One of the more senior guys on this job always carries three pares of gloves. One for his hands. One for the guy who forgot them. and one to warm up in car and change into when the other pare gets cold.
Canadian here. The wisdom here is always 'loose and in layers', which I think you got covered very well. You do not want to sweat, sweat = wet and wet = cold. Layers are nice because if you start getting too warm, you can strip off a layer or two before you really start sweating. Also, my own little protip - in extreme cold situations where I expect to be outside (-20f to -40f is not uncommon here), I'll throw on a pair of pyjama pants over my thermal underwear and under my pants. It's like having a fleece sweater for your legs. Takes the bite out of the wind too. And avoid leather when possible, especially for things like jackets and gloves. Leather is great against wind and water, but once it gets cold it tends to stay cold.
pajama pants under normal pants? That was my go to in high school im so happy that it very rarely gets that cold wear I work coldest I can remember is right around 0 but not quite if we ever got into the negatives im sure the county would get put in a state of emergency and life as we know it would stop.
I lived in northern B.C.for three years, never even thought of the pajamas but it makes sense. I'm now in northern Utah for my first year so as Chief Gillespie (Heat Of The Night) used to say, we'll see what happens!
the best clothing I can think of is "brynje of Norway" inner layers of net and wool,, super warm and soaks of sweat, good for every situation warm of cold. comes at a premium price but siper worth it, love their hats.
Another necessity for large amounts of snowfall are boot gaiters. last month when we got the bomb cyclone out here in new york I was sure happy to have them. we had about 14 inches of snowfall with drifts up to 3 feet one call we had an elderly lady having major chest pain and the rescue couldnt get down the street with there rig since the street wasnt plowed. we wrapped her in a space blanket and a surplus blanket like you had threw her on a backboard and being im relatively new I got volunteered to trudge about a quarter mile out to the main road. Other officer had to go back to the station and dry out his socks and boots as they had filled with snow, and then ofcourse water. gaiters kept the snow and water out of my boots and got me out of writing a report since my fellow officer was gonna be in the station for an extended period.
Thanks once again Tommy. I'll be going shopping next payday for sure. You know my background and yet I still always end up either learning something new or looking at something from a new angle every time I tune in here. Be safe bro!
I was a road cop in the high Colorado mountains (Gilpin County) for 15 years, and I've seen cold that redefines the word cold. You start with a synthetic wicking undershirt (I preferred the loose fit UnderArmor), then my vest, then my short-sleeve uniform shirt. Then I'd have my cold weather jacket (when it comes to police style jackets, I preferred the 5.11 jacket with removable liner, which is super warm, waterproof, and windproof), my boots were Danner insulated Fort Hood duty boots (pricey, but worth every penny). They are flexible once broken in, great traction, and very tough walking across sharp rocks. Bates were my 2nd choice, but only with a shank in the sole. I didn't wear long-johns very often, but I would if the temps were going to be sub-negative-20. Otherwise, my normal activity was plenty to keep me warm, even in our constant 30 MPH never-ending winds. That's correct, I didn't wear long-johns unless it was going to be extra cold as described. Walking around outside is still enough wearing wool duty pants or cotton BDU style police duty pants to keep you warm, and long-johns will make you sweat, which is very bad. I also had access to my personal down filled winter parka for windy conditions during blizzards when I was too still to generate my own warmth. Keep that patrol car heater on HIGH, and raise/lower your windows to moderate the temperature. Its the only thing that'll keep your windshield and wipers from freezing over. Driving style gloves for normal use, and heavy waterproof ski gloves for extended cold weather exposure. I also had a GorTex lined HeadSock, which is hands down the best thing you'll ever wear in the cold weather. It's fleeze and GoreTex lined, with pull cords to restrict heat loss. I also had a wood cap, and a normal fleece beanie for normal weather. Seriously, get a GoreTex lined HeadSock if they still even make them. We also kept wool blankets in our patrol cars, military sleeping bags, an MRE's just in case we got stuck in the snow and needed to get through the night. NEVER LEAVE HOME UNPREPARED FOR THE ABSOLUTE WORST CASE SCENARIO.
My agency went from those Blauer coats to a firefighter-style fleece Ike jacket. It's surprisingly warm and it made it through last winter just fine here in MD. I still have my Blauer but it stays in my closet at home. I also have a pair of Blauer Boa waterproof boots which are amazing in water and snow. In terms of winter prep, I usually just wear my standard class B uniform with a thermal mock turtleneck, my heavy watch cap, a pair of insulated lightweight gloves, and my fleece coat.
@freefieldtraining if you are still looking for black mittens (after 5 years i doubt it but still) ice warrior tac gear makes a combination glove/mitten marketed towards canadian police for up to -40c.
Graydon Sharp - Only places in Arizona that police officers would need to worry about such low temperatures would be the higher elevations, such as towns as high as Jerome.
I know you guys start shivering in September i don't even look at my jacket untill December sometimes even January. We got a couple other guys like that to from Philly or Pittsburgh,NYC even Chicago.
I live in central Texas so everything past the 11:20 mark would be apocalyptic cold here, but the balaclava is a nice tip. i normally wear a turtle neck as my undershirt in the winter to protect my neck and carry an extra beanie just in case my head gets too cold.
I like merino wool for base layers. In my experience wool tends to resist perma-stink a bit better than synthetics and is also naturally fire retardant. Great video as usual!
