Hi

Early next year I'm driving across the very coldest parts of Russia. I'm looking for advice from someone who is experienced in extreme cold, i.e. -40 or below, so Polar expeditions, or people living / working in northern Russia or Canada / Greenland.

I have my outer layers (high altitude climbing gear) and boots (Baffin -100).

I'm looking for advice mostly on glove and hats / balaclavas, and base layer.

For gloves, I want to layer. I have large down-filled mitts which should be fine for driving, but useless for taking photos, filling the car up etc. So my thought was to get some glove liners or thin insulated gloves. Can anyone recommend something? Is neoprene a good idea, or is that more for sailing? What's the warmest material which is insulating, yet thin enough so I don't lose too much dexterity?

Similarly, a hat / balaclava. My parka has a huge hood which will necessitate a fairly thin hat or balaclava. Is fleece a good choice?

For a base layer, I am looking at merino wool; I assume there are grades of various qualities, can anyone recommend a good brand? Or just go for any branded merino wool products?

My usual problem in cold climates is my lower back. I'm thin but relatively tall, so clothes are invariably either too baggy or a bit too short. I've got down salopettes as an outer layer, which come right up my back, but are there any products which specifically protect your lower back / kidneys? Something like a gaiter?

Thanks for any help,

EO

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EurasiaOverland a memoir of one quarter of a million kilometres by road through all of the Former USSR, Western and Southern Asia.