MISANTHROPE1964]

My kids still tease me about the Wiggy’s fish nets. But let me tell ya, I’m a Jah-damned sexy beast in them. I doubted them, and shit-house rat crazy Wiggy, when I first bought them, but they work phenomenally well in subzero weather. Wiggy’s fish net, then a layer of merino or polypro, then fleece or wool. Many a night camping in sub-zero weather and they just work.

[@asmith7876]

Excellent video, like all of them. Years ago I read a study and experienced this myself in the Army that the more time you spend outside, the more acclimated you get. Going in and out of your fully heated house doesn’t get you acclimated but actually living outside for an extended period you’ll notice you become more comfortable with less clothing. My Army time was all pre-endless Gulf War(s) but we spent much our time in the desert, up to a month at a time. We helped train a lot of butter bars, I’d be wearing long underwear and my BDU’s, some 2nd looey would be wearing literally ever article of clothing he was issued and be freezing 😂😂. Duluth Trading Co. and Duluth Pack make awesome gear. So much stuff is so expensive as some in the comments have said already. You can indeed spend thousands of dollars but you don’t have to. Military surplus is your friend. I have some Eastern European Cold War wool coat that costs $30…it weighs a ton but is absolutely amazing in the winter. Korean War era Army wool clothing is great. It takes time to find but if you have time and no money there’s your choice. 20 degrees to me is perfect backpacking weather, easier to get warm than it is to get cool when it’s 100F out!

[@thomasmusso1147]

Agreed. I lived in Southern Africa and 40 to 50°C Summer Temperatures are no joke .. including the amount of water to be carried just to see it through 24 hours. Lets not mention the Coastal Areas and accompanying Humidity. You are 100% correct. Regularly exposing oneself to the ambient temperatures definitely assists with acclimatisation. Give me cooler weather any day.

[@gin-powered8352]

Glad to hear someone mention “the other side” of the cotton kills saying. With good base and warming layers your flannel and twill or canvas or whatever are mainly there to take the wear and abrasion from doing stuff and give you pockets.

[@monocogenit1]

Cotton is also naturally heat and fire retardant, unlike most synthetic materials. Sit next to a fire for a while and those uber expensive puffy jackets and it will look like swiss cheese if your not careful.

[@geroldknoebel3836]

Hey comrade, I wore the red beret of the GDR paratroopers for some years in the seventies and later the blue one, you know who I mean. As for the clothing in winter, everything you say is true. When I'm on the road today, motorcycle / ATV underwear, jump boots and always enough wool socks and garbage bag. On the feet wool socks, plastic bag over them and the boots. Always warm and dry. Laugh, if they are wet, I dry the overnight. Very simple, some embers sealed in aluminum foil and put in the boots. If it goes into the water, long plastic bags, double and fixed with tape on the thigh. So you save weight and also money for the equipment. Greetings from Frankfurt.

[@lesstraveledpath]

One issue I have with multiple layers of socks is the mechanical compression of my feet - it restricts the circulation. I use hand knit socks for the second insulating layer - as they are much looser woven and tend to trap more air.

[@thomasmusso1147]

Yep .. any constriction around the feet will restrict blood flow. Less warm blood through the feet, the colder they will feel. Even in warm weather, I've never been comfortable with my shoes / boots tied up tight.

[@YouveBeenMiddled]

Should be looking at boots a size larger than your shoes. Especially cold weather, but there's also benefits to multiple sock layers in warm weather also.

[@thomasmusso1147]

@@YouveBeenMiddled Absolutely. Take the requisite socks with when fitting the boots.

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

Good wool is really good as a base layer. If it's really cold, it's also great as an outer layer. Tight weave is essential for the outer layer. It's also stupid quiet.

[@abandonedotter4270]

Wool insoles help 100% in the winter also.

[@ardenbergendahl7349]

The Christmas Vacation reference!! Love to see it

[@CarharttCowboy]

I live in Canada and the warmest socks are Icelandic sock made by the JB Fields

[@gringo3009]

Excellent info, enjoyed the humor. Life's too short to not have fun.