Unfortunately cost is definitely the down side of wool base layers, merino wool especially. Wool base layers from high end brands such as Arcteryx, TAD or similar can be stupidly expensive, but it's worth looking at something like Icebreaker who do very good quality items (tops & long johns) at more reasonable prices.
The sunvisors you put in your windshield that reflected the sun is a good way to keep your feet warm by cutting out and outing in the bottom of ur show and an extra layer from ur feet to ground also
I acutally wear heated socks with ankle socks to compressed the pad to my foot left it off when i dont need it and had heated long john pants with off until needed and working on heated long john shirt soon
Not shore if you could incorporate but there are some sweat shirts now that are battery operated and have a heating element on the under side. There are also motorcycle vest that can connect to a power supply source that are also heat. You could also use toe warmers and hand warmers that are disposable. thee are also those bags from the military surplus store where you put water into the bag and it will be heated up from the bag itself, they are found in the MRE's.
Great stuff, right now I work private security and the area we work gets cold in the winter... but add to that, this facility no joke 24/7 blows wind into the building from the outside. Legitimately just freezing cold 24/7 especially at night.
I do Security in Canada and have been outside a lot and yes your gear would be good here just have a good pair of thermal socks. Suprisingly i lived in Vermont and that was one of the coldest places i have lived its a lot like Montreal bone chilling! Great Video!
Black liquid leather dye will make those camo mitts black without the color running or stiffening the fabric. I used it on my camo Goretex 1,000 gm thinsolite boots and worked outside the week before the Superbowl in Minneapolis 2018. -15 or colder 4 days plus in a row, 10-hour days. The boots were amazing!
Awesome video. Relevant for me here in Montana. When it’s negative 40 I use “officer discretion” a lot more lol. I’m not getting out for a busted blinker 🤷🏽♂️. With extra layers I can enforce more efficiently!
I got around the trigger finger/mitten problem by hand knitting a pair with holes to put my trigger finger through. I’m able to draw and shoot my sidearm if I need to while wearing them. If you are interest I can make you some. I make them out an acrylic yarn, so they are washable. It takes about two weeks to whip a pair up.
In Canada you will have to expect -10 to -40 and the -10 gear is good when it is snowing but when it is not you can boil from the sun and the dark clothing
Where I live it gets so cold (-40 or -50) The engine in my car doesn't even stay warm when sitting idle for and extended period of time. If you know anything about cars the coolant in for your engine is what heats your car. Engine doesn't stay at operating temp, no heat.
From what I've seen as a Canadian resident, at least from federal and provincial LEOs, the department issues winter gear, and good stuff at that. Those red RCMP coats might look funny, but they are quite warm, same goes with the winter bearskin hats. But the RCMP's history was running around in the bush in a country with more mooses than people where most places are cold 5-6 months of the year if not more. The provincial police for Ontario are also well equipped too. Uniform coats, gloves, hats that al seem department issue. I can't speak for municipal police though, Ontario is big and wide, and I haven't even visited half of it. Though at least the cops in the places I've lived seem decently equipped in winter. But it's sort of a cultural thing to know how to dress in winter here. If you don't know, you will likely get frostbite or hypothermia. Then you'll damned well learn how to dress, if you survive. I learned my lesson way back in grade school after falling into a slush puddle. Extra gloves, always. Even second degree burns I've gotten at work aren't half as nasty as that mild frostbite. I didn't lose anything, but it was one of the most awful experiences I ever had. Only topped by broken bones and a steel chair to the face. Thinking back on that childhood experience, dropping a grand of Canadian pesos on winter gear is a wise investment. Lineworker boots and coat, two types of thermal undies. Light and heavy gloves, plus an extra set of waterproof winter gloves in the car trunk, just in case I'm ever in a hurry and forget to bring a pair. Not to mention winter specific stuff in the car emergency kit too, E blanket, candles, hand warmers etc. I've never hit a situation where I needed most of it (thank goodness) But its good to have in case you ever break down somewhere out of the way. And somewhere cold and out of the way is most of Canada.
Any chance you feel like doing an update video now that many places have switched to external carriers? I struggle with keeping warm, but also having access to everything on my chest.
I've always found those layered coats to be extremely warm with the inner layer. I forget our brand (i think 5.11) but shoveling out hydrants or directing traffic with both layers sucked. Always ended up soaked in sweat haha
Have you been in a situation where you have had to utilize your shelter option with the sheet and poncho? I live in North Texas where it can get fairly cold but we've never been so cold we needed improvised shelter; that's a new concept for me.
Thankfully I live in South West Georgia so I don’t have to deal with sub zero temperatures. But it can still get pretty cold for us here. Definitely some good tips in here. Also I can’t remember if I told you or not but I’m back at the Sheriffs office on the drug squad.
+Johnny Reb On the road again eh? Lol. Well, that's life man. You have to try to win and sometimes it doesn't work out. Luckily you were able to go back to a solid gig.
free field training you are right sometimes the cookie crumbles but you got to dust yourself off and keep on keeping on. Also I use a zippo electric hand warmer that last for about 12 hours it’s great to leave in a jacket pocket.
+Sweetasthesun my pd doesn't even provide me with the basic uniform. I get a single badge, ID, commission card, the requisite agency specific patches, a vest, and very little else. I have to buy all my own stuff with quite a bit if latitude in what I get as long as it meets policy requirements. That is fairly common in the Midwest. Chicago pd gets nearly nothing as well.
