How to Stay Warm: Lessons from Arctic Survival Experts
Surviving in -52°C temperatures by heating a chainsaw with an open flame is an experience few Britons could imagine. But for Arctic ranger Josh Spice, it’s just another day at work in northern Alaska, where cutting down trees can mean the difference between enduring the night or not.
Mr. Spice patrols the Gates of the Arctic National Park, a vast wilderness where snow dominates the landscape for at least eight months of the year and winter daylight dwindles to just six hours. With energy costs surging and winter’s grip tightening in the UK, we’ve gathered advice from Mr. Spice and Harley Droba, the mayor of International Falls, Minnesota – famously known as the “Icebox of America” – to help Britons stay warm without breaking the bank.
Makeshift ‘Arctic Entry’
In Fairbanks, Alaska, where temperatures can drop to a bone-chilling -41°C, Mr. Spice explains the importance of keeping heat from escaping through doors.
“When you open the door… oh my gosh, that flow of cold air is incredible. It is brutal,” he says.
A traditional solution in such extreme climates is an Arctic entry – a sealed porch that acts as a buffer zone. For those on a budget, a woollen blanket hung over the doorway can mimic this effect, reducing the impact of icy draughts every time the door is opened.
Cling Film for Windows
A simple yet effective method for reducing heat loss is applying cling film to windows. By sealing the film over the edges with a hairdryer, even tiny draughts can be eliminated.
“Even the slightest air leak that is imperceptible in the spring, summer, or autumn can feel like cold air blowing through a straw in deep winter,” says Mr. Spice.
In Fairbanks, condensation on windows caused by cold air meeting warm air inside can freeze, making an airtight seal even more critical.
The Magic of Wood-Burning Stoves
For Mr. Spice, a wood stove is indispensable. Unlike other heating methods that add humidity to the air, wood stoves provide dry heat, which is crucial for Arctic survival.
“Lower humidity heat dries moisture on your skin, so heat doesn’t escape your body as easily,” he explains.
This is especially vital after being outdoors in freezing conditions. Sweat trapped under layers of clothing can freeze, forming frost or even sheets of ice. Mr. Spice recalls moments where he’s returned from the cold with “thick ice sheets built up everywhere except my eyeballs.”
Harley Droba agrees, saying, “When it gets super ridiculously cold, we try to get close to that fireplace.”
Bigger Boots and Proper Layers
When temperatures plummet, staying warm starts from the feet up. Mr. Droba advises investing in a good pair of boots, and Mr. Spice suggests buying a size larger than usual. This allows space for thick socks and insoles without compressing your feet, which can restrict blood flow and reduce warmth.
Layering is essential, but it’s not just about piling on clothes. Choose materials that work together to trap heat, such as long woollen underwear. For dexterity, Mr. Spice recommends liner gloves under thicker mittens.
The Cat Test
Even cats, known for their love of warmth, can teach us a thing or two about staying cosy. Mr. Spice says his feline companion helps identify cold spots in the home.
“If you have cats, like I do, you’ll notice they don’t prefer hard, uncovered floors in winter,” he explains.
Adding rugs or blankets to the floor can make a room feel noticeably warmer, even in well-insulated homes.
Whether you’re battling Arctic winters or just trying to stay comfortable during a cold snap in the UK, these tried-and-tested methods from experts like Mr. Spice and Mr. Droba can help. From sealing windows with cling film to embracing the dry heat of a wood stove, small changes can make a big difference in keeping the cold at bay.
As Mr. Spice puts it, “When it comes to extreme cold, preparation is everything.”
