How do you stay warm?

[Pinwheel]

As I'm in the country we have had some crystal clear but freezing nights. Apart from a coat, gloves & beanie I'm interested on what other members have come up with by.........Staying warm while outside stargazing.:D

[torana68]

not much I can do except become a popsickle :( there are only so many layers of clothes you can put on

[erick]

Like the old Sara Lee adverts - "layer upon layer upon layer". I'm a multiple layer person - also gives me lots of pockets for all those keys, phone, torches, laser pointer, glasses, eyepiece caps, odds and ends.... But I start with thermal underwear - check out the outdoor stores - Anaconda etc. Hands - start with woollen mittens (Edit - woops - I meant "fingerless gloves"). Then add a set of thin thermal gloves as the temperature drops, then add bulky gloves below about -4 deg! Head - usually beannie until it drops below zero, then a fur lined "flying cap". Boots - these ones:-

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/showthread.php?t=46307

I max out at three layers on hands; five layers up top and three layers around legs. But this is for -6 deg observing!

Unless you want just the one layer - many are big fans of the Freezer Suit! Some refuse anything else next to their skin :love: :rolleyes:

http://www.gtbastrowise.com.au/ - goto "Freezer Wear".

[seeker372011]

freezer suit -an essential- and beanie-and at least two pairs of socks-one cotton pair as an inner and the woolen on top
gloves-but you have to keep taking these off so not really helpful

[astroron]

I agree with Eric, but I also emphasize good warm BOOTS, NOT JOGGERS, AND A BEANIE.:thumbsup:

[stephenb]

Well insulated shoes are a must :thumbsup:

A big ex-army surplus jacket from Aussie Disposals, and thermals.

[cohiba]

Doug
I will put you onto a mate of mine John Walker he will keep you warm

[astroron]

I also put something on the ground such as a Tarp or in my case some Astro Turf,It helps to stop some of the cold coming from underfoot, Plus saves you looking for things in the grass you drop due to cold fingers:P

[erick]

That's why I suggest mittens (edit - I meant "fingerless gloves") - keep those finger tips available for the sensitive work. I must get a pair that don't get snagged on velcro like my cheap pair do - any suggestions, anyone? :confused2:



But then you end up seeing a lot of stars (many non-existent), then no stars, when you flake out! ;)

[sheeny]

Layering is the key.;)

Layer 0: Body hair and too much chocolate.:P
Layer 1: Undies and socks (optional).
Layer 2: Jeans, tee shirt and boots/shoes. Shorts may be OK in summer. This is standard summer evening wear for me when in the obs.
Layer 3: Flannelette shirt.
Layer 4: Windstopper jacket and maybe a beanie.
Layer 5: Thermals. The trick is to install these under Layer 2 when conditions are appropriate.;) ... and Ugg boots.
Layer 6: Throat coat and fingerless woolen gloves.
Layer 7: Freezer jacket.
Layer 8: Freezer boots. Often get to this layer in winter in Oberon.
Layer 9: Freezer Pants and snow gloves. Sometimes get here in winter in Oberon, but not since I've had the obs;).
Layer 10: Heat packs installed inside Layers 7 through 9... never had to resort to this...:P

Al.

[suma126]

i wear 2 layers of tracky pants 1 blue singlet 1 long sleeve short 2 jumpers 1 Bean 1 pear of ugboots and if this doesn't work i sip on a bottle of cheap port :drink:

[[1ponders]]

from the ground up, Astrofest wear.
thick socks and huskies
long johns and freezer pants (only ever resorted to additional trackie layer once)
singlet, long johns top, T shirt, flanney, freezer jacket
IIS Beanie ( a must) and polar hood on the freezer jacket.

Fallen asleep in these a few times LOL


Get a two piece an not a one piece. Its easier and less chilling when those calls a nature come at 3 o'clock in the morning

[ArcaneMagik]

Hoodie with a Beanie is a nice combo. Easy way to layer on the head as some times it can either get to cold for even the beanie to do it.

Good socks. No matter how good your boots are, you still need good socks.