[@TheLordArion]

Great tips as usual! This is just the way I learnt growing up in Sweden, and in the swedish army.

[@embersuhnuhk346]

This man is so tough he wears out his clothes from the inside out. Great videos mate. With even the most basic kit, without thrills or extras, conveyance is a must: canoes, motorcycles, ATVs, etcetera. The old school trappers used mules & canoes/rafts a lot. As did the Lewis and Clark Expedition. I doubt too many civilians consider the logistics required to move across terrain without vehicles. We think a go bag is sufficient. Maybe during the summer.

[@bmphil3400]

Wicky, Warmy, Windy, Wetty......the 4 Ws.

[@Drmanipnoid]

I think his system and advice is the best for cold weather. I've been up in East coast Canada which is cold wet. The cotton layer I call the pocket layer. Having base layers and then a cotton layer for pockets and durability to protect the wool makes a lot of sense.

[@brandoelderado3874]

I absolutely love these videos. Straight no nonsense right to the point

[@Kinotaurus]

Loved the reference to the National Lampoon's Christmas.

[@LoneWolf051]

great video man! my standard cold weather headgear is a German long-necked wool balaclava, my old Grunt Style baseball cap over that, and my wool beanie over the cap

[@don_kandon6006]

Wool is technically not wicking, but more of absorbent. It takes quite a bit to dry it. That is why i mix it... base wool, and synthetic mid layers (polyester etc). Polyester touches wool, absorbs moisture and wicks it away. I wear wool top base layer even in summer, as i work at night outside 5x per week. In summer time it still can drop to 4-6c (high 30s, low 40s Fahrenheit) here in south of Norway, so i use light weight 18ish micron, 180g/m2 (Devold breeze series, turtle neck, half zip- to open it to went-off if its too warm). In winter time i use same (until 30f) or mid (230ish g/m2) until low 20s , or expedition, 350 g/m2 ish when it drops below 20, can get sometimes to -5f (around -23 celcius). Those minus 33 expeditions are ridiculously overpriced, 140usd ish for top layer. I paid maybe 40 bucks for Bergans brand, expedition weight top base layer.

[@sierraoutdoorsurvivalandbu7825]

As always, a cornucopia of great information. I spend an abundance of time in the Sierra Nevada mountains and like the northeast we have very wet snow. Proper layers and good quality are a game changer and a life saver.

[@unfi6798]

Great outdoor wardrobe in NE winter. Excellent vid for outdoorsmen.

[@tristanlasley8030]

That scarf trick for pre warming the next breath is a game changer on big mountains some people use a weird lil device that only covers their nose and mouth, looks uncomfortable, this thoug. I would use for sure

[@vivianp5962]

I like the layer with mostly thinner/medium weight. Then a piece or two with thicker layer (usual coat) & thick pants. Wear panty hose under your pants, it's not so much for warmth more for chafing (or keeping your legs from sticking to pants if a little sweaty) & they just feel better especially if your wearing wool.

[@robertbates6057]

Panty hose probably looks great on you but I don't think I want to see Josh in them and I sure as heck won't wear them myself lol.

[@fjb4932]

@@robertbates6057 It's Not a fashion show, it's survival. Stupid kills ...

[@robertbates6057]

@@fjb4932 Making assumptions about others knowledge and experience is not smart.

[@The_Eastbound_Hyena]

@@robertbates6057 yet you're the one who showed up to argue.

[@robertbates6057]

@@The_Eastbound_Hyena Nope

[@abandonedotter4270]

I really like the MSS clothing. PCU Marshmellow suit is great. Its kept me warm down to 6° F comfortably with base and secondary layering. I've found that no matter what you're going to get wet so quick dry clothing is a prominent feature I look for.

[@mrwes100]

Great stuff Joshua, and a solid approach. Thanks for sharing.