That's kinda sad. I don't imagine your pay is exactly great to begin with, but then you also have to use your own money to outfit yourself? The company I worked for at least has a uniform allowance for their techs who face the public.
I can speak on this. My department gave us a badge, radio, 2 long sleeve uniform shirts, 2 short sleeve uniform shirts, 4 pairs of uniform pants, boots and one jacket. You will notice a lot missing from that list. Duty belt and all the stuff on it, weapons, lights.. so on. They dont supply us with much. Each year we get a uniform allowance. Its enough to replace and repair what you used that year. So videos like this are good so some of us who dont have the experience can learn from those who do and have spent the money and time learning the hard way. I'm here today looking for cold weather solutions myself.
The military "mickey mouse" boot are a life saver for cold SWAT call outs. The black ones are good to well below zero. You wont be chasing anyone down in them, but they are great for standing around for long periods.
I have been looking for a good pair of winter gloves that allow me to still grab my pistol for years. Some new things just came out but I need to test.
Sir, have you considered using RIT black dye on the gloves? Probably won't make them entirely black but it should definitely dull the non black colors to where they're a lot less noticeable.
-10 is pretty damn cold. Insulated boots is a huge one. When I went hunting one time and had uninsulated boots sitting in the freezing cold and snow for a full day it was killing me. Won't do that again! I found the hot hands for your feet to be really really nice but once you start moving it's way too hot. Only for sitting for long periods outside.
Regarding the black jacket that you're wearing during this video, what model and who makes it? Loving the content, and this one really applies up here in Canada. Cheers brother.
Synthetic isnt good to wear under your vest because if you get shot, the energy from the round going into the vest turns to heat which will melt the synrhetic material into your skin. I do enjoy wearing synthetic base layers, but not under my vest.
Not an LEO, more like security. Have a heated coat from Milwaukee that I got at Home Depot. The coat is more designed for contractors and is long. I use to wear a duty belt and found I would have to fold the bottom of the coat up so as not impede access to equipment. I don't carry a firearm so now most of my gear is stored in Stryke pants or coat so not as much of an issue. Would not recommend a heated coat like those from Milwaukee or Dewalt if you need easy access to your duty belt gear. Couple of other downsides, these coats are uncomfortable if you are a vehicle as the battery pack would poke into your back when seated; additionally wearing a vest on top of them would be uncomfortable and make it difficult to turn the coat on or off.
Try some "mickey" boots they're supposed to keep your feet warm in the snow when standing for long periods of time. A bit of redundancy for the wool blanket if you ask me. They look huge though I can't get any one to tell me if they effect driving 😂 still worth the money to me I'll be buying some next pay check to see how they are this winter. Good luck
Just a question your with CPD, (Chicago) P.D. Do you have to pay for everything when it comes to your equipment and everything that is on your duty belt or are you compensated after your purchase everything after you show your receipts.
Another well produced video Tommy, as always! Two observations; firstly I'm glad that here in the UK it's so rare to get cold weather anywhere near as extreme as over there, but secondly it has always shocked me how much gear you buy yourself! The stuff we get provided isn't always great but at least it is provided for free (mostly)... Do US departments compensate officers for their kit?
+Sam Lowe Some places issue everything and some provide nothing. I get a small stipend for uniforms. It only covers a couple pairs of pants a year though. Nowhere near what it costs to do the job, especially when you are just starting off. What you see on the videos is over a decade of spending my own money to try to have the best gear I can afford to do the job.
free field training fair enough, I mean the true professionals (and the kit nerds like me) do pick up some replacements for the lowest-bidder kit we get issued just to make life easier, but we do at least get all the basics! Then again we also drive plain rented cars with no lights, sirens or radios in them, not even a police sticker for the doors, so I guess every different employer has their priorities!
+Sam Lowe I'd obviously like more money for gear, but I'd still rather buy my own than have it issued as long as I pick what it is. It let's me get the things that work best for me personally instead of having to use what some administrator was sold at a trade show or gun shop. I've seen chiefs do months if research on gear then bid, bought, and issued it only for me to break it a few weeks later because some company convinced them of a bunch of stuff that makes no sense in real life.
17 years on the job and my wife talks me into wearing a scarf at work on night shift. It was a manly scarf...black north face. Got to keep them ears and neck warm lol
Only other thing I do is have a pair of rain pants or at least wind breakers to protect my legs from the wind and wet. Having to wear a pair of wet pants is not fun.
My legs always get cold. I wear thermal underwear but we have cheap polyester uniform pants that let the wind come right through them. We have to wear what's issued. Any suggestions?
Lol, I'm from New Jersey, and we love to flame people from Delaware or Maryland for complaining about the cold, but holy hell, you wouldn't need half of that down here
As current EMS so far I've loved my 511 his vis responder parka. Has the fleece inner layer that can come out. Can wear in the winter and in the spring and fall you can take the inner layer out and use the shell. Completely waterproof. Wouldnt use it in the summer cause it's a bit thick for that even without the fleece layer but it's great. I havent put it through it's full paces yet but so far I love it
Hey everyone! I'm about to start as a Deputy Sheriff. Question: I need good pants suggestions. My department bought me 2 pairs, which are Flying Cross. The cap told me straight up they aren't the best. I need suggestions for what to look into. One thing I can tell you is that I dislike how 5.11 are cut. The way they cut the crotch drives me insane. I'm calling on all my new brothers to help me out with some good suggestions!
