Have you ever had Hypothermia?

[marigold007]

I'm not used to the cold weather in England. I've just started to venture out for extended periods in the Winter and am experiencing things like numb toes (the same three) and not being able to get warm even after being back in the house for hours. Today I went out to get some veg for Christmas at the allotment. It was -3 C at that time and it was very hard to stay out very long. After returning, I began to feel dizzy too.

Do you have any tricks to stay or get warm after being out in the cold? What type of socks do you wear with your wellies?

[SarzWix]

Yes, I've had hypothermia & hyperventilation, after capsizing in a canoe on Loch Lomond, and being in there for nearly an hour. It's no fun I can assure you

Firstly, wellies are rubbish without some kind of lining, they don't keep out the cold at all. You'd be better off with a decent pair of walking boots, and a pair of gaiters to cover your legs. If that's not possible, then you want 2 pairs of socks, one really thick, plus a carrier bag or something wrapped round your foot. Or you could invest in some Thinsulate boot liners. But I go for the walking boot option every time.
Then you need some thermal underwear, including long-johns to go under your trousers. Keep it all tucked in. Then a long-sleeved t-shirt, then a short-sleeved t-shirt, then a jumper, then something like a ski-jacket. And don't forget scarf, gloves and hat...
Try Damart for thermal underwear - it's made here in Yorkshire where we know about the cold

[TPeers]

Always cotton inner socks to keep my feet dry and then wool outer socks for warmth.

If you aren't used to English cold/wet weather then the trick is loads of thin layers. Each layer traps a layer of air and air is a good insulator!

The layers nearest your skin should be cotton or other smooth natural fibre, outer layers can be of 'hairier' fabrics such as brushed cotton, cashmere, or wool. Generally natural fibers tend to give better warmth than artificial ones.

Don't forget good gloves - somewhere like Millets will have a range of ski-gloves that are excellent and hardwearing on a plot and mine have survived 25 years so far!

If you are really suffering then look into getting special thermal clothing, again a good sports shop and/or Millets would be the place to go.

Having got home cold the best way I know to warm up quickly without giving yourself chillblains etc is to wash your feet and put clean dry socks on, then have a good warm drink - tea, coffee, soup - what ever you like. Don't jump into a hot bath - amazingly it tends to be less effective!

Hope this helps

Terry

[HayleyB]

With layers for keeping you warm it's also handy for when you get over warm while working - it enables you to take a layer off at a time to keep you comfortable.

Wellies are for dry feet not warm ones, layer socks and use leg warmers for added benefit.

[TPeers]

.... You'd be better off with a decent pair of walking boots ... I go for the walking boot option every time....

So where can I get a decent pair down this way? After 15 years of faithful service my fell walkers have finally disintergrated and I can't find good boots for love nor money!

[marigold007]

Thank you! Lots of good information here.

I think I already have some chillblains.

[Nicos]

The only way to properly get warm again is to soak in a warm bath- and top it up until you are nicely warm. Takes about 3/4 hr.
If you only have a shower, then hotwaterbottles to your body- not the cold bits. If your core thinks it's ht then the small capillaries ofthe hands and feet will relax and start the flow of blood again.
But you need to wait a while- again 3/4-1 hr.
It's the best way to heat up hypothermic patients in hospital.

Naturally you want to try and avoid the situation where possible.
Have you got Raynauds and having lived in warmer climes were unaware of it???

Raynaud's Phenomenon Causes, Symptoms, Signs, Diagnosis and Treatment on MedicineNet.com

[FROSTYFRECKLE]

Last night here it was -15, today it's a balmy -8C Marigold, just don't allow your feet to get wet. I don't wear wellies (not enough insulation) but (as you do) try wearing double lined walking socks (don't wear two pairs of socks, it will just make your feet colder). In the cold you lose feeling in your extremities but when you get in from the cold you will feel pain (it's just the blood supply being restored to normal). Lots of hot drinks helps (lemon & ginger tea is a favourite of mine). Don't worry you'll adapt.

[HayleyB]

Woolie hat is imperative. Neoprine gloves are good for warmth, and make sure your waterproof is at least a size too big to account for the extra layers.

Another thought, tights (American = hose) Um (not sure where you originate from) under trousers/trackies and first layer for feet. Believe me they are very very good for insulating

[bobleponge]

Another thought, tights (American = hose) Um (not sure where you originate from) under trousers/trackies and first layer for feet. Believe me they are very very good for insulating

With you there, have used them but only for warmth purposes I can assure you all.

[shirlthegirl43]

One tip that hasn't been mentioned - don't fill your footwear too full with thick socks. I know that sounds daft but you need room to trap the warm air layers and allow circulation or you will end up worse off.

I wear a wooly hat when I go out (much to Madmax's irritation) and wear a fleece waistcoat round the house when it is cold. Resist the temptation to put hands or feet on a hot radiator to warm them as this is the quickest way to chilblains

[HayleyB]

With you there, have used them but only for warmth purposes I can assure you all.

Yeah right don't believe him Marigold, that's him on Seahorse's Avatar

[SarzWix]

So where can I get a decent pair down this way? After 15 years of faithful service my fell walkers have finally disintergrated and I can't find good boots for love nor money!

Flea-bay?! I've had my last few pairs off there, tis good if you know what size you are with a particular manufacturer already. I nearly always buy Hi-Techs these days though, because they're lightweight for a reasonable price. I'd never get a pair to last 15 years though because I wear them all day every day.

[janeyo]

get some balsam cream from the chesmist, it is a bit like deep heat, and warms your toes a treat! I get chillblains and it does help.

[PAULW]

If you are wearing wellies get a cardboard box and cut out some insoles, I used to wear wellies all the time for work and this kept my feet toasty