This guide was developed from conversations with our peer members and staff over many years. These tips are for general information only and anyone spending time outside in cold weather should be careful to monitor themselves to prevent problems from developing.
Tips on Keeping Warm in Cold Weather After a Spinal Cord Injury
Overview:
This document contains some tips offered by people with spinal cord injuries about staying warm in cold climates. These tips are for general information only and anyone spending time outside in cold weather should be careful to monitor themselves to prevent problems from developing.
Tips:
“The hot packs are a wonder when trying to stay warm. I put them in my bra…. the warmth there is
great and I can feel it as opposed to putting them in my boots or on top of my legs… I also have battery operated socks that have a heating coil in them. They take D batteries and can be purchased at Mark’s Work Warehouse. I have battery operated boot liners that I used to use for skiing. Haven’t used them in awhile as I just don’t go out in the cold that much but they are a wonder and can be purchased at any store that sells ski stuff.”
“Well, I love the winter! So first the cold doesn’t scare me and second, I hate being too warm in any season. I just wear good boots and layer the rest. I haven’t worn mitts or gloves in 5 years, my hands don’t get cold.”
“If it is really cold, I wear some really heavy track pants and socks. I haven’t tried them yet, but I have warmers you squeeze. Apparently it starts a chemical reaction that gives off lots of heat. You “reset ” the hand warmers by putting them in hot water for 5 minutes. Oh yeah, I also wear mitts instead of gloves. That way your fingers stay warmer. Staying outside for a long time when it is cold definitely isn’t a good idea. I can’t believe how cold my chair gets when I stay outside for a long time.”
“The secret of keeping warm is to layer your clothes, keeping the waterproof jacket last. Remember to also wear a dickey (Turtleneck) to keep your neck warm and always carry two sets of gloves in case one gets wet. Most heat is lost though your armpits, head and groin area. So keeping your head covers helps a lot. Wear waterproof pants or slipover pants that are waterproof. Depending where you are and
what your plans are, always carry waterproof matches and a mirror which can be used for signalling. Always tell people where you’re going and what time you will be back.”
“For me when I’m snowmobiling it’s basically three layers on the bottom: first is the base layer long johns then a thermal second layer (for me Helly Hansen) then my winter snow pants. Of course, heavy duty socks. The top layer is basically the same. Thermal base, turtleneck, sweater, and jacket. What I found was stay warm from the get-go, once I got cold it was hard to warm up. The more you keep moving the easier to stay warm. I would also bring those “hot shock” packs for your feet and hands for back up (haven’t had to use them yet)”
“To stay warm, I add more layers of wool and stay inside most of the time.”
“All depends how active you’re going to be I guess. But if you’re just riding around on your chair you’d put long johns and a skidoo suit on, that’s almost too warm. Or a person could wait until it warms up.”
“I use Icebreaker, right now I only use 120 layer and I should have a 260 layer or both on super cold days. It’s not cheap but it’s amazing, if it was a better price it would be the only thing I would wear!”
Useful References: Hello, Winter: 11 Tips to Navigate the Cold with SCI.
https://sci-bc.ca/hello-winter-11-tips-to-navigate-the-cold-with-sci/
