Surviving -20 Celcius in Moscow

frozen lake in Moscow

I'd say surviving because I am a tropical girl coming from 30-35 degree Celcius. So yes, this is about surviving such differences in temperature. I spent my whole life in a tropical country then I have to be in a -20 celcius, not an easy situation. 

Obviously, I came prepared. I have been in a 0 celcius and learned that double triple layering is the right answer. Moscow has heater that runs nonstop since the beginning of (probably, I dont remember) November until early May. So you technically can not turn it off or on. Many days it gets too hot inside. Going to the mall in Moscow got me super sleepy and tired because it feels most of the time like in Sauna. So, double triple layering in Moscow is the right thing to do. 

November temperature usually started to feel chilly, still not lower than 0. December will get colder can be minus. But January and February are the coldest season. This year dropped to -20 (that I can remember). The average temperature was around -10 up to -5. 

At first, I just relying on my thin shirt and double coat. It worked for 0 Celcius. Until I bought wool shirt, warm vest, then double coat, that makes me warm enough to be outside when the temperature dropped lower than 0. 

Most people will wear thin first layer, then wool or the second layer, finally their third layer. The coat could be the waterproof one, or the ones from wool. It's depending on the weather that day, whether it's gonna be wet snow or just dry weather. Typically, layering also for the pants. Most of the time I have my heattech with me, wool is better option. 

the style during the winter, pretty boring color

The other important part is the boots. Leather shoes is the key! It's windproof, it is waterproof, it is the best you can have. Forget not to choose something with a few cm heels. Mine came from Panama Jack, with 10 cm heels on the back part and 3 cm on front part. This helps a lot when walking on thick snow pile and/or wet water from rain or melted snow. The other thing that we should not forget is definitely the wool socks. Well... I tried the regular socks, it was fine but made me feel like I have wet feet. But with wool socks, Otherwise your feet will feel like walking on a thin ice. 

good grip, less sliding, thick, but not hot inside

Remember, you have to put on gloves as well. Yes, again the leather one. Would be even better if the inside is kashmir or wool. Yes that is really obvious. Last but not least, the scarf/shawl. If this is made out of kashmir or wool, the small one wrapped your neck is enough. but when it is made out of polyester, it's just bulky and not as warm. Thin wool scarf is way way better than the thick one made out of polyester. 

Beanie works well. If you have that fur thingy Russian wear, use it.

Most people will have their face half covered from the wind because it's very painful to have the wind slapping your face during the winter. For me, face mask is the one that works well. But if you want, you can also lift the scarf a bit to your nose. If you are wearing glasses then we will have the same problem, foggy glasses.

it's very warm, but not hot

I'd say this again, this is for -20 celcius in Moscow. What works for me. Although it is also depending on the wind that blows that day. When it blows hard, big chance you gonna need some more layer or just stay inside and be warm. Winter is for resting months anyway. Best to stay inside. 

Anyway, what's your lowest temperature you've ever had?