+free field training Awesome. I'll look into that. I'm definitely going to get some of this cold weather gear. I am on the highline by Canada at 6500 feet up in the Rocky Mountains LOL! It gets cold here, too!
+John Pettersen I'm naturally a righty but the nuns at catholic school decided that was not acceptable so now I have an odd amalgamation of both. I write with my right hand but can shoot bow, rifle, and handgun pretty well both ways. Shotgun for some reason I can only do righty really well. Most other things I can switch on demand.
Hey man, Love the videos, its a little off topic but I guess its related in a sense. Seeing that you use some of the Blauer gear, do you have any experience wit the ArmourSkin set up? The armour cover and the under shirt? As I live in the UK there aren't many people who I work with who use the Blauer gear. I work in as a part pf a PSD and as part of an upcoming job the client wants us wearing uniform that can pass as a smart shirt. The ArmourSkin is on the list of approved garments and looks interesting to me for speed of use (getting it on and off) both in terms of a response team and as general overt use, and comfort but would like to hear your views on it. Many thanks in Advance
+Stout Standing I have used Blauer stuff for a long time at work and have always been very happy with their stuff. I've never played with the armor skin though.
Ahh fair enough, thanks for the quick response and thank you again for the amazing videos, helped me out a lot when applying to be a police officer and again when venturing into private security
free field training A while back, I went on a ride-a-long mid-winter. The officer showed me an alley he liked to park at to clock speeders without being seen. Unfortunately when he managed to find a speeder, the weather didn't cooperate. Him and I were laughing as he tried to coax the crown vic off the icy alley onto the roadway.
Check your department and see if tbey have programes like police explore. Also would recommend buying a police scanner and listen in on there channel to learn yhere talk. And in the mean time get a job in corrections or security and also see if your department will allow ypu to start rhe academy at 20.... some do some dont.... how this helps good luck
I’m a Deputy in Alabama and the only thing I USUALLY need is a department issued thick jacket (and my reflective gloves if I am directing traffic at the school) #lovealabama
One of the more senior guys on this job always carries three pares of gloves. One for his hands. One for the guy who forgot them. and one to warm up in car and change into when the other pare gets cold.
pair
never thought of that gonna start keeping an extra pair in the heat now
That's a smart man
Join the USMC infantry. You will spend time, and more time in that.
Canadian here. The wisdom here is always 'loose and in layers', which I think you got covered very well.
You do not want to sweat, sweat = wet and wet = cold. Layers are nice because if you start getting too warm, you can strip off a layer or two before you really start sweating.
Also, my own little protip - in extreme cold situations where I expect to be outside (-20f to -40f is not uncommon here), I'll throw on a pair of pyjama pants over my thermal underwear and under my pants. It's like having a fleece sweater for your legs. Takes the bite out of the wind too. And avoid leather when possible, especially for things like jackets and gloves. Leather is great against wind and water, but once it gets cold it tends to stay cold.
+Yugophoto I'll squirl that idea away in case of a snap like that. Thanks for sharing!
pajama pants under normal pants? That was my go to in high school im so happy that it very rarely gets that cold wear I work coldest I can remember is right around 0 but not quite if we ever got into the negatives im sure the county would get put in a state of emergency and life as we know it would stop.
I lived in northern B.C.for three years, never even thought of the pajamas but it makes sense. I'm now in northern Utah for my first year so as Chief Gillespie (Heat Of The Night) used to say, we'll see what happens!
Yugophoto Canada is the one country I know of that in its warmest area still snows more than my home state of North Carolina... you are lucky.
the best clothing I can think of is "brynje of Norway" inner layers of net and wool,, super warm and soaks of sweat, good for every situation warm of cold. comes at a premium price but siper worth it, love their hats.
I was gonna mention socks. From my marine corps days where boots are crap chosen for you, socks are everything.
Ohh rah 😂👌🏼
Another necessity for large amounts of snowfall are boot gaiters. last month when we got the bomb cyclone out here in new york I was sure happy to have them. we had about 14 inches of snowfall with drifts up to 3 feet one call we had an elderly lady having major chest pain and the rescue couldnt get down the street with there rig since the street wasnt plowed. we wrapped her in a space blanket and a surplus blanket like you had threw her on a backboard and being im relatively new I got volunteered to trudge about a quarter mile out to the main road. Other officer had to go back to the station and dry out his socks and boots as they had filled with snow, and then ofcourse water. gaiters kept the snow and water out of my boots and got me out of writing a report since my fellow officer was gonna be in the station for an extended period.
This should be the standard for reviews and information videos. 5 stars man.
Thank you from frigid Canada!! 🇨🇦
Thanks once again Tommy. I'll be going shopping next payday for sure. You know my background and yet I still always end up either learning something new or looking at something from a new angle every time I tune in here. Be safe bro!