[@xdm38]

I came for the knowledge, I stayed for the Christmas Vacation references. Lol

[@alexdetrojan4534]

This type of advice is what I've been looking for, thanks. 👍

[@smallhitchfarm9090]

I caught ALL the Christmas Vacation references!

[@rolandbates6978]

This man is the REAL DEAL! Sound advice from proven experience. Listen and follow and then apply!

[@Anchor2012]

I think it should be mentioned that a good beard is a great insulator! I know mine is.

[@tommyboyindy1157]

I just got a one piece set of silk long johns for my birthday - can’t wait to test them out. I swear by layering up.

[@eloquentsarcasm]

Tying everything was an Army standard, we called em "idiot strings" as kids, with a shoelace running thru the sleeves of your jacket connecting your mittens. Losing gloves was a mortal sin. Lol.

[@The_Eastbound_Hyena]

"Dad that thing wouldn't fit in our YARD."

[@woodsie5796]

Great video. Love your choices, now do a video for us poor people. 🤣

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

Josh always breaks out those NL Christmas Vacation references 😂

[@adamhostetler2624]

Great vid. Thanks for sharing.

[@NestorNegronDiaz]

Just go to Puerto Rico or USVI... Coldest day of the year might be 62 degrees...

[@boydman68]

As soon as you said you don’t want to sweat I thought of Les Stroud saying “you sweat, you die”. Great video as always.

[@waltwalters4144]

I hope I go grey like you because GOD DAMN

[@michaelflaherty6096]

Good info. I loved my gortex but hated getting it holed by campfire embers. Nothing gorilla tape won't fix though. Everything is a compromise and the big challenge I found in the snow was regulating my activity so as not to sweat yet layering up to prevent cooling down to quickly. Cycle touring through the Rockies I found a wool sweater was the most practical yet my chest froze from the icy breeze and at the same time the sun on my back caused sweat to trickle down my spine.

[@MobileAura]

Gorilla tape is literally the end all be all of all tape it is literally perfect in every single way and undeniably the best tape that the world has ever seen. I had somebody smashed in the back window of my car I closed the window up completely with gorilla tape and the tape held up for five years until the car got totaled and it held up in 120° weather for years and also in the coldest weather possible and didn’t peel not even remotely it stayed in the same condition all those five years I would consider gorilla tape in essential to every human being. If I would have kept the car for 50 years I would have no doubt that that tape would hold up for 50 years.

[@hiramhaji7813]

Outstanding video

[@johneaton3839]

Hey josh great content spent 55 yrs in the north east and it was a constant trial and upgrade to stay outside all winter working now that I’ve moved south I can’t give this stuff away lol 😂

[@farstrider79]

Yeah, my giant down Cabela's coat hasn't been worn more than 3 times in the last 20 years since moving to NC. I'm just waiting to hear a friend say they're moving north and need a coat.

[@sherimatukonis6016]

MUST keep my feet warmish... Nearly impossible even in only moderately cool weather.

[@Paul.Kramer]

This was a really great video!

[@Traderjoe]

The beeps shatter my eardrums 😂

[@zendragonmindtuner6207]

Wim Hoff is laughing. Lol no I’m kidding this is great stuff

[@christopherpeterson1400]

Great video great tips

[@glamp-craft]

Great anorak and mukluks! And the coyote cap too!

[@shawnr771]

Excellent information.

[@pastorpfp1]

Great instructions

[@MichaelR58]

Good video and tips Joshua , thanks for sharing , God bless !

[@thomasmusso1147]

👍👍👍 .. good and informative .. thanks. Valuable point regarding the use of a scarf / similar around the neck. In hindsight, my late Mom and Mother-in-Law had it nailed with their 'scarves to keep their necks warm'. At the time, for me it just 'old fogey stuff' 😁. Something else .. an insulating 'waist band'. Some reading on research done in this regard supports my (now) realisation that a cold(er) midriff, especially around the kidneys and back area appreciably reduces one's 'felt' comfort level. Now into Autumn (Fall), I'm busy getting the Winter Gear out of the Cellar and quite looking forward to the colder months. Here in the Northern Switzerland Lowlands, our snow is predominantly 'wet' .. when we get it. More than often, the weather is cold and dry so my gear reflects that. Take care ..

