What to wear in Minot (Bismarck, Grand Forks: home, transfer, to buy)

[jbaint]

I've never lived anywhere that it snowed. Right now I'm in Okinawa (an island off of mainland Japan). The weather here is pretty much tropical. We are still wearing shorts here. In 3 months we will be relocating to Minot AFB and I don't have a clue on what we need. I am pretty much intimidated by it because I've never lived anywhere that gets any lower than 40 degrees. Sometimes it got cooler in Georgia (where I'm from) at night, but I was inside in the heat so I never really had to dress for snow or really cold winters. Any tips on what clothes I need to get and how to prepare myself for the winter there would be great.

[DaninEGF]

You will be coming in February. Now, I assume you will be transferring with the Air Force for a new position at Minot AFB and the Air Force will take care of the clothing/uniform end of things on the job. Now...as for off the job winter wear....I personally would wait til you arrive before you get crazy and buy lots of winter gear as if you buy it in a warm climate their coats may not be up to par to handle North Dakota weather.

That said....what to think about getting all depends on what you like to do outside. Yes....you can do many things outdoors in the winter in North Dakota like go ice fishing, find a spot and learn cross country skiing, etc... I would look for a name brand coat with two layers (one you can unzip out if not in use). These are commonly found in many department stores, but I have found the best ones in sporting good stores. Granted you pay $$ for them but the money is worth it and they do last a while. Good gloves are a must (get several pair) and a hat and scarf are also very important to cover the ears. I also use something to cover the mouth and neck while snow blowing and in very cold weather.

Now...it can be cold but I dont want to scare you off. I love the cold myself....and you will get more used to it. I personally would not worry about long johns, unless you will be outside a whole lot. I have found a nylon waterproof snow pants over a pair of jeans work good for being outdoors shoveling or playing in the snow. Just jeans are fine for everyday car to home and home to shopping trips. Of course good boots are a must....I prefer those hiking boots during the winter....but better ones are needed if outdoors a lot.

Some winters are not bad while others can be quite cold... The average temps in north central ND where Minot AFB is runs highs in the 14-17 range in January with lows 5 below....these are averages of course. Here is some climate info for Minot...

Monthly average high temperatures
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
°F 18.2 25.2 36.6 53.7 67.2 75.6 81.2 80.6 68.4 55.2 35.0 23.0


Dan NWS Grand Forks

[Spree]

Snow shovel and something to scrape the ice off your windshield. Windshield washer fluid that doesn't freeze. Snow tires or good all season tires. Salt for your driveway/sidewalk.

Long underwear, a heavy jacket or Parka -something w/a hood and layered that goes beyond your belt, a scarf, waterproof gloves. A good pair of waterproof snow boots and heavy socks. You should be able to get everything at the BX.

Hot chocolate and marshmallows, firewood for the fireplace.

These are the things I remember growing up in Bismarck :-)

[judogl44]

Go to LLBean website-get their silk long-underwear-light but warm. We moved to MN from Jersey shore 2 years ago-haven't worn winter coats yet! Layers only. Have 2 furs I always wore in NJ as when 32 and humid colder than here-they're still hanging in the closet.

[Heather Littrell]

Make sure you have a garage, if not, you will want a block heater installed in your vehicle, most people never even know about those?! You'll understand. It is dang cold here in ND, you will get used to it in time and complain about it like every other North Dakotan does, but we still stay and love it. Life here is very different than most places, although I haven't lived too many other places. Beware of the days that are 40 below wind chill that take your breath away the moment you walk out the door. Best of luck and try to stay warm.

[ebitdadada]

I'd go naked. I believe Minot is known as the "Bannana Belt" of Ward County.

[magiccity]

OK, enough with the jokes. I'm a Minot native and guys sure are funny. JBAINT, I'm a Texas native that moved to Minot, ND and it's not that bad. Unless you are going to be outside for long periods of time, you won't need any long johns. It does get cold here and coming in February would not be my idea of a transfer. But you come when the govt says. Buy some good jeans, nothing with holes in them, a down jacket, wear a sweater or sweatshirt. Dress in layers. If you are too warm you can always take something off. Moderator cut: addy deleted. Minot host not only the Minot AFB, but also the Army National Guard, Army Reserve, and the Air Force Reserve. This is a very military friendly town. Welcome to Minot! ct

[kwill]

In answer to surviving northern winters... layers, layers, layers. When you're coming from the south and haven't acclimated, yet, it's really important to focus on layers of loose-fitting clothes. First layer - personal underwear (briefs, bras... or nothing, whatever ) second layer -- silk or wicking thermal "long underwear." There's a brand for women called "Cuddle Duds" which is really good. Otherwise, LL Bean and Cabellas have several to pick from. Main thing is, you don't want cotton. Next layer -- regular pants, jeans, sweats, or whatever fits the occasion. That's what you'll be wearing indoors. Fourth layer -- I bought myself a wind-proof fleece vest a few years ago, and I swear I never take it off from Nov. through April. It keeps my core heat up there where ever I go, and especially helps when I'm making the transition in and out of buildings. My kids and my husband are all "vest-wearers," too, now. Not the down vests -- the lightweight wind-proof fleece ones. Fifth layer -- depending on preference, a nice, poofy down jacket, or insulated parka and/or ski pants. You only need the ski pants for when you're outside a long time like watching a football game or playing winter-golf. Gloves, mittens, hats, scarves, and boots are all important, (especially a head-covering,) but which ones to buy tend to personal preference. BTW, I've attended 2 winter Olympics and have seen many people from Southern countries standing in the cold for hours as spectators. The little-known trick to keeping warm outside for long stretches is having a few of those "mycol" packages on hand... little candybar-sized plastic pouches that give off warmth when you open them. Tuck'em in your boots and mittens and you're toasty for two hours.

[magiccity]

Kwill has a lot of good points. Dressing in layers will help you out. Today in Minot is around 10 degrees with lots of wind. If you dress right, it won't even faze you. I remember my first year here in Minot that I never took off my jacket until the temps hit 80 degrees. But the longer you stay here, the better you will acclimated to the weather. Also, when you get to the base, they will issue you some winter clothing for working outside. You wouldn't believe how many people stayed in ND after coming from an outside state. Don't let the temps bother you. ct

[TravisW]

Everybody seems to be covering everything pretty well. Buy an insulated hooded sweatshirt (zip-up). That is the most scalable piece of outerwear in existence.