When I saw forecasted windchills below -15F, I knew I’d have to make good gear decisions. I read several threads about general cold-weather tips and specific gear like what kind of balaclava to get, what socks to wear, etc. Most of this discussion is about day 1 because it was much colder. 

Location: Jackson Creek Summit (formerly Indianhead), Ironwood, MI

Conditions: 
Day 1: morning -5F feels like -17F
afternoon: 5/-5. 
Wind 10mph. Cloudy.
Day 2: morning: 5/-5 wind 10mph
afternoon: 13/5 wind 20 mph 
Light snow all day.

Layers bottom
- long underwear
- Sweatpants, heavy early then changed to lighter 
- Snow pants 

Layers top
- thermal (synthetic)
- Merino/synthetic waffle shirt
- Fleece early then took it off as it was too hot even on day 1
- Winter coat
- proof of concept re: moisture wicking - I did not feel sweaty, but when I took my coat off I noticed the inside of the sleeves and torso were slick with sweat. Breathable layers are key!

Feet
- thin merino socks 3/$50 pure athlete - thinnest is best for sweaty feet like mine.
- Foot warmer by top of toes - great choice, hard to stuff into boot but worth it. Did not impede foot movement in boot.
- was worried most about my feet but this setups was great until I ditched the warmers on day 2. Mistake.

Hands
- liners, shitty texting gloves (merino would be better). Regret taking these off day 2.
- Mittens with liner and leathery shell 

Head
- Oakley balaclava. I was skeptical this would be enough, but I am glad that I decided against thicker merino ones. Face was fine even in -15 windchill as long as it was covered. Goggles did not fog when I had this below my nose.
- thin ear cover headband (not pictured) - I didn’t start with this but I get cold ears quickly, so I put it on later

Water
- wore hydration backpack most of first day. Wish I would have the second day, too. Really dehydrated the night of day 2 as a result of not bringing it.

I got a little cocky and took 1 layer off each of my body parts for day 2. By the end of the day I was very cold, especially my toes and fingers.

Review of my frigid-weather clothing choices: a reference for other first-timers