My friend raised an interesting point recently. While you may start out just looking at astronomy based websites, you end up branching out in to searches like "How to keep warm" and camping stores for compasses and thermal underwear. Amateur astronomy is as much as an outdoor activity as Fishing or Bushwalking is.

[Barrykgerdes]

I just sit by the fire and let the others wear their freezer suits and take their pictures. I just have to look at the results.

Barry

[jjjnettie]

Top Half
Singlet/t-shirt, Long sleeve thermal top, Polar fleece jumper, Woolly jumper
all topped off with a Fleece lined hooded jacket.
Added extras..... a fleece neck muffler, fleece lined wool beanie with ear flaps and fleece lined woolen fingerless gloves with flip over mittens. (I don't know if I've mentioned this, but fleece is very warm and cosy :P )
Bottom Half
Water/wind proof Snow pants as an outer. They're great, they have velcro tabs on the waist band so they are expandable if you need to add more layers underneath. And I do....
Home made polar fleece long johns cut extra long and extra high to keep ankles and lower back warm.
On my feet I wear my Aldi snow boots. Insulated soles and lined with fleece.
2 pairs of socks... Cotton followed by thicker hiking socks.

Don't wait till you're freezing cold before rugging up. It'll take ages for you to thaw out.

[DavidU]

Well it's already 3.9 deg here at 7.30pm.
Long sleeve T, long sleeve shirt, thick cotton jumper, fleecy zip up jacket then a pure wool or leather coat. 2 x tracky pants, BUT I lack in the warm boots department.
Ski gloves and beenie and scarf. All good except for my poor feet.
I expect it to reach 0 deg by 3am.

[acropolite]

I just wear a one piece freezer suit, I unzip the various bits to keep cool, nothing particular underneath. I agree with Paul if you're buying a Freezer suit go 2 piece, the hat is essential, by preventing heat loss from your head it keeps your hands and feet warm.

[Rick Petrie]

Can't recommend highly enough a freezer suit.:thumbsup: You can wear it down to 2 degrees temp. with only a T shirt and undies underneath. If you put just a little more on under you can survive down to about -6.
The beanie or lined hood, good lined boots, gloves and now your not cold, comfortable and ready for anything.:)
As Phil said you can unzip to cool down a bit if need be.

[smurf]

If I'm still living here next winter, I think I'll definitely be trying to find myself a freezer suit - would make viewing much more comfortable.

Not that I've gone out using my telescope much yet, but the other night I went for two pairs of socks, two pairs of tracksuit pants, two hoodies, a woollen beanie and a pair of gloves - after an hour or so my toes were still going numb (sort of understandable as my scope was covered in frost even before midnight!).

I would have to say my weaknesses were my shoes, being just joggers. Some nice thick/big boots would be much better, as has been suggested above.

[jjjnettie]

Aldi usually sell their insulated snow boots for around $30. I've had mine for just over 3 yrs now, and I swear by them.

[smurf]

There's no Aldi here, just yet, but I think it's on the way - will have to remember that for when they do open up, cheers for the heads up jjjnettie. :)

[AlanG80]

I have been using my snowboarding pants and jacket and some thermal socks. Very comfortable but rather noisy when moving around. :P I can second the snow gear that gets sold at ALDI. I have a set of their ski pants and they are very warm.

[leon]

Just be brave, Ice is Nice.

leon

[Pinwheel]

I know Johnnie well but he only warms the throat and then chills your blood plus he make your focusing difficult..:rofl:

[GrahamL]

good quality thermals as a starter, I've slept outdoors well below zero without to much drama with them , feet ,head and hands really get a hammering though when everythings icey and I always seem to get one bit of those wrong when its really cold .

[gregbradley]

I have a small gas bottle and a little gas heater attachment. It sits under my table and is very comfortable when the temps fall down to 1-6C.

Greg.

[floyd_2]

I use a 1 piece freezer suit with hood, and freezer boots. As noted by others, you don't have to wear much under a freezer suit to stay warm. I can't recommend them highly enough.

Dean

[gary]

The night you first put on a one piece freezer suit is the night you say to yourself,
"why did I waste all that time over the years bothering to put on countless layers
of clothing". Often you can get away with just a T-shirt and shorts underneath.

