Let's keep in mind we are talking about extreme cold temperatures. I find that when it hits -35C, everything is difficult and there's a sense of urgency that perhaps needs to be experienced to be fully understood.

The amount of spruce you will go through if you're stranded overnight in these temperatures is surprisingly massive.

We can debate endlessly, of course, but I defer to the experience of people operating on the ground. The Yukoners I know view a chain saw the same way most people view a cell phone -- a routine, everyday item.