I was a road cop in the high Colorado mountains (Gilpin County) for 15 years, and I've seen cold that redefines the word cold. You start with a synthetic wicking undershirt (I preferred the loose fit UnderArmor), then my vest, then my short-sleeve uniform shirt. Then I'd have my cold weather jacket (when it comes to police style jackets, I preferred the 5.11 jacket with removable liner, which is super warm, waterproof, and windproof), my boots were Danner insulated Fort Hood duty boots (pricey, but worth every penny). They are flexible once broken in, great traction, and very tough walking across sharp rocks. Bates were my 2nd choice, but only with a shank in the sole. I didn't wear long-johns very often, but I would if the temps were going to be sub-negative-20. Otherwise, my normal activity was plenty to keep me warm, even in our constant 30 MPH never-ending winds. That's correct, I didn't wear long-johns unless it was going to be extra cold as described. Walking around outside is still enough wearing wool duty pants or cotton BDU style police duty pants to keep you warm, and long-johns will make you sweat, which is very bad. I also had access to my personal down filled winter parka for windy conditions during blizzards when I was too still to generate my own warmth. Keep that patrol car heater on HIGH, and raise/lower your windows to moderate the temperature. Its the only thing that'll keep your windshield and wipers from freezing over. Driving style gloves for normal use, and heavy waterproof ski gloves for extended cold weather exposure. I also had a GorTex lined HeadSock, which is hands down the best thing you'll ever wear in the cold weather. It's fleeze and GoreTex lined, with pull cords to restrict heat loss. I also had a wood cap, and a normal fleece beanie for normal weather. Seriously, get a GoreTex lined HeadSock if they still even make them. We also kept wool blankets in our patrol cars, military sleeping bags, an MRE's just in case we got stuck in the snow and needed to get through the night. NEVER LEAVE HOME UNPREPARED FOR THE ABSOLUTE WORST CASE SCENARIO.
My agency went from those Blauer coats to a firefighter-style fleece Ike jacket. It's surprisingly warm and it made it through last winter just fine here in MD. I still have my Blauer but it stays in my closet at home. I also have a pair of Blauer Boa waterproof boots which are amazing in water and snow. In terms of winter prep, I usually just wear my standard class B uniform with a thermal mock turtleneck, my heavy watch cap, a pair of insulated lightweight gloves, and my fleece coat.
This is definitely going to help, as I’m leaving the west cost for the Midwest for a department I’m really looking forward to working with!
@freefieldtraining if you are still looking for black mittens (after 5 years i doubt it but still) ice warrior tac gear makes a combination glove/mitten marketed towards canadian police for up to -40c.
Great video, especially for someone from AZ like myself who doesn’t know the first thing about the cold.
Graydon Sharp lol
Graydon Sharp - Only places in Arizona that police officers would need to worry about such low temperatures would be the higher elevations, such as towns as high as Jerome.
I know you guys start shivering in September i don't even look at my jacket untill December sometimes even January. We got a couple other guys like that to from Philly or Pittsburgh,NYC even Chicago.
I live in central Texas so everything past the 11:20 mark would be apocalyptic cold here, but the balaclava is a nice tip. i normally wear a turtle neck as my undershirt in the winter to protect my neck and carry an extra beanie just in case my head gets too cold.
I like merino wool for base layers. In my experience wool tends to resist perma-stink a bit better than synthetics and is also naturally fire retardant. Great video as usual!
+Cen Blackwell I'll have to look into that. I'm on a bit of a budget for all this stuff.
Unfortunately cost is definitely the down side of wool base layers, merino wool especially. Wool base layers from high end brands such as Arcteryx, TAD or similar can be stupidly expensive, but it's worth looking at something like Icebreaker who do very good quality items (tops & long johns) at more reasonable prices.
Outdoor research offers a LEO discount and has excellent merino wool base layers.
Didn't know that, thanks I'll definitely check them out.
Ya but any wetness anf your done for with wool. But oberthen tjat its warm. Wool and cotton are big no no's fpr base layers
The sunvisors you put in your windshield that reflected the sun is a good way to keep your feet warm by cutting out and outing in the bottom of ur show and an extra layer from ur feet to ground also
I acutally wear heated socks with ankle socks to compressed the pad to my foot left it off when i dont need it and had heated long john pants with off until needed and working on heated long john shirt soon
Not shore if you could incorporate but there are some sweat shirts now that are battery operated and have a heating element on the under side. There are also motorcycle vest that can connect to a power supply source that are also heat. You could also use toe warmers and hand warmers that are disposable. thee are also those bags from the military surplus store where you put water into the bag and it will be heated up from the bag itself, they are found in the MRE's.
Great stuff, right now I work private security and the area we work gets cold in the winter... but add to that, this facility no joke 24/7 blows wind into the building from the outside.
Legitimately just freezing cold 24/7 especially at night.
You picked a great time to release this video, it's frigid up here in Wisconsin!
I do Security in Canada and have been outside a lot and yes your gear would be good here just have a good pair of thermal socks. Suprisingly i lived in Vermont and that was one of the coldest places i have lived its a lot like Montreal bone chilling! Great Video!
Thank you for your service .
Black liquid leather dye will make those camo mitts black without the color running or stiffening the fabric. I used it on my camo Goretex 1,000 gm thinsolite boots and worked outside the week before the Superbowl in Minneapolis 2018. -15 or colder 4 days plus in a row, 10-hour days. The boots were amazing!
Awesome video. Relevant for me here in Montana. When it’s negative 40 I use “officer discretion” a lot more lol. I’m not getting out for a busted blinker 🤷🏽♂️. With extra layers I can enforce more efficiently!
Layers are a great idea in winter. 😊
I got around the trigger finger/mitten problem by hand knitting a pair with holes to put my trigger finger through. I’m able to draw and shoot my sidearm if I need to while wearing them.
If you are interest I can make you some. I make them out an acrylic yarn, so they are washable. It takes about two weeks to whip a pair up.
That's a cool idea
Love the jacket you are wearing in the video
In Canada you will have to expect -10 to -40 and the -10 gear is good when it is snowing but when it is not you can boil from the sun and the dark clothing
I like to keep a couple sets of handwarmers in my jacket pockets too. Good video. Lots of ideas.
Where I live it gets so cold (-40 or -50) The engine in my car doesn't even stay warm when sitting idle for and extended period of time.
If you know anything about cars the coolant in for your engine is what heats your car. Engine doesn't stay at operating temp, no heat.
From what I've seen as a Canadian resident, at least from federal and provincial LEOs, the department issues winter gear, and good stuff at that. Those red RCMP coats might look funny, but they are quite warm, same goes with the winter bearskin hats. But the RCMP's history was running around in the bush in a country with more mooses than people where most places are cold 5-6 months of the year if not more. The provincial police for Ontario are also well equipped too. Uniform coats, gloves, hats that al seem department issue.
I can't speak for municipal police though, Ontario is big and wide, and I haven't even visited half of it. Though at least the cops in the places I've lived seem decently equipped in winter. But it's sort of a cultural thing to know how to dress in winter here. If you don't know, you will likely get frostbite or hypothermia. Then you'll damned well learn how to dress, if you survive.
I learned my lesson way back in grade school after falling into a slush puddle. Extra gloves, always. Even second degree burns I've gotten at work aren't half as nasty as that mild frostbite. I didn't lose anything, but it was one of the most awful experiences I ever had. Only topped by broken bones and a steel chair to the face.
Thinking back on that childhood experience, dropping a grand of Canadian pesos on winter gear is a wise investment. Lineworker boots and coat, two types of thermal undies. Light and heavy gloves, plus an extra set of waterproof winter gloves in the car trunk, just in case I'm ever in a hurry and forget to bring a pair. Not to mention winter specific stuff in the car emergency kit too, E blanket, candles, hand warmers etc. I've never hit a situation where I needed most of it (thank goodness) But its good to have in case you ever break down somewhere out of the way. And somewhere cold and out of the way is most of Canada.
Have you tried looking for black mitts at an ice fishing type store? That's where I got mine, 'Ice Armor', same type of flip up you had there in cam.
Any chance you feel like doing an update video now that many places have switched to external carriers? I struggle with keeping warm, but also having access to everything on my chest.
I've always found those layered coats to be extremely warm with the inner layer. I forget our brand (i think 5.11) but shoveling out hydrants or directing traffic with both layers sucked. Always ended up soaked in sweat haha
Have you been in a situation where you have had to utilize your shelter option with the sheet and poncho? I live in North Texas where it can get fairly cold but we've never been so cold we needed improvised shelter; that's a new concept for me.
Lol, oh yeah.
Needed this!!
Appreciate your videos and Great Info. Prayers as you serve and protect
Thankfully I live in South West Georgia so I don’t have to deal with sub zero temperatures. But it can still get pretty cold for us here. Definitely some good tips in here. Also I can’t remember if I told you or not but I’m back at the Sheriffs office on the drug squad.
+Johnny Reb On the road again eh? Lol. Well, that's life man. You have to try to win and sometimes it doesn't work out. Luckily you were able to go back to a solid gig.
free field training you are right sometimes the cookie crumbles but you got to dust yourself off and keep on keeping on. Also I use a zippo electric hand warmer that last for about 12 hours it’s great to leave in a jacket pocket.
+Johnny Reb that's a good idea, I used to have one of those for winter camping. I wonder where it went.
Doesn't the department provide with a winter/cold weather uniform? 🤔
+Sweetasthesun my pd doesn't even provide me with the basic uniform. I get a single badge, ID, commission card, the requisite agency specific patches, a vest, and very little else. I have to buy all my own stuff with quite a bit if latitude in what I get as long as it meets policy requirements. That is fairly common in the Midwest. Chicago pd gets nearly nothing as well.
That's kinda sad. I don't imagine your pay is exactly great to begin with, but then you also have to use your own money to outfit yourself? The company I worked for at least has a uniform allowance for their techs who face the public.
free field training wow
You dont get a uniform allowance ???
I can speak on this. My department gave us a badge, radio, 2 long sleeve uniform shirts, 2 short sleeve uniform shirts, 4 pairs of uniform pants, boots and one jacket. You will notice a lot missing from that list. Duty belt and all the stuff on it, weapons, lights.. so on. They dont supply us with much. Each year we get a uniform allowance. Its enough to replace and repair what you used that year. So videos like this are good so some of us who dont have the experience can learn from those who do and have spent the money and time learning the hard way. I'm here today looking for cold weather solutions myself.
How bout snow boarding pants? Light maneuverable, zippers for vents
The military "mickey mouse" boot are a life saver for cold SWAT call outs. The black ones are good to well below zero. You wont be chasing anyone down in them, but they are great for standing around for long periods.
I have been looking for a good pair of winter gloves that allow me to still grab my pistol for years. Some new things just came out but I need to test.
What I would recommend is getting a blizzard blanket, if you get find someone they are great to pull out and unwrap, they are great!
I would always lend a hand to any law enforcement I need of help I'm a house dragger always glad to help my brothers in blue
Makes me thankful I live in Texas
Nice vids and advice not just for policeman
@free field training Think you.could do a video showing us your thoughts and ideas on wet weather / rain gear?
Thanks Tommy. Great content as always.