Having observed for periods from dusk to dawn on every clear night for months at
a time with no indoor refuge or shelter available at the observing site, the freezer suits
kept us operating at maximum efficiency all night long without us ever feeling cold. :thumbsup:

[Octane]

+1 for freezer suit. Best astronomy-related investment ever.

Message Geoff the owl, as noted above, and he'll sort you out.

H

[OneOfOne]

I must say that for the last couple of years, I find turning the electric blanket up to 3 or 4 seems to do the trick :lol:

Most of the times I get the scope out lately are at public or school viewings, I have been spending a lot of time lately making planets and other astronomical demonstration tools. I should post some pickies of some of them.

[mswhin63]

When I was a keen motorbike rider (still would like to ride again) I used to wear a silk balaclava because my ex-wife wouldn't let me use the car in winter. Silk is better due to fine weave.

Anyway went to a bike shop to see if I could get another one but no longer sell full face ones (Maybe frightened to sell them to robbers), anone know where you can buy full face balaclava's?

[astro_nutt]

I mainly do the following for the -0C nights.
Base layer being cotton thermals and Explorer socks.
Next layer being a fleece tracksuit.
Top layer being skipants and jacket, snow boots, fingerless gloves.
A balaclava over a beanie to keep the head warm and the ski jacket's hood if required.
I keep 2 pairs of explorer socks, tracksuit specifically for those occasions only.
Oh! I believe that Ray's Outdoors have snow boots going for $28, I got mine!!
Cheers!

[Octane]

Malcolm,

You can get balaclavas from Lowes.

H

[jjjnettie]

wfff wfff wfff wfff wfff wfff wfff wfff wfff
:lol:

[DavidU]

Hahahahaha lol !

[Peter Ward]

A wee dram of Highland single malt... ;)

[dugnsuz]

Something robust though - Talisker as a minimum!

[jjjnettie]

Glenfiddich maybe?

[Starkler]

8 degrees and above - thermals under jeans, jacket, gloves, beanie.

4 < 8 tshirt under a freezer suit, , gloves, beanie, scarf
<4 Add thermal duds for the chill on the legs when you move about and cold air leaks in.

[Terry B]

Ski clothes and snow boots. There is often ice on the scope but I stay warm enough. Plus an old hair dryer that is mainly for defogging scopes or eyepieces but doubles as a very effective hand warmer.

[cfranks]

+1 on the layers. In addition, I've got a few of these stashed in various pockets. The heat will last for 12 hours or more.
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Zippo-Deluxe-Hand-Warmer-Chrome-Low-Shipping-40182-/270595079299?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f00b93c83 (http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Zippo-Deluxe-Hand-Warmer-Chrome-Low-Shipping-40182-/270595079299?cmd=ViewItem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3f00b93c83)

Charles

[AdrianF]

How safe are they?

I just had a vision of me racing around the backyard with my derrière on fire :rofl:

Adrian

[cfranks]

Very safe, you couldn't get a flame out of it if you tried, after the following starting procedure. Just put the appropriate amount of Lighter Fluid in the mainbody, a drop or two on the 'element', light the 'element' and when the flame goes out, put the lid on and insert whole into little bag. There are no flames after you do that, just a slightly glowing element. On a cold night I usually use 4 of them!

Charles

[el_draco]

Orch... ye laddies and lassies goo ta sooo much bother. I take a weeee Dram oot inta tha barrens... and its enough. Un fact, I orften see TWICE as many stars as every body else :D

[Jen]

:) Ok top half i wear a bra, thermal top, skivvy, woolen jumper hooded jacket, beannie, scarf or one of those grain heat packs that you put in the microwave :lol: they stay warm for ages :thumbsup:

Bottom half g'strings, boxers, leggings, jeans with jarmies over the top :lol: 2 pairs of socks and runners gotta invest in getting somethin better to keep my feet warmer ;) snow boots seem to be the G O
Oh and a few UDL cans once they kick in i start to strip off and cant feel a thing :rofl::rofl:

:P:P

[multiweb]

:lol: What kind of star parties you guys up to down south?...:question:

[Jen]

:lol::lol: well Snake Valley does get really really cold :lol:

[DavidU]

See ! I told you all about the jammies over jeans ! See ! IT'S TRUE:lol:

[DavidTrap]

Possibly a little too much info Jen. The underwear was probably a given.

