Ice Road Truckers: Driving and Staying Warm in the North

Winter is a pretty unforgiving season at times. At some point on the news, you may have heard of crashes due to bad roads and extreme weather. This can make roads impassable and potentially closed routes for future traffic. Depending on the location of the collision, it could take hours or even days before any sort of help arrives.

For many truckers, driving in these sorts of conditions is part of the job. Many towns depend on these seasoned truckers to deliver essential goods to their local stores. Even the remotest locations can suffer without the truckers getting through. 

Mens thermal underwear can mean the difference between an extended wait of being warm or freezing in the cold. Staying in the cabin of the truck may only require a mens thermal shirt, but in case things turn for the worse, thermal pants for men will help keep the legs warm as well.

In case winter has you trapped, here are some tips from truckers who brave the harsh north that can help you stay warm until you get help.

1. Keep Your Tank Full. Since your engine is your only source of heat that’s reliable, you will need to keep your car running. If help doesn’t arrive for a few hours, the fuel in your vehicle will keep things going while you’re stranded on the side of the road.

2. Keep rations in the cab or your car. While we probably won’t starve to death if we don’t eat for a day, it can get uncomfortable. Eating generates body heat along with water. Stash a few snacks like trail mix or granola bars. Don’t forget some water, just in case.

3. Prepare yourself to stay warm. It’s always good to have a winter survival kit. An extra pair of thermal pants for men or a mens thermal shirt along with a few blankets, winter coat, and boots can help. Don’t forget gloves and a hat, and t-shirts to layer over the thermals.

4. Have a winter tool kit. These should be the essentials and consist of a sleeping bag, rechargeable flashlight, butane lighter, anti-gel fuel additive, windshield scraper, and road salt, or cat litter for traction. 

5. Have a strategy. Do your best to alert someone to your situation. Idle the engine slowly if fuel is low. Shovel any snow away from the exhaust due to carbon monoxide. Don’t leave the truck to seek shelter. Dress warmly even inside. 

Truckers that brave the icy highways of the far north or even more extreme climates are part of the lifeblood of the region. Dressing warmly with thermals as a base layer can retain warmth and wick away moisture to make your time on the road more comfortable. Staying warm is essential to driving comfortably and safely.