I’m from San Antonio, where it snows about once every five years. To say I’m not used to the cold is an understatement. I went to British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast in February and experienced subzero temperatures.
The cold weather in BC was like nothing I’d experienced before. This wild, beautiful region’s cold winters are mainly due to its inland location. There’s no moderating influence from the ocean, and the cold air from the Arctic pushes down, resulting in frigid temps. It’s worth experiencing in winter if you’re dressed appropriately. Full transparency: I give my packing a B-minus.
What you should know about packing for winter travel if you’re from a warm climate
If you’re a warm-weather person packing for your first visit to a cold climate like I experienced in British Columbia’s Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, consider:
- Layering and fit are essential. It’s great to have layers, but make sure things fit comfortably and that you can move sufficiently to do your planned activity;
- Fabrics are important. Natural fabrics are more breathable than synthetics, and although they’re more expensive, the comfort can make or break a day outdoors;
- Prioritize keeping your head and feet warm. Sure, a warm core is important, but you can’t be comfortable outdoors for prolonged periods if your head and feet are cold.
Parka
I’ve had my parka for years, and the label had no temperature rating. When I purchased it, I had no idea I’d be wearing it in temperatures as low as -20F. My lack of pit zips was a small issue during a day of snowshoeing around a frozen lake.
Parka Features You’ll Need
- Easy-to-access pockets, inside and outside, for storing cell phone, wallet, lip balm, and other essentials.
- Hood with drawstring adjustments and velcro to help it stay in place.
- Ventilation that helps you release heat after exertions without unzipping your parka.
- Temperature rating: Around -10°C to -25°C should cover you for British Columbia.
Snow Pants
Aside from a good fit that allows freedom of movement, the best feature to look for in your snow pants is gaiters at the hem, which keep snow from getting to your legs or inside your boots. This was my big area of failure. I’d worn my snow pants, another Amazon buy, twice, but the deeper snow in the area we explored as part of my eco-tour was too much for my straight-legged pants.
Good winter boots
Repeat after me: “Fashion boots are not winter boots.” Your Uggs are probably cute, but if you’re going to be outside for long periods or walking through snow, boots chosen for their aesthetic appeal aren’t going to cut it.
You need waterproof boots with good traction that fit well. If I had a do-over, I’d have purchased boots higher up on my leg instead of ones that hit just above my ankle. During our snowshoe trek with Ecotours-BC, a better, warmer boot would have made a big difference in my comfort.
Wool socks
Cotton socks have no place in outdoor winter adventures in BC – wool socks, preferably Merino wool, all the way. Wool socks are better than cotton socks because they absorb moisture without getting wet. Wet, cold feet outdoors in subzero temperatures are uncomfortable and dangerous. Wool is also better at absorbing odor than cotton. You’ll always want extra socks to have a dry pair in case your feet get wet.
SheBuysTravel Tip: In weather this cold, you need to double up on your socks, so make sure your boots fit comfortably with two pairs of wool socks.
Mittens with inserts
Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves because allowing your fingers to stay close together helps generate more heat. It’s the same as cuddling with another person to maximize the benefit of body heat.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Take a spare pair of mittens or gloves. They don’t take up much space, and this is an easily lost/misplaced item you don’t want to suffer without.
Chemical hand warmers
These little packets saved my life while exploring the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast. They’re easy to pack and activate – just remove them from the packaging and knead and they’ll start producing heat. Put them in your pockets or inside your gloves/mittens, or whatever is comfortable.
I spent a day outside hanging out with the sled dogs during the famous Sled Dog Mail Run in Barkersville, where dogs help deliver the mail, and I used these between my first and second layers of socks to keep my feet warm and it didn’t impact the comfort or fit of my boots.
A warm knit hat and neck gaiter
Or, as the Canadians like to say, a toque. Whatever you call it, at least one warm hat is essential since we lose heat through our heads. Make sure your hat covers your ears, and don’t worry too much about hat hair! This is the one I have, and I can vouch for its warmth.
Sometimes referred to as a buff, a neck gaiter is a thin fabric tube that can be worn around the neck for additional warmth. You can also pull the neck gaiter over your nose and mouth in extreme cold temps.
Long underwear
A good base layer, bottoms and a long-sleeved top, typically worn over your regular underwear, should fit snugly to keep body heat close to the skin. I wore my long underwear under my snow pants, which kept me warm. You can also substitute warm leggings for long underwear and shed your outer layer when traveling if you find that more comfortable.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Any time you can upgrade your layers to something made with Merino wool, do it. It’s more expensive, but it keeps you warm, dry, and virtually odor-free, which makes it a solid choice for traveling.
Mid-layers
A mid-layer or second layer sits between your base layer and outerwear, adding insulation. A good mid-layer for BC is a fleece half-zip or a natural wool sweater, such as cashmere or wool. British Columbia, particularly the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast, is extra cold in the winter, so consider adding, or at least carrying, an extra mid-layer. Good options for this climate are a turtleneck or a fleece or puffer vest.
Sunglasses
Eye protection is important in snowy climates to protect from the discomfort of “snow blindness,” which is the intense glare of sunlight reflecting off the snow. Sunglasses or ski goggles can also help protect the delicate undereye area and your cornea from sunburn and other damage caused by UV rays.
Day pack
If you’re going to be out and about enjoying snowy BC during the winter, a handbag probably isn’t be practical. You’ll want something to carry your essentials that leaves your hands free. A small backpack or crossbody that holds the basics without weighing you down works well for active pursuits.
I love this backpack that folds into a palm-size packet for easy packing. It comes in three sizes, is durable, and comes in many colors.
Other things to consider
- Hydration – Although you might not feel thirsty and sweaty, outdoor activity in extreme cold can still dehydrate you. A collapsible water bottle is easy to pack and carry.
- Skincare/cosmetics -makeup might not be a priority, but you’ll want moisturizer, sunscreen, and lip balm.
- Electronics – extremely cold temperatures can cause batteries to drain quickly and lose power. Consider a temperature-controlled container for camera equipment and a thermal sleeve for cell phones.
SheBuysTravel Tip: Don’t plug electronics in right away when coming in from the cold. Cold can cause condensation, so allow things to return to normal room temperature before charging.
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