DT

[Jen]

:lol: sorry David (my bad) couldnt resist my cheekiness mood :lol: Ill be good i promise :innocent:

[Brundah1]

Jen,

I'm blushing - must be the scotch I just finished!

Have you tried the flexible heat packs - one click and you can stay warm for over an hour. Once used you just reset in boiling water and stow in your obs kit for next time.

Aldi had some Trafalgar brand versions real cheap last month. These were the medium size pocket warmers(2pack) for $4-50 or mini size EP warmers (4Pack) same price. Some astro shops have them too at the "usual price".

I put each medium pack in a sports sock in my pocket/s, this slows down pack heat loss and you get just the right warmth for longer.

David
ps The boys will love your warm hands then;)

[Jen]

These flexible heat packs sound like a great idea :thumbsup: might have to check em out ;)

[Brundah1]

Jen,

Yes, got the hint, you want to know more :D So just for you I've done the leg work.

Great for our purpose, as there is no heat capacity loss until you activate them. I strongly recommend buying two sets.

Here's the product data on the Trafalgar ones I bought at Aldi.
Trafalgar Code 101316 (pocket warmers 2 per pack) and
Code 101317 (4 per pack - what we would call EP warmers if you have a
good EP case).

Trafalgar Aust. contacted, about these items, said they were a special lot purchase exclusive to Aldi. Not available elsewhere.

Aldi, also confirmed the above, said may be another special buy next winter season - non-committal. As these were on special sale with the winter snow gear specials, may give you a clue when to expect them again :thumbsup:

I previously purchased my first lot from Ron at Sirius Optics Brisbane. Brand is Shin Bio (made in Aust.) Below is their direct order / price list:
https://secure.shinbio.com.au/orderform.php

I have one Large Heat Pack 260x180 (great for back ache)
also two Small Heat Packs 125x90 (pocket hand warmers).

Aldi ones were less than half the price of the Shin Bio on-line prices.
Unfortunately I spotted the Aldi ones too late and only found two of each left :sadeyes:

All mine are all safely stowed - very attractive items ;)

BTW just checked with Ron at Siruis Optics, because he is a thoughtful man, he will have some Shin Bio ones at Astrofest - his price very competitive. No affiliation yada yada.

Cheers,

David

[Pinwheel]

Well it seems to me we need ICEINSPACE freezer suits & Boots. How about it ICEMAN? :question:

[GTB_an_Owl]

why would you want to buy them of iceman ?

the iceman buy's them off me :hi:

geoff

[DavidU]

Geoff is the freezer suit supplier to IIS.
I'm going to order one when funds are available.

[Brundah1]

These may not equivalent to Geoff's Husky boots or gloves - but!

I was in Aldi again today and jagged a pair of thermal snow boots reduced to $15 and gloves reduced to $5. Both breathable and water resistant. Bargain :D

Yes we don't get much southern weather up here but Ipswich had several 2-3 deg nights last month :sadeyes:

[NorthernLight]

I am using goretex moisture protection trousers and jacket that go over everything else. thats windtight and keeps moisture out even when crawling on the wet grass to check focus on refractor pointing at zenith. below the mentioned mixture of fleece and snowboots. But sometimes I find a difficult to move and hate it when the hood flaps in front of my eyes when trying to look in the eyepiece. The freezer suit looks like solution for it.

Hi Geoff, is the outer layer of the freezer protected against rain and or does it come through?

[GTB_an_Owl]

"Water Resistent" is the claim Max
anything with velcro and zips can't be water proof

never been silly enough to stand out in the rain for long in mine, but i reckon not much of you would get wet

they are fully washable - just throw em in the washing machine and hang em on the line for a day (or two)

geoff

[[1ponders]]

That's nice to know Geoff. Thanks. Astrofest could smell a bit fresher for some this year :lol: