Don't blame the gloves or socks or shoes.
There is an old saying "if your feet are cold put on a hat". Actually it
goes deeper than that.
People, as opposed to most mammals, have lost the
reflex that keeps dog's feet from freezing. Most mammals when their
extrematies get cold, vasoconstrict to slow heat loss, but when the feet get
cold enough the arteries open up and let enough blood flow to keep frostbite
away. Unfortunately, almost all people have not retained this
reflex. This means that when your hands and feet get cold, or you get cold
in general the blood flow stops in them and does not start again until your main
body gets quite warm. The exception is the head. Since, restricting
blood to the brain is very counterproductive, your head remains warm and is
loosing heat.
The way to keep your hands and feet warm is to put
on a good hat, and enough insulation on the body to keep the body really
warm. Not just enough to say "but except for my hands I was warm
enough". For the outside put on good polypropylene or silk underwear,
other warm long johns, and layers of sweaters or polar fleece, a vest and a
suitable coat. The outer layers can be opened to ventilate the body when
you start to sweat, and if you really get hot take off some layers.
Unless, you have a circulation problem (like my
mom's diabeties) your hands will be warm, if your body is warm.
Ed
Ed & Wendy Hauser 2994 Mittower
Road Victor, MT 59875
