## Surviving a Chicago Winter: Expert Tips and Tricks
Chicago winters are notoriously brutal. With temperatures plummeting to dangerously low levels, staying warm and safe requires a strategic approach. This article, originally published in January 2020, compiles advice from Chicagoans who brave the elements daily, including mail carriers, photographers, outdoor writers, and retail experts, offering practical tips to help you conquer the cold.
Footwear Strategies: Keeping your feet warm is crucial. Several experts emphasize layering. Mail carrier Mack Julion suggests a system of “sock + bag + sock + boot,” while Dominique White, another mail carrier, recommends “sock + sock + boot,” emphasizing the importance of changing into dry socks midway through outdoor work. Photographer Heather Charles adds Bengay to her routine, layering it under pantyhose, hand warmers, and double socks within oversized boots. Mike Daurio, an REI manager, advocates for thick wool socks (never cotton) in insulated, waterproof boots, a half-size larger than usual, advising against overstuffing to maintain blood flow.
Hand-Warming Techniques: Protecting your hands is equally important. Many professionals, including mail carriers and photographers, swear by layering latex or nitrile gloves under thicker winter gloves, sometimes incorporating hand warmers between layers. Photographer Heather Charles utilizes this method, while Peter Tsai prefers nitrile gloves for quick removal while shooting. Daurio, however, prefers wool liner gloves under waterproof outer gloves, citing wool’s superior breathability and insulation. Barbara Brotman, a longtime outdoor writer, champions a simple yet effective technique: wearing regular gloves under mittens for added insulation and wind protection. For ultimate warmth, she suggests bulky ragg mittens for extreme conditions.
Face and Body Protection: Protecting exposed skin is paramount. Mail carrier Mack Julion recommends Vaseline for exposed skin, a tip supported by the author’s own experiment. Daurio suggests a windproof balaclava, potentially layered with a stocking cap or helmet and ski goggles for added protection, especially during windy conditions. Former Chicago Tribune health reporter Julie Deardorff offers a unique (and perhaps less practical) suggestion: carrying baked potatoes in your pockets. Daurio also suggests taping a hand warmer to the back of your neck to trick your body into feeling warmer and keeping a warm (sealed) water bottle in an inner pocket for radiant heat.
The Author’s Experiment: To test these methods, the author personally tried several techniques. Layering a latex glove under a winter glove proved slightly warmer than a wool liner glove, while adding the latex glove under a mitten offered the most comfort. The experiment with plastic bags between socks and boots showed that placing the bag between two socks provided greater warmth, albeit with increased sweat. Applying lip balm to one side of the face also showed a noticeable reduction in chapping compared to the unprotected side.
Ultimately, the best method depends on individual preferences and environmental conditions. The key is experimentation to find what works best for you.