With a winter storm sending our thermometer plummeting past zero, the Ferris campus is turning up the heat and pulling out its snow gear.
Once again, it has arrived. Winter decided to sink its teeth in and really get down to business by blanketing our campus with nearly six inches of snow and bringing temperatures down to negative 13 degrees.
the temperatures without winter clothing. Photo by: Shaunti’ara Reynolds l Torch Photographer
While campus closed on Tuesday, students were still out and about, going to work or completing assignments, bundled up in various layers of winter gear. Whether you’re staying in or heading out into the cold to start your day, here are some tips from Ferris students on how to stay warm and weather the winter weather.
Layers are most important when it comes to the Michigan wind. Adding a flannel shirt or a sweatshirt underneath your coat can often do wonders for keeping your core warm.
Automotive management sophomore Jon Rodriguez provided some insight into his winter gear.
“I usually throw a hoodie on under my coat. I’ve got one of those big, brown Carhartt jackets,” Rodriguez said.
When it comes to working outdoors in the winter, Carhartt seems to be one of the most beloved choices. It’s easy to layer several thinner shirts or jackets beneath their coats if needed, and their products are made to last. The closer to the lake you get, the more layers you need to protect yourself from that bitter wind.
Another popular winter gear brand is The North Face, which radiography junior Margaret Bowman stated as her cold-weather choice.
“I have one of those North Face jackets, and I usually have gloves on too,” Bowman said.
While Carhartt seems more focused on creating items made for durability, The North Face has put more work into making sleek outdoor sports gear. Both have various insulation choices, including fleece or down filling, but The North Face’s polyester outer shell is woven to deflect water.
Carhartt’s more canvas-like outside layer soaks in water but prevents it from reaching the skin with extra wicking material. Whichever one strikes your fancy, both brands have similar materials and both easily keep your core warm.
the outside elements rather than in buildings. Photo by: Harmony Goodman| Production Manager
Keeping your hands and feet warm is equally as important as your core. Mittens are proven to insulate your fingers better than gloves, but many people prefer the freedom gloves offer. Many brands now produce gloves that can interact with phone screens, which we can never be without.
Since their introduction by Aglove in Colorado in 2010, touchscreen-compatible gloves have become an international favorite. Now, with so many varieties available globally, it’s hard to choose just one. Companies like Amazon and Meijer offer a variety of brands, such as Timberland, The North Face and Moshi.
On the other hand, keeping your feet warm and dry is difficult. As soon as you encounter slush, your socks are soaked. Double layers of socks are recommended for the cold winter months, as are boots or water-resistant shoes.
Nuclear medicine sophomore Hannah Kieda likes to mix it up sometimes with Ugg boots.
“I walk to class in my Eddie Bauer parka, a sweatshirt and Uggs or shoes,” Kieda said.
While this beloved 2000s brand may seem like an unusual choice for winter, Uggs are pre-treated to be both water- and stain-resistant. The sheepskin inner lining is an excellent insulator and keeps your feet warm.
Keeping your face out of the wind is also recommended, so picking up a scarf or face mask doesn’t seem out of the question for Ferris students. If the wind keeps blowing as bitter as it has this week, better put on a hat.