What’s It Like to Live at –40°F Below?

Simply put? Cold. Very cold.

Living in a place where temperatures can sit at –40°F for weeks at a time does something funny to your brain. Your idea of “normal” shifts. Yes, –40 is dangerously cold—but when it warms up to –20, we rejoice. That’s walking weather. It’s a mental twist for sure, and anyone who doesn’t live in extreme cold probably thinks we’re a little mad. Honestly? They’re not wrong.

So how do we happily head outside at –20? It’s easier than you think—with the right mindset, preparation, and layers. Lots of layers.

Wool is always my go-to. I dress by temperature like it’s a sliding scale. At –20, that means thick wool long johns (top and bottom), wool socks, a wool undershirt, a cozy turtleneck, a Tartan Chickadee® wool neck wrap, an ear band, and my favorite down coat and mittens. Every piece is tried, tested, and deeply loved.

But the real MVP? Vintage Woolrich bib overalls. Yep—overalls. Steel gray with a red pinstripe and red suspenders, handed down from my dad when he finally retired from snowy outdoor work. Paired with wool underlayers, they’re pure comfort and warmth. Absolute best friends in subarctic weather.

And here’s the thing—those short walks matter. Even 10–15 minutes outside in subarctic air can clear the mental cobwebs and lift your mood. Fresh air hits differently at –20. Those small outings make a big difference.

So if you’ve never tried it, don’t let the thermometer scare you. Grab a few essential wool layers, bundle up, and step outside. It’s a beautiful world out there—cold, yes—but waiting for you just the same.