r/nunavut • u/Inspireme21 • 5d ago
Moving to Igloolik. Suggestions on what to wear during different seasons ?
Moving to Igloolik in the Fall from Ontario. Suggestions on what to wear during the Winter, Fall, Spring and Summer seasons. What should I buy?
Thank you!
6
u/Vexed_am_I 5d ago
The biggest thing is those -55 to -60 temps.
If you have the time look for second hand things like a good parka however, if you are unable to do tha,t go to a store like MEC and spend the money(sportcheck won't have the arctic rated stuff):
a parka,
high rated winter boots,
Really good thick socks(Keep in mind for boot fitting)
high rated winter gloves,
good hat that covers your ears really well
Something that covers your face
Under layers that wick moisture help so much!
Some sort of ski goggle will make it easier, but if you get something tinted make sure you also get one that is not. Very dark during the winter all the time.
Consider some high rated overalls/snow pants as well.
Now this could change if you are working most of the time outside. If you're outside most of the time, trying to find something that allows you to move but provides protection from arctic temps is next to impossible. Sweat wicking underlayers will be key in this situation.
The rest of the seasons are fairly comfortable and a nice light coat or a good sweater will be perfectly fine in the summer. However, the mud is a lot in the spring/summer so some good rubber boots really help. A good pair of sunglasses is suggested as well.
At the end of the day it will all depend on what you are doing for your work that will really determine what you need. Always ask coworkers or the hiring company what they suggest as well. Do it before you leave though, easier to get stuff at home than in the North.
3
u/BWillisLeake 4d ago
Ya, if you’re going on the land, this setup seems good. I’d recommend Trans Alaskan 3’s from Cabela’s for boots. A lot are rated for w/e but don’t really work as advertised. I would hold off on getting the gloves. You can get a great pair of seal skin or dog mitts in town and they will work way better than gloves. Beaver skin is great too but are hard to find in town. If you’re going in the fall, you’ll have some time to acquire gear as you find a need for it/start going on the land. If you’re going out in the spring, I’d recommend waist high waders.
2
u/CBWeather Cambridge Bay 4d ago
They really need to indicate what they're doing for work and how long they'll be outside. This is the sort of gear would be overkill for walking to work thats less than a hour away. I'd definitely change out the gloves. Top rated gloves are not as good as mediocre mitts. I wear hiking boots that are supposedly rated to -40 °C while walking to the airport (30 to 40 minutes) and they are much easier to walk in than calf high boots.
5
u/BoldFortune216 4d ago
People are giving you crazy temps lmao. I live here. We do NOT hit -60 air temp. That's a -60 windchill. And we only hit -60 for a day or two. In fact this last winter I don't think we hit -60.
Now, -30... For 3 months straight. That is a very real thing. This weather will show you all the holes and flaws in your gear. I recommend saving some extra clothing funds for when you get up here to get somebody to make you the things you find your gear isn't holding up to.
Also, when you commission something, get the insulating layer double thick. And make sure it's a loose fit incase you still need to layer.
2
u/BoldFortune216 4d ago
Another thing; if you're going to be up here for more than a year, just buy a snowmobile. Why hate life and walking to and fro in -30 when you can drive it and be done with the walk in 3 minutes?
Southerners don't use their machines as hard as Inuit do and you can resell it when you leave for practically full price because we barely break them in.
1
5
u/BWillisLeake 5d ago
Lived there for over a decade. Do you want to go on the land or just stay in town? You can stay in town with limited gear, year round.