The cold seasons often bring many challenges, especially if you must remain exposed to the harsh icy and snow temperatures as you work. The extreme cold often reduces flexibility in fingers and toes, causes severe colds, and could result in frostbite, making any job you do outside more difficult and dangerous. Taking the correct measures to ensure you stay warm is the best way to curb those challenges. However, that does not mean wearing too many clothes that reduce your mobility. Get the appropriate protective outdoor workwear that does not interfere with motor skills but provides optimal protection.
Jackets
Outdoor jackets for extreme cold are different from the regular ones you wear when the weather is bearable. Thermal or insulated jackets with multiple layers to provide warmth without overburdening you or preventing you from doing your tasks are the best. Check the characteristics to ensure you can still be productive with the jacket as you work in the cold. Features to look for include hoods or zips that you can open if you need better airflow.
Portability is another critical feature of outdoor jackets. They should be lightweight and easy to carry to and from the job site. Get thermal jackets with sleeves that are not too long to be a bother as you work but long enough to provide the protection you require.
Ensure the collar is not too tight to hinder the flexibility of your neck. It should not fit too tightly or loosely. Comfort relies on how your body can accommodate the jacket layers. Different jacket designs are available, including fleece jackets with specific components for the outdoors, waterproof jackets that protect you from wet environments – being wet increases the cause of getting cold and reflective ones that you can choose depending on the activity in question. Prioritize breathability when selecting a jacket.
Overalls and Coveralls
The exact conditions in the workspace determine the overalls or coveralls you choose. The main difference between the two is that the overalls do not cover the entire upper body section, while the coveralls cover the sleeves and neck. Thermal bib overalls may be a better option if you combine them with suitable outdoor clothing for the upper part of the body. Always wear loose-fitting clothes and avoid fabrics that cannot aid in retaining warmth.
Keeping the perfect balance between hot and cold temperatures in the body is essential. That means choosing a thermal overall that suits your situation depending on whether you will be very active or not. The objective should be to have clothing that keeps you warm without causing you to sweat excessively.
Accessories
Accessories for enduring the Canadian outdoor weather enhance the protection you get from the clothing worn. Multiple options are available, such as kneepads that you can insert to increase safety and comfort. Most accessories usually have layers or extra padding as insulation making them ideal for use in cold weather. They also tend to be durable, with heavy-duty designs making them fit for heavy-duty usages like in cold storage warehouses or other cold environments. The outdoor winter accessories you wear should depend on your project and comply with the other gear, meaning they should be as robust and effective.
Understanding Winter Workwear Layering
Knowing how to layer winter workwear is as essential as choosing the right clothing pieces. There should be a foundation layer, middle layer, and outer shell, each serving a fundamental purpose.
The innermost layer manages moisture from the body. It should be light enough to allow sweat to dry quickly to prevent hypothermia, which could happen if the dampness takes longer to evaporate. The fabric also prevents odor and leaves room for other layers, thus the lightweight nature.
The second layer provides a thermal barrier that keeps the body warmer. It is thicker than the first layer but is more capable of trapping heat. Flexibility is critical with the mid-layer – it should allow the body to adjust according to the intensity of the activity or changing weather conditions. Remember, outdoor temperatures can interchange quickly depending on various factors, like the sun coming out, the wind increasing, and snow or rain falling.
The outermost layer is usually waterproof and windproof. It keeps the weather elements from reaching the inner layers, which is why it consists of heavy-duty material. It is also durable and flexible, and in some cases, reflective.
Any clothing you wear to work outside during Canada’s winter must have all the above layers, but that does not mean putting on too many clothes that hinder productivity. The heavier the clothing, the more difficult it will be to move. Northern Workwear Ltd. can cater to all your needs by providing the highest quality protective gear for harsh winter seasons. The selections are suitable for any environment with extreme temperatures and are guaranteed to provide comfort.