[@markcummings6856]

And the wrists! One of the body’s weak points for losing body heat.

[@thomasmusso1147]

@@markcummings6856 👍 Yes, that too.

[@Flashahol]

One of my favorites that are never mentioned are Gore-tex gaitors. These will raise the temperature rating of your boots by over 10 degrees easily and keep the snow out. The best part is they also keep your ankles super warm.

[@markcummings6856]

👍. You know what you are talking about. And Down. Not even mentioned.

[@Flashahol]

@@markcummings6856 Good point, down would get crushed under the layers and lose it's insulation properties.

[@farstrider79]

@@markcummings6856 Yeah, and good polyester fleece like polartec works well also. I just can't afford that much expensive wool. My $30 long underwear from Academy works well for me

[@Leksuttaja149]

winter rubber boots with changable felt inserts are so underrated. those keep your feet sooo warm and its very easy to change in new inserts if the old ones happen to get wet.

[@Flashahol]

@@Leksuttaja149 Get extra felt inserts... nice trick! Anything that doesn't breathe is a whole lot warmer, but you do need to be aware of when and how to deal with it.

[@paulanderson1915]

Excellent! Presented well.

[@yoalmocalderon3197]

Great job !

[@pyeitme508]

Amazing 🤩

[@annaphillion9269]

Thank you 🧡

[@robertsheppard957]

Make the base layers Minus 33.....yup. You'll be toasty!!!

[@stevem525]

Wicky, warmy, windy, and wetty. Ask your local Carpenter. Personally when I'm working, keep the head and neck warm the body will follow. 2 pairs of gloves one light, one heavy, change often. Invest in a boot and glove dryer. Have extra and try different options, to find what works for you.

[@RobMaynardDJ]

Great video thanks 🙏🏼 Like soldiers Chippy’s (carpenters) know 👏🏽👏🏽😉 working in the freezing winters avoid the sweat chills keep the perimeters comfortable and swappable layers keep the spirit up and help you get it done!

[@samjslstella9956]

You would love the Canadian Army waterproof & wate resistant mukluks (you can find them in surplus as well)

[@davidjohnston6929]

Good video sir !!

[@davidjohnston6929]

I use layers it's not bad When I was 18 , I had 3 shirt flannel at 14 below zero it was alright but I got soaked big time

[@northwoodsdad7506]

Wool is best in the north east. It retains its insulation value even when wet. Layers are best because you can strip off a layer if you start to over heat. I usually don't watch videos about winter clothing due to the princesses doing them. This one actually knows what he I talking about. Watch out for modern gloves. I have some high dollar gloves and once they are wet it takes days to dry out unless you have a dryer to blow warm air into them. If you can afford it, alpaca wool is the best!

[@heikoplotner8445]

Leicht, luftig, kein Schwitzen, Windschutz extra und BAUCHBINDE ( Luftwaffe, Bomberbesatzungen nutzten die mit Erfolg )

[@darrensmall4313]

Can't wear that fur hat in town though. It's a real magnet for the ladies.

[@justinmiller8249]

Ot looks waaay to cold where you are for a Texas boy!...it was good to see you at Rabbitstick brother

[@clintgilchrest1019]

Great informative video...

[@jeremymoses7401]

Les Stroud..... be nice to see him back on tv again.

[@The_Eastbound_Hyena]

He updates his YT channel regularly.

[@glenmo1]

With the fur hat you look like Jeremiah Johnson 😂

[@KettleCamping]

Good advice! Great video! Cheers from north of the border! 👍

[@outdoorgal9602]

'What do you suggest for those of us who are allergic to wool?

