Keeping warm tomorrow, while I spend 15 hours outdoors?

I forgot I have good gloves, so also gloves.

If you have a thermal layer for your legs, wear that (wear something!) you should be fine barring significant wind or rain.

I delivered packages by bicycle this past December and did fine with clothing similar to what you have, although I was moving a lot more.

It will be worst when the sun goes down, so maybe plan take a break inside to warm up.

I think you’ll be okay, just wear lots of layers. When I was in Boston last february I bought these pocket hand warmers from a drug store. I’m not sure if you can find those where you are, but they were pretty awesome.

Kevbo listed my first thought, you need another layer for your legs. It doesn’t matter what kind of pants you are wearing, you should put something warm underneath them. You should have lots of layers and something on your head and covering your ears.

It sounds like I should figure out how to insulate my legs since I don’t have thermals. I have a sarong (large flat cloth) and maybe I can wrap it around my thighs inside my pants?

(I can’t buy anything from a store as it’s too late now, unfortunately, so I’m looking for suggestions that involve household items.)

Do you have a pair of sweats you could put under loose fitting pants?

Unfortunately I just moved to where I am and I mostly wear skirts, so I just have one pair of pants. Here’s everything I have:

- one pair of regular/thin cotton pants
– cotton kneesocks, good warm socks, good walking shoes
– average jacket (hip-length, no hood)
– sarong (large flat piece of cloth that I was going to use as a head scarf but might use in my pants)
– very good thick gloves
– small but warm wool scarf
– plenty of shirts for layering

Whiskey on your breaks? :)

Two shirts and a jacket doesn’t sound like anywhere close to enough for being in the cold for 15 hours. Wear a warm hat, every shirt you’re able to get into at one time, at least two pairs of socks, and buy a bunch of those chemical-reaction hand warmers (as suggested by KrystaElyse) to put in your gloves and socks. Hopefully there’s somewhere you can go to warm up sometimes.

Wear long shorts under your pants and and with your kneesocks.

I would use the sarong for your head if you do not have a hat.

oops! Just read that you have a scarf for your head.

You should be fine with everything that you have. Our local grade school has a policy of letting the kids have outdoor recess as long as it is 20 degrees out. It will be chilly, but you should be fine.

Wear tights…do you have a good pair of cotton or lycra tights?
The suggestion above for hand/feet warmers is a good one, and they usually have those at convenience, sports or drug stores.

Keep your head and neck covered at all times!

Do you have silk long underwear? Can you get some? The top can be a turtleneck, which looks snappy and will be warm. Silk provides warmth without bulk. And it feels nice against the skin.

Definitely don’t forget to wear warm and comfortable shoes/boots! Whenever I am outside for long periods like that, I seem to overlook my feet, and they are what ends up cold. Layer socks and if you have wool, wear them outside cotton socks. Layering socks will also help a little to keep you feet from getting sore…extra padding.

dress in layers. i live in chicago where temps can go way below zero on any given winter day. i also work outside, so i wear one-piece long underwear, good shoes and socks, hat and gloves and make sure i lather myself with “vaseline” on the exposed flesh and the entire body. accompany said features with scarf and hood or “hoodie” as the kids call it. heat goes first from the feet and/or the head. insulate these two and you’ll feel hot all over.

#1 Rule: No cotton!
#2 Rule: No Cotton!

Cotton sucks any warmth you do have away from you. I worked in -45˚ weather for 18 hours a day for 9 months, and what worked for me is staying away from cotton for the most part. Other than that you want layers. Thin synthetic layers under wool layers works great.

For anybody still reading, what about wearing my heaviest skirt over my pants? It’s long (ankle length) and heavy cotton.

I appreciate the suggestions of stuff to buy but… I can’t buy anything! No walkable open stores. Getting on a bus at 5am to get to the work, which starts at 6am.

My list is above—one pair of pants, and cotton they be. :)

@marmoset That’s a good idea. Better that then just the cotton pants. And make sure to keep your head covered. That will make a big difference.

Wear everything you have. You can always shed layers during the day.