Sir, have you considered using RIT black dye on the gloves? Probably won't make them entirely black but it should definitely dull the non black colors to where they're a lot less noticeable.
+Will Griffith that's not a bad idea. I tried using magic marker but it didn't take.
-10 is pretty damn cold. Insulated boots is a huge one. When I went hunting one time and had uninsulated boots sitting in the freezing cold and snow for a full day it was killing me. Won't do that again! I found the hot hands for your feet to be really really nice but once you start moving it's way too hot. Only for sitting for long periods outside.
WCGwkf I am in WI right now, and with the wind chill it is -13 °F
My worst part about the cold is my hands get freezing so quick I have to have gloves
Regarding the black jacket that you're wearing during this video, what model and who makes it?
Loving the content, and this one really applies up here in Canada. Cheers brother.
+Matt W it is a 5.11 Sabre 2. Good jacket. Very light weight, kinda pricey, but lots of Leo centric features
Bad guys stop being bad once they get a taste of Hypothermia.
Loving the MARPAT bag, brother
It was a gift from my Uncle Sam
Synthetic isnt good to wear under your vest because if you get shot, the energy from the round going into the vest turns to heat which will melt the synrhetic material into your skin. I do enjoy wearing synthetic base layers, but not under my vest.
I've never heard that before and from our extensive body armor testing on the channel I'm pretty sure it isn't true.
hi sir, question, what blauer pants do you wear? whats the style number?
Just curious, Any of you wear a Battery powered heated coat? Dewalt and Milwalkee both make them and Home Depo and Lowes online sell them.
Not an LEO, more like security. Have a heated coat from Milwaukee that I got at Home Depot. The coat is more designed for contractors and is long. I use to wear a duty belt and found I would have to fold the bottom of the coat up so as not impede access to equipment. I don't carry a firearm so now most of my gear is stored in Stryke pants or coat so not as much of an issue. Would not recommend a heated coat like those from Milwaukee or Dewalt if you need easy access to your duty belt gear. Couple of other downsides, these coats are uncomfortable if you are a vehicle as the battery pack would poke into your back when seated; additionally wearing a vest on top of them would be uncomfortable and make it difficult to turn the coat on or off.
Try some "mickey" boots they're supposed to keep your feet warm in the snow when standing for long periods of time. A bit of redundancy for the wool blanket if you ask me. They look huge though I can't get any one to tell me if they effect driving 😂 still worth the money to me I'll be buying some next pay check to see how they are this winter. Good luck
Great information, thanks! Where did you get the mittens from or what brand is it?
Is this why I sometimes don't get tickets when I pass police at 10 over? Because they're busy filming for YT? :D Sweet!
Nah, I don't shoot video at work. Plus I don't have radar so you'd have to be cooking way faster than 10 over for me to notice. L
I figured you didn't really :) I was just joking. Thanks for the work you do!
Just a question your with CPD, (Chicago) P.D. Do you have to pay for everything when it comes to your equipment and everything that is on your duty belt or are you compensated after your purchase everything after you show your receipts.
Another well produced video Tommy, as always! Two observations; firstly I'm glad that here in the UK it's so rare to get cold weather anywhere near as extreme as over there, but secondly it has always shocked me how much gear you buy yourself! The stuff we get provided isn't always great but at least it is provided for free (mostly)... Do US departments compensate officers for their kit?
+Sam Lowe Some places issue everything and some provide nothing. I get a small stipend for uniforms. It only covers a couple pairs of pants a year though. Nowhere near what it costs to do the job, especially when you are just starting off. What you see on the videos is over a decade of spending my own money to try to have the best gear I can afford to do the job.
free field training fair enough, I mean the true professionals (and the kit nerds like me) do pick up some replacements for the lowest-bidder kit we get issued just to make life easier, but we do at least get all the basics! Then again we also drive plain rented cars with no lights, sirens or radios in them, not even a police sticker for the doors, so I guess every different employer has their priorities!
+Sam Lowe I'd obviously like more money for gear, but I'd still rather buy my own than have it issued as long as I pick what it is. It let's me get the things that work best for me personally instead of having to use what some administrator was sold at a trade show or gun shop. I've seen chiefs do months if research on gear then bid, bought, and issued it only for me to break it a few weeks later because some company convinced them of a bunch of stuff that makes no sense in real life.
Where in the U.K. do you live? Must be in the South as here in North Wales it gets really cold in the winter
I use the same head gear setup.
17 years on the job and my wife talks me into wearing a scarf at work on night shift. It was a manly scarf...black north face. Got to keep them ears and neck warm lol
Eboni Tucker Only wear it when I’m stuck out side my car for along time.
Only other thing I do is have a pair of rain pants or at least wind breakers to protect my legs from the wind and wet. Having to wear a pair of wet pants is not fun.
+Lag_ thays a great idea
Was just getting on shift, step out of the car right into a puddle, had to work all shift outside in the cold, with wet feet
My legs always get cold. I wear thermal underwear but we have cheap polyester uniform pants that let the wind come right through them. We have to wear what's issued. Any suggestions?
Lol, I'm from New Jersey, and we love to flame people from Delaware or Maryland for complaining about the cold, but holy hell, you wouldn't need half of that down here
Hey I do security in Northwest Indiana and I was wondering what type of bulletproof vest u could recommend
I'm glad it doesn't get below 0 degrees in Texas
Cody Stewart the fuck it doesn't
sure it's rare but it happens
We’re u from Im currently in the army when I get out I plan to go to the Chicago Police Department
What do you wear in wet weather? I'm looking for ideas in the security capacity
+Gailand Burrows a rain coat. Black one, full length
Nothing in particular brand wise?
