How can I keep warm.....?

[Headfry]

I am on a fruit tree pruning course at Waterperry on wednesday and it's going to be Brrrrrrrrr and some
How on earth (without alcohol) can I keep warm- I have really bad Raynards (raynauds?) and it hurts my fingers and toes so much. I am so excited and have been counting the days, watching the weather and living in hope for 'mild and sunny' it's not to be.
Any ideas please

[Izi]

I seem to think that you can get a little square that you squeeze and it gets warm.
You could wear fingerless gloves and have them in the palms of your hands or tuck them into wristbands.
I'm sure one of us knows the name of these things and can give you a bit more info.

I get reynards ( I don't know how to spell it either ) more in my left hand than right and I know what a right pain it can be literally, never mind when your grip goes.

When I start to get it when I'm in the garden I try to do something vigourous like digging or turning the compost to get the blood pumping. Obviously, you can't do this on a pruning course.


I'm sure there will be lots of stops too for tea and coffee which will give you time for a warm up.

They say you should let it warm naturally when you go inside and not bung it under a hot tap and watch it go purple.
which I have been guilty of on occasion.
Izi.

[Glutton4...]

Cotton or silk undergarments, and plenty of thin layers, rather than one or two thick ones. Leather gloves too. I've tried about six different sorts of gloves this winter, and so far my fleece-lined leather ones are the warmest. Unfortunately they're too thick for many gardening jobs, but fine for wielding secateurs!

Have fun!

[janeyo]

I have some battery powered heated gloves They are great for me, I get really cold hands (nails go blue even indoors).

[jacob marley]

A mate of mine had a pair of battery heated socks perhaps you could invest in a pair of them..jacob

[Florence Fennel]

If you google handwarmers HF there are loads of suggestions. Don't think the gel thingies would be any good unless you had access to keep reheating them every 45 minutes, but there are plenty of space age gloves specifically designed for Raynaud sufferers. Only know how to spell it because I used to be a medical secretary.

[Florence Fennel]

BTW - have a lovely day. I used to keep my feet warm by wearing plastic bags underneath socks in my wellies. Wonder if those plastic gloves (the ones inside hair colours) would be any good under your gloves?

[Prince of Durham]

I've got these hot pockets that I take fishing. They are liquid and have a small metal disc the size of a penny in them. You click the disc and they turn soild, heating up in the process. They are reusable, you boil them for 5 mins until liquid again. Their fairly cheap as well.

As for your toes, get yourself some SEALSKINZ socks, they've never let me down. Cost a bit but last a lifetime. Or some Skitex boots, though if its not bitter your feet will be too hot.

Hope this helps.

[Pies]

Moon boots,go to a fishing tackle shop and get some moonboots

[dexterdoglancashire]

Lots of layers - I usually wear a t shirt or thermal vest, polo neck jumper, then sweatshirt, waistcoat then coat. Don't forget your hat, gloves and fingerless gloves as well.
As for the rest - thermal long johns/janes, fleece lined waterproof trousers and a normal pair of socks then a pair of thermal socks.
You'll be nice and warm!
How do I know? I have Raynards as well, and work in a garage - the above is just what I wear to work on a normal winters day.

[Hilary B]

I have had some degree of circulation problems as long as I can remember (as a child I had cold hands and feet all winter). I discovered, eventually, that it is no good warming your HANDS unless you wrap up the whole length of your ARMS, and make sure no 'draughts' can get up your sleeves.
Similarly, unless your trews etc keep your legs warm all the way to your heels, your feet will ALWAYS get cold.
Extra socks only help if your shoes/boots have plenty of space inside them, otherwise they just add to the poor circulation.

[Two_Sheds]

I'm sure you Reynaud's sufferers already have your favourite gloves, but I've found these recommended several times
Light, thin and grippy, but warm

[Headfry]

I am starting to plan my layers, thank you so much for all your help!
Sadly the best help is a glass of red! alcohol dilates the blood vessels so I am told!
I cant really be seen taking a good slug of red during classes now can I

[Hans Mum]

hip flask for medicinal purposes.....

[piskieinboots]

oh darn! I was going to sign for this one HF, would have been lovely to snip and prune alongside you

Enjoy and I hope you keep as warm as possible