Winter travel

[mendeleyev]

All week long the forecast was for rain and cold temps. That proved to be accurate.

The forecast also included sleet and icy conditions by this Friday. Yesterday (Wednesday) the snow arrived two days early. From initial appearances the usual "Indian Summer" (Бабье лето spoken Babye Lyeto) may have decided to skip Russia this year. 


(photo: RIA Novosti)

Next week the Moscow forecast includes more rain but a couple of days could range from partly cloudy to sunny conditions with temps in the low-mid 40s (F).

The forecast for Kyiv (Kiev) is for rain the rest of the week and then partly cloudy into next week but so far no snow and the temps are approximately 7-8 degrees higher than the forecast for Moscow.

So, for those traveling this late autumn/winter how do you prepare/pack for travel?

Any items or tips that you'd like to share with other travelers especially those first time to the FSU?

[ML]

I have been in Ukraine for month long trips several times during October.

I have been very, very lucky with nice temperatures and lack of rain, and certainly no snow.

But this year, Ochka hears from several relatives that it has been a struggle to dig potatoes and other items from ground in September because of excessive rains.

[steveboy]

I have never found the temperature much of a problem -30 or what ever, just wrap up warm. Its not as if your going to be walking about all day in that cold. But one thing that is a killer!!! If you haven't much hair on your head, wear a big warm hat, no hat and you die

[mendeleyev]

Layering of clothing can be important, becoming lighter inside and heavier when embarking on the great outdoors.

The vast majority of apartments are heated by steam. Not only does this extend the needed drying time for laundry, but many families live in older apartments and in some bedroom communities the bulk of steam heat is sometimes directed toward offices and retail in the city centre. That means apartments can be somewhat cooler until evening. Layering is common in these situations too. Newer housing areas usually don't have this problem.

[Shadow]

That reminds me of our hotel stay where the heating was on such level that we slept with the window open at -25C.

[GQBlues]

...Any items or tips that you'd like to share with other travelers especially those first time to the FSU?

I do away from packing boxers but instead pack boxer briefs during winter or cold days...Far more impressive.

[mendeleyev]

Shadow:

That reminds me of our hotel stay where the heating was on such level that we slept with the window open at -25C.

Yep, our old apartment had ancient plumbing and there had been several burn accidents when neighbors tried to adjust the steam so we just left the control where it had been for years and used a window to regulate the temp. 



 

[mendeleyev]

A coat should breathe as otherwise moisture collects on the body and as you go in (hot) and later back outside (freezing) this results in the perfect condition for developing pneumonia. Many Russians have wool coats which breathe nicely and help mitigate the collection of moisture trapped inside non-breathing clothing.

I like a long coat because of the protection in cold winds and one that buttons all the way up to the neck to protect the throat.

Don't be afraid of carrying an umbrella as it will serve to fend off wet snowfall.


Off the record in case the NSA spies are monitoring:
Of course take lots of tin foil to put under your hat: this will ward off evil mind control messages sent subliminally by KGB agents on your trail. On your tail, too.