Recently, after we mentioned the latest Cold Weather ensemble from Arc’teryx LEAF, we were asked, “What Is The Intended Temp Range For The Arc’teryx LEAF Cold WX Jacket and Pants SV?”
The answer is from -20C/-04F down to -40C/-40F, so you’re looking at some seriously cold temperatures.
We also got a question, asking if the fit block in the torso is large enough to wear over kit. According to Arc’teryx, the amswer is “No.” It’s designed to be worn with overwhites, if required tactically, and with external LCE as you can see in this CSOR photo.
Tags: Arc'teryx LEAF
Any ideal if they are going to offer iverwhites again?
Over whites would be awesome. Any idea of the temp range for the Cold Wx LT?
Kinda off subject here, but how do firearms function in the type of extreme cold? Also optics?
Is there a certain method of prep and maintenance say vs tropics?
Yes. You can’t let them get wet because any water in the workings will freeze solid and potentially render the weapon useless. That means not taking them into warm tents because of condensation. Also you obviously want to keep snow off the gun whenever time allows.
Because lubricants are generally thicker at low temps thicker lubricants are inadvisable as they will unnecessarily reduce bolt velocity and potentially cause malfunctions. The Norwegians have a great deal of information on this kind of stuff and I would highly recommend reading any information you can find from them.
Great info Tim, thank you.
I don’t ever plan on shooting in extreme cold but better to be informed. I’ll look up some of that info you recommended.
norwegian way is to mix a little ethyl-alcohol with break-free lube.
it keeps the oil from getting thick.
also, you need a brush(like a shoe brush) to brush off snow from the weapon..
Just like with extremely dusty climates where that corruption would stick to your traditional lubricants, you’ll want to use a graphite powder ‘lubricant’ to avoid that thickening or even hardening of your standard lubricants in temperatures close to and colder than -40°C. WRT avoiding moisture buildup via condensation, leave it outside like Tim mentioned. Also, avoid putting a hot weapon down in the cold snow or, depending on where you’re operating, you might run into a host of issues with the melting and then the flash freezing.
Temp ranges on garments is even more variable and subjective then sleeping bags, I feel bad for the guys that have to come up with a number and then deal with the customers that are relying on that number rather then experience.
I talked to a company rep once that said he didn’t like a certain jacket because it was “too warm”
“Too warm for….?”
“Just too warm.”
If weather, moisture and activity level aren’t in the conversation it is a waste of breath. The same clothes that kept me comfortable in the 40s on the west coast (wet) are good down into the 20s in the rockies (dry)