Our crazy smart musher friend told us, “There is no bad weather, only bad gear.” We laughed at the time, but I’m finally starting to agree. There is no bad weather in Alaska. That’s subjective. It may be cold, and grey. Framing that as bad and gloomy is, well, a bad idea. And it will just get “worse” instead of just colder. If you think the weather is bad in Alaska, just wait. Fall just fell. But granted, the brrr months are here. That’s for sure.

It first started getting noticeably cold in Septemberrrrr. Now that it’s Octoberrrrr, the morning runs are getting quite colder. And much darker. I keep saying, just wait. Novemberrrrr is coming. And I’m certain the temperature will keep dropping in Decemberrrr. However, from what I keep hearing the “bad weather in Alaska” may not come until Febrrrrrrrruary! But, by that time, it may just be a matter of being sick of the “bad weather” for so long.

There is No Bad Weather in Alaska

There is only bad gear. It makes sense. As long as you have good gear, there’s no bad weather in Alaska. Sure, we say comfort is overrated. But there comes a point in these parts when simple survival comes into play. Bad weather doesn’t kill you. Cold weather does. You don’t lose limbs due to bad weather. It is cold, damp weather which leads to frostbite. This can be avoided as long as you have the right gear.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), various factors determine how quickly hypothermia and frostbite can occur. But, the hard cold truth is that skin and other tissues do freeze when exposed to extremely cold temperatures. I say define “extreme” but the exposure part is manageable, if you have the right gear. The other day I donned my tights for the first time before heading out for my morning run. However, I forgot to put on the nice new running gloves Rene got me.

I was only out for less than 40 minutes. But, my thumbs hurt so bad by the time I got home, I couldn’t imagine what actual frostbite feels like. And, it was a balmy thirty something! Rene said, “Run them under hot water.” I was a good scout. So, I told her you don’t do that to warm cold hands.

With the right gear, I won’t need to be concerned about the weather as much as the moose and bears.

So, be a good scout and Be Prepared:

• Extreme Cold: A Prevention Guide to Promote Your Personal Health and Safety
  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019)

There Is Only Bad Gear

Having the right gear will help us survive and more likely to enjoy any “bad weather in Alaska”. So what is the best cold weather gear for the Alaksa winter. In short: Layers. And lots of them. I owe all the comfort I’ll be enjoying outdoors this winter to Rene. She’s the one who has been doing all the research and shopping. Without everything she’s done and good winter gear she’s bought me, I probably would be pretty cold and miserable in the coming months.

Thanks to Rene, we have snow pants and bibs. I’ve already used my rain pants a couple times, and am glad I did. We’ve got some good boots. And, I have even better snow boots as long those mushers don’t ask for them back. I now have better running tights, and even wicking underwear. (I know, TMI.) Though I do think Nike needs to reconsider what they consider thermal. So I’m glad she’s got another layer for me with some 32º Jogger Pants on the way.

“How long you gonna keep running,” Rene asked before buying those. Well, at some point I’m sure there will be some long hard run in the snow. And that will entail multiple layers to keep warm. That is, if I keep my personal Misogi promise to myself. But I digress.

Aside from the running gear, Rene has decked us out from head to toe. We both have plenty of Merino wool socks. I did find a good running hat, which I’ve already put to good use on a few rainy mornings. And those Canada Weather Gear parkas may seem ridiculous now. But, come the real weather this coming winter, we’ll be happy we have them. Not to mention the many layers underneath.

Even Nellie is prepared with her own good winter gear. Of course, Rene shops for all her winter dog apparel in the Tripawds Gear Shop!

So I believe we are prepared. A good thing considering winter is coming. Though other cheechakos like us might consider it already here. But with Rene’s research and our investment in quality winter gear, I’m pretty certain we will survive. We might be all bundled up, but we may even be a bit comfortable. That’s the price you pay for surviving the bad weather in Alaska. It just takes getting good gear.