+Gailand Burrows I have no preference really. I'm sure if I worked in Seattle it would be a big deal to me.
Copy that, thank you sir
As current EMS so far I've loved my 511 his vis responder parka. Has the fleece inner layer that can come out. Can wear in the winter and in the spring and fall you can take the inner layer out and use the shell. Completely waterproof. Wouldnt use it in the summer cause it's a bit thick for that even without the fleece layer but it's great. I havent put it through it's full paces yet but so far I love it
This is still relivent here in Florida because for us 40 is like -15.
William Strickland for me -15F is +50F
has anyone tried the cold weather base layers from 221b tactical?
Hey everyone! I'm about to start as a Deputy Sheriff. Question: I need good pants suggestions. My department bought me 2 pairs, which are Flying Cross. The cap told me straight up they aren't the best. I need suggestions for what to look into. One thing I can tell you is that I dislike how 5.11 are cut. The way they cut the crotch drives me insane. I'm calling on all my new brothers to help me out with some good suggestions!
+Scottius Maximus Blauer wool or poly rayon pants.
+free field training
Awesome. I'll look into that. I'm definitely going to get some of this cold weather gear. I am on the highline by Canada at 6500 feet up in the Rocky Mountains LOL! It gets cold here, too!
yea for pants im in love with 5.11 so guess i cant help you
+Matthew Friske
I wish I did. I think they're very well made and solid pants. Just, I can't stand that crotch cut in them :(
What do you think about line Leather Jackets for Police work
I like them but they are expensive. The ones we are allowed to use at work are $800
What state are you from?
Why am I watching this? I live in Texas. Good vid.
+Russian Bot #climatechange lol
well my boot Texas is a cruel mistress she may snap and freeze you out
Are you Lefty or Righty? Or work well both [ambidextrous] or some left some right? I'm sorry I didnt mean to assume your dexterity.
+John Pettersen I'm naturally a righty but the nuns at catholic school decided that was not acceptable so now I have an odd amalgamation of both. I write with my right hand but can shoot bow, rifle, and handgun pretty well both ways. Shotgun for some reason I can only do righty really well. Most other things I can switch on demand.
Hi I love your videos
Hey man, Love the videos, its a little off topic but I guess its related in a sense. Seeing that you use some of the Blauer gear, do you have any experience wit the ArmourSkin set up? The armour cover and the under shirt? As I live in the UK there aren't many people who I work with who use the Blauer gear. I work in as a part pf a PSD and as part of an upcoming job the client wants us wearing uniform that can pass as a smart shirt. The ArmourSkin is on the list of approved garments and looks interesting to me for speed of use (getting it on and off) both in terms of a response team and as general overt use, and comfort but would like to hear your views on it. Many thanks in Advance
+Stout Standing I have used Blauer stuff for a long time at work and have always been very happy with their stuff. I've never played with the armor skin though.
Ahh fair enough, thanks for the quick response and thank you again for the amazing videos, helped me out a lot when applying to be a police officer and again when venturing into private security
in canada we just use tim hortons eh
This is something i was looking forwards to
Police cars need to start carrying recovery boards when the snow falls
+Conner Coleman my Pd switched to AWD about four years ago. Problem solved.
free field training A while back, I went on a ride-a-long mid-winter. The officer showed me an alley he liked to park at to clock speeders without being seen. Unfortunately when he managed to find a speeder, the weather didn't cooperate. Him and I were laughing as he tried to coax the crown vic off the icy alley onto the roadway.
So Departments won't give you jackets and hat
Minus 33, smart wool, any kind of merino wool long underwear.
You can get some mittens like those in Multicam at 0241tactical.com that might be slightly better for law enforcement than realtree style camo
i want to be a police officer going to graduate in may and am 18 i heard you have to be 21 to be a cop so what do i do until am 21??
Check your department and see if tbey have programes like police explore. Also would recommend buying a police scanner and listen in on there channel to learn yhere talk. And in the mean time get a job in corrections or security and also see if your department will allow ypu to start rhe academy at 20.... some do some dont.... how this helps good luck
all things auto with anthony dude, again, wrong.
Wool socks???
wastool wool socks are great. I wear them year round. Ever heard of Darn Tough Socks? If not I suggest you check them out.
Cold gear 2024-25 update?
I’m a Deputy in Alabama and the only thing I USUALLY need is a department issued thick jacket (and my reflective gloves if I am directing traffic at the school) #lovealabama
What state do you live in ?????????????
Where are you a officer at
Your mom's bedroom
Illinois
I have the same thermos cup. beat to crap like yours.
Hot Headz makes a black pair.
"long johns" hmm, nice to see someone else uses that term, must be either a generation thing, or just a chicago thing
Neat
Whoops thought that said cold beer damn diabetes.
-10 and the sun is "up"? You must live in a hell. Here it only gets to -10 at 5 am once a year, maybe.
Nøderak : Routinely -20F or colder here. Come visit!!
Aaron I'll call the reindeer rental place and see what they have :)
Welcome to Illinois :)
Ex marine ?
All that and ya don't need a bp vest!? Lol
Great stuff
AYYYYE I have that shirt! Lol