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How to survive the cold

Hi there,

Ive just joined the site - I'm relocating to the NJ area for work - am originally from Australia but also lived in London for 7 years. It's summer here in Australia now and I'm dreading coming back - I've never faced the levels of cold you guys get there - any advice? It doesnt get as cold in London (usually) so I have nothing to compare it with! I kind of feel like I should be buying ski gear?!

Sonal

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Permalink Reply by Will on December 31, 2010 at 3:57am

Hi Sonal, welcome!

I just recently did a grand tour of Australia, it is an amazing country and I already wish I could go back. How soon are you moving?

As far as the cold here, we are still recovering from the Dec. 26 blizzard and temperatures are hovering between about 25 - 45 degrees F (-3 - 7 C). Judging from last year and so far this year, it probably won't start to warm up into the 50 - 60 (10 - 15) degree range until early March. Depending on how often and for how long you need to be outdoors, whatever winter clothes you had in London should be fine here. But, if you do feel the need to wear something heavier, I personally swear by Columbia Sportswear down jackets which you can get online or at sporting goods stores. On particularly cold days, although I haven't needed them yet this winter, fashion takes a back seat to the practicality of wearing thermals. Hope that gives you some idea of what to wear!

Have a happy new year!

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Permalink Reply by Neel Aroon on December 31, 2010 at 6:11am

I second Will. I've been in London in winter. It's gets somewhat colder here but the big difference is the level of snow. We're still dealing with a blizzard that left 2 feed of snow on Sunday. Columbia sportswear and thermals are a safe bet.

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Permalink Reply by James on December 31, 2010 at 9:49pm

I will have to disagree; I went to London once and it was colder than I've ever experienced without seeing snow. Well, there was a bit of snow but not much, Mother's Day timeframe. That is, I had on two tee shirts, a fleece pullover, AND a ski jacket for half of my stay. You will be fine. Welcome to New Jersey.

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Permalink Reply by Sonal on December 31, 2010 at 9:57pm

Thanks guys!Its 40 degrees (celsius) here today - nice and hot and I return Jan 11th so im not going to be happy :( Thanks for the recommendations! I just bought a pair of Ugg boots here and waterproofed them. Do you slip when you're walking around (black ice)? Will i need snow boots?

Im going to try and get to an event straight away to meet some of you lovely people - it can be so isolating moving to a new country. I feel really welcome already - thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Nishan M on December 31, 2010 at 10:33pm

If your going to be skiing or any actives in the snow i would go and get base layers (techwick or any thing like it) it helps insulate you but also helps to wick sweat from your body when needed. You can always use thermals but cotton doesn't wich sweat from your body, and when wetness is on your body in the cold, it never turns to be a good thing.. AND LAYER UP!! and cover that neck!

I think you should be fine with Uggs I have a pair (non girlie ugs, the black leather mens uggs) and they work pretty well as winter boots for me but those, again are leather not like regular uggs

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Permalink Reply by Justin on January 1, 2011 at 9:25pm

I lived in Ithaca, NY for a number of years, which gets a lot colder than NJ, so I have lots of tricks for dealing with cold weather. My big one is that if it gets really cold I wear a pair of sweatpants under my slacks. I find a second pair of pants or even light weight PJ bottoms can get you through just about any cold weather. It really doesn't get too cold here, but if you're finding you're having trouble, that's what I would recommend. That and dressing in layers so that you can adjust what you're wearing indoors. Hope that helps.

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Permalink Reply by Benita on January 3, 2011 at 7:10pm

Definitely bring snow boots! Which county will you be living in? Central and North Jersey just got hit with a blizzard where some of us got over 2 feet of snow. You can definitely slip in black ice and snow. But you will get used to it and won't be the only one (I nearly slipped yesterday and even today). You just have to be careful.

As to fashion...definitely Columbia outwear, fleece, and to heck with fashion, thermals work wonders.

Benita

Sonal said:

Thanks guys!Its 40 degrees (celsius) here today - nice and hot and I return Jan 11th so im not going to be happy :( Thanks for the recommendations! I just bought a pair of Ugg boots here and waterproofed them. Do you slip when you're walking around (black ice)? Will i need snow boots?

Im going to try and get to an event straight away to meet some of you lovely people - it can be so isolating moving to a new country. I feel really welcome already - thanks!