Tarus,

I am envious!!! My heart is in the far North, but my ... body, yes, that is it, body is in the far south. Loved to hear about your trip. Thanks.

A couple of thoughts, in order to stay warm - wear less by at least one layer. Then you will not sweat as much (at least for me, I ALWAYS sweat when snowhoeing) and when you stop, put that layer back on and stay warmer. I take my heavy parka off when I start moving and put it back on at stops. Always be a little chilly when you start walking (or at least wear that level of clothing) It will also help if you eat and drink on a regular basis (like every hour or less). I used to carry IV bags under my coat, but I now have a hydration pack (mine is a Platypus brand) that should work under the coat and ruck. Keep the tubing close to the body and only pull the end out when you need to drink. I have not tried it in real cold (it has not been below 0C for the past two years here :-(.

While I was living in Alberta I used a Savage 24 in .357 mag over 20 ga. a lot. Worked well down to about -45 C (the coldest I had it in) with low temp lube and a very clean (degreaser) chamber.

As hacksaw noted I too wear liner gloves, often with wristlets or fingerless gloves in those temps. I like the silk ones after seeing the burns on several hands because of the poly and nylon ones melting close to the stove. My mittens are loose and hang by a cord. I can throw one off and put it back on without using the other hand.

Respectfully,

Jerry