[@roncochran7650]

Where did you film this? You said you live in the Northeast. I live in Maine, and I haven’t seen a snowflake yet. In fact, it’s been in the high 50s, low 60s today. Amen, to what you are preaching. I have a herds worth of sheep’s wool for the winter. Joshua Enyart, you are the man!

[@GrayBeardedGreenBeret]

This was filmed in Maine 2 years ago

[@aintnobodygottime4dat]

08:10 Hey, mercy for headphone users....you blew out my ear drums!

[@beefstuart8769]

Great videos you’re putting out dude. I spend quite a bit of time out in the winter here in CO (past 22 years) and I feel like wearing a boot 2 sizes too large would be sloppy af and potentially hazardous climbing up/down harder, steeper snowy/icy terrain and terrible on your feet. I have bigass winter boots for snowblowing and really like lightly insulated mountaineering boots for harder terrain or elk hunting. But they would suck being 2 sizes larger.

[@corleyoutdoors2887]

Informative and beneficial video

[@jenniferbauman4802]

Good video. God bless. From Glenn CATT in Massachusetts.

[@clayjones9907]

On Boots, I worked Derricks out of Crosby, No. Dak. I have worked at 80 below. 3 times Tripped pipe at 60 below. Those Black Mickey Mouse Boots my Go To Favorite 1 st Time Every Time they say only good to 20 below, not so. Good to 80 below w/ 1 pair nylon socks 2 pair Wool over them.

[@oldvetwhotravels.5326]

I remember when Arcteryx first started in East Vancouver, BC. Canada. It was actually affordable. Now, it is way overpriced, and definitely over hyped. But, good video anyway.

[@eliasbonilla8087]

🙏🏼 thank you for awesome info

[@CarharttCowboy]

They come in -50 degrees

[@ralphblankenship3462]

Too bad Lr bush craft doesn’t have their flied jacket in brown

[@newenglandprepper2343]

Get video Arc'teryx is very good quality gear I have a outershell that I got 14 years ago that is still in pretty good shape.

[@ianmacfarlane9454]

Brilliant!👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧😂

[@jant4741]

Wow just checked out -33 wool specs… 17.5, 18.5 micron wools… That’s as high end, skin soft as wool gets. No wonder pricey. (Outer wear, hard wearing, bit coarser wool is desirable.)

[@DersABigBuck]

Bushcraft or bug out?

[@TJackSurvival]

What’s this white sky fluff and how can we get some of it?

[@ashleydobrinoff7235]

What backpack is sitting on the ground next to you? Noticed you sitting on the Fjällräven but couldn't figure out the other pack. Did that pack next to you accommodate most of those winter clothing selections? Thanks for your content!

[@garyo4456]

I’m surprised you don’t just go with Filson Mackinaw pants with baselayers. (One and done.)

[@jamesmyers7709]

What backpack is that that you use in all your videos??? I need one!!!

[@dasteezmc7446]

What was that blue plaid shirt you had in the first minute of the video?

[@marleymiller2730]

In regards to socks, you said you like larger boots to layer socks. Have you ever tried normal sized boots w normal winter socks and then use wraps over the boot. I have always had problems w boots that are too large making it cumbersome to walk or rubs the wrong way. Thoughts?

[@DevInvest]

What is the brown coat you are wearing? I’d like one of those- does anyone know?

[@TheRiskyDingo]

Do your Canadian friends have a website or social media platform I can dive into? The video is great. I live up in the north east too and when it gets deathly cold I run my NB3 parka that I was issued earlier in my career. They're liquid gold and whenever I see on cheap I grab and store it away for friends family or a backup.

[@davekelly9657]

👍👍

[@traveller09]

I have an Arc'teryx jacket that lasted me close to 20 years, back when they were still made in Canada. It finally needs to be replaced, what model is the one you have? I am torn between a few.

[@ivanjerickablanida2121]

I wanted to bring extra gears in my car during winter. But it gets easily cold if i left it there. Im thinking of having a cooler/coleman chest box inside my car as a storage for my gears which in my theory would keep it warm. What do you guys think?