Nanuq

Exactly right. Down is the best but it comes with a Big Boy Warning, it has to stay dry. Wiggys uses Lamilite in their sleeping bags, I like it a little better than Primaloft, both are great insulators. This is also why the outer layer must be breathable, so the insulation layer can vent humidity.

^^ What he said If you overdress for the cold you'll overheat, then you sweat and you get chilled from the damp bottom layer. You don't need much insulation but you need windproof. The Carhartt would be ideal, the Marmot is waaaaaaay overkill. Layers are what you need. Adjust them to the wind, temp and precipitation.. Merino on the skin, Feathers for insulation Breathable shell for the climate. Three layers.

Rails, I don't know your size but this is the coat for you. It's crazy warm, waterproof/breathable and bombproof. It's my go to coat for winter camping at ridiculous temps and it's on sale. Move fast. http://www.sierratradingpost.com/marmot-whitehorse-down-parka-waterproof-650-fill-power-for-big-men~p~2375h/

Thank you sir, I got it from the widow of a late friend, a cranky, mean, amazing old Spec Ops diver. It took a long time to pull it back from its trashed condition. I also bought a 70s Certina DS diver for my favorite wife, she's a real beauty (the watch ain't bad either). Maybe it will fit your bill?

I found this one for my favorite wife

Note to self: offer Moderator position to Hambone.

Haaaaaaaaa! That was great!

You got that right! Here's the driveway one morning last week.

Ain't that the truth! I worked on the bone numbing arctic coast and the highest feature there is Nellie's Knoll at 50'. I had to work outdoors, worst I saw there was -72F and 45mph winds, off the bottom of the wind chill charts. I'll take balmy south central any time!

Whoops I was thinking of another conversation ... line of sight from my house at 1,500' elevation to the Big Rock is 150 miles, driving distance is closer to 300 miles. There is a definite lensing effect, see that artifact at the base of the mountain? Interesting also that I can see its base from here too. Here's another photo from a different perspective, no zoom and no lensing. It's a long way over there.

Amen to that!

I got out the real camera yesterday and snapped a couple photos of Mt McKinley from the deck. Couldn't quite figure out how to get a wristie in here... tough! It's a heck of a mountain. About 300 miles away.

Happy New Year gents! We are blessed.

Happy New Year RWG!! Gonna break out some old iron today, they've been languishing in the sock drawer for too long while the Big Gonzo gets all the wrist time. Start with my birth month/year watch Then to the Heavy Metal And finish up the year with something classy

Cyanoacrylate

Merry Christmas from Alaska!

Still wearing the Big Gonzo

Holy socks, that's a sapphire dome?!

Reindeer is actually Caribou, and it's BETTER than venison! In fact I'm having some Rudolph steaks for dinner tonight. Delish!

I know we're far off topic here, let me add one more comment. An dear old friend named Pia brought me one of these from NZ and it's literally the warmest, most luxurious, most amazing thing I've ever worn. It's literally amazing. Once your wife puts it on, you'll never get it back. They also make hats, gloves and scarves. http://www.piasweaters.com/product-p/l-m-tpb.htm

Ah very nice! My shell is a Moonstone Sauvage and after 12 years it's still bulletproof and fits like it was custom cut for me. Norsewear merino or Lothlorian possum for the mid layer and thin merino on the bottom. For extreme camping I wear an enormous down outer layer, thick Norsewear middle layer and Smartwool zip-neck bottom layer with beaver fur hat. It's actually TOO warm even at -40F but I can unzip to vent heat. There's the reason for real survival gear.

I use a pump espresso machine by Via Venezia and I'm very pleased with it.

And bear in mind Arc'teryx are cut very close to the body. They are a very focused, single purpose piece of gear. As is, I suppose, a tweed overcoat. I find it best to buy good quality pieces for the three layers: Bottom (merino wool) Insulating (fleece or equivalent) Shell (breathable membrane) Then adjust the middle layer to accommodate different temperature and exertion levels. Bring a spare bottom layer in case you overdo it. There's the key to being safe in the cold.

And a fine, fine beater it is.