...when the elements really challenge your skills and choices of clothing and gear.
In this scene from last winter's Highjinks camp, the night air fell to 6 below zero. Yet, all of us were quite comfortable in the tarp shelter heated by the fire.
Below are some essentials for the cold season.
Made from a tight weave blanket, these mittens are based on a pair seen in an illustration of a Fort Union hunter by R. F. Kurz.
Gauntlet in style, these have long cuffs, which do good service in preventing snow from getting up into the sleeves. The long leather cords are worn arounf the neck.
The right mit has a small slit where the trigger finger can be exposed for a shot.
Made from heavy buffalo leather, well greased. The pattern is a simple side seam, oversized to cover blanket wool liners. The liners have double soles for extra insulation. These are warm and dry, and fit without being snug for good blood circulation.
This is one of the handiest items in the snow- used to move snow, clear the ground, and even as a cutting board! It also provides a smooth surface to place your cup on, or to scoop snow into the kettle to melt for water.