Carhartt Extreme!

[mneedham]

It has been reasonably cool in upstate NY this year and I have had occasion to spend a fair amount of time outside, both where I live near the Mass. border and in Watertown. During a cold snap about a month ago, I bought these Carhartt Extreme insulated coveralls. Carhartt says that these are the warmest, toughest coveralls they make and I chose them on that basis. They are made of cordura and are fairly heavy. The first couple times I wore them it was around 5 degrees F (without windchill) and I found them to be as warm a piece of clothing as I own. I was originally going to buy the full coverall version and I am now glad that I didn't, I think the coveralls would be too warm for working in this particular climate. So here they are:

Going out to split kindling with the trusty cleaver:

The legs have both snaps and zippers (makes them easier to put on):

The suspender clips are easy to manipulate:

The cleaver performs well:

Most of the gear that we talk about here is related to outdoor recreation, and these coveralls are really more for working, but I am guessing that many folks here would find these valuable. The Extremes are incredibly warm. at 10 degrees F, I find myself unzipping the front if I am moving around. I would not recommend the full coverall version unless you are in a really cold situation or will not be moving.

Pros: Well thought-out pockets and zippers. You can easily access your pants pocket via zipper, Very warm and appear to be very tough.

Cons: Heavy (not for hiking) and not cheap (I think I paid about $95). It better be cool out when you wear them or you will overheat.

Bottom line: These are awesome.

 

[Wandering_About]

I use a pair of Carhartt overalls like that every winter around the farm. Especially useful doing chores when it's -15 and the wind is blowing hard. They're also nice for stillhunting or sitting in a stand when it's cold. When you're walking a few yards an hour, weight becomes less of an issue as freezing in place.

 

[mneedham]

I use a pair of Carhartt overalls like that every winter around the farm. Especially useful doing chores when it's -15 and the wind is blowing hard. They're also nice for stillhunting or sitting in a stand when it's cold. When you're walking a few yards an hour, weight becomes less of an issue as freezing in place.

Yep, They are great for puttering around in. I think the coverall version is definitely the way to go for hunting (sitting). When it got really cold here in January, I wore the extremes with a Carhartt insulated, hooded jacket, and can honestly say that I never felt a chill... I really like these. Every once in a while a piece of clothing comes along that just stands out, I feel that way about these.

 

[mdauben]

I was originally going to buy the full coverall version and I am now glad that I didn't, I think the coveralls would be too warm for working in this particular climate.

I would agree. I have a set of arctic weight (black lining) Carhartt coveralls. They are great if you have to spend time standing around in below freezing weather (Ice fishing, blind hunting, or perhaps snowmobiling?), but if you are engaged in any sort of physical activities they quickly become too hot in any but the most fridgid conditions.

Personally, I find a pair of overalls and a matching coat are much more flexible for mixed activities.

Most of the gear that we talk about here is related to outdoor recreation, and these coveralls are really more for working, but I am guessing that many folks here would find these valuable.

I agree here. You can find lighter gear of equal warmth from manufacturers who cater to the hikers, skiers, snowshoers, etc. For everyday wear in the outdoors, though, I don't think you can beat Carhartts for quality and durability.

 

[JD Spydo]

I am a very devout Carhartt customer. Today I am wearing one of the black vests that is made from the same material your black coveralls are made from. I also like the Carhartt double insulated sweatshirts. The vest and sweatshirt keep me warmer than most heavy coats do including my Carhartt coats.

If any of you know of a good Carhartt vendor on the web let me know who it is. Our 2 Carhartt dealers here in this area have cut way back on their selections. I would love to have another one of their insulated sweatshirt with hood which are getting hard to find here locally.

 

[Kismet]

DON'T buy from Sportsman's Guide online.

Ordered carhartt's lined, was told..out of stock...got something substituted...blue denim lined things...just...not in the same category of quality, warmth, durability.

Oh..and ordered from SG because I had a coupon from the previous order which was returned to them.

YMMV...this is my experience.

 

[mneedham]

I am a very devout Carhartt customer. Today I am wearing one of the black vests that is made from the same material your black coveralls are made from. I also like the Carhartt double insulated sweatshirts. The vest and sweatshirt keep me warmer than most heavy coats do including my Carhartt coats.

If any of you know of a good Carhartt vendor on the web let me know who it is. Our 2 Carhartt dealers here in this area have cut way back on their selections. I would love to have another one of their insulated sweatshirt with hood which are getting hard to find here locally.

I bought mine at Tractor Supply (store), they have sales every once in a while. For on-line, check out Gemplers, I have had good luck with them.

 

[1_BIG_BUNKER]

You won't have any problem with these. When going down to Antarctica, these are issue gear at CDC. They held up great and I was outside every single day I was there.

I spent just over a year at the South Pole and was issued two sets. These with the heavy polypro and I was good down to -60 or so. When it got colder, I added another layer of the thinner polypro then the heavier polypro and if it was windy, then some sweat pants over that, then the Carhartts, and I was fine even when it dropped to -103.

When it hit -103 that's when I joined the 200 club. That is where people have been in a 200 degree temp extreme. You have been 100 above zero and 100 below zero.

 

[mneedham]

You won't have any problem with these. When going down to Antarctica, these are issue gear at CDC. They held up great and I was outside every single day I was there.

I spent just over a year at the South Pole and was issued two sets. These with the heavy polypro and I was good down to -60 or so. When it got colder, I added another layer of the thinner polypro then the heavier polypro and if it was windy, then some sweat pants over that, then the Carhartts, and I was fine even when it dropped to -103.

When it hit -103 that's when I joined the 200 club. That is where people have been in a 200 degree temp extreme. You have been 100 above zero and 100 below zero.

Big Bunker,

I'm gonna take your word on the effectiveness of the overalls at that temp... I've seen about -50F (with WC) a couple of times in life, but nothing like -103. Does the material stiffen up at those temps?

 

[sicily02]

I have several of the coats and one bib and that is all I use. I love mine LOL.

103 below that is crazy cold burrr LOL. That is no place for me LOL.

Bryan

 

[Jason B.]

I have the bibs and jacket what a difference from the previous set I had. I have the luxury of working outside year round and when its 10 or 20 out I am almost to warm. These are by far the best carhartt's made :thumbup:

 

[88Azazel]

If any of you know of a good Carhartt vendor on the web let me know who it is.

You can order directly from Carhartt.com

 

[1_BIG_BUNKER]

No, they do not stiffen at all. We had -187 WC and again, they were fine. That is the coldest WC I remember hearing about while there, but the temp was somewhere around -80. It is very windy down there.

I would also like to say that it is VERY dry down there, so the cold is not as bad as it would be in a humid area. I was colder in Wisconsin at -30 than I was down there at -60.

You reach down and pick up dirt and it was like sand on the warm beach even though the temp was -30 at Mcmurdo. That is how dry it is down there. The ground does not freeze because there is no moisture in it to freeze. Peel a hard boiled egg and leave it out and in a couple hours it will look like a white prune. The moisture is sucked right out of everything there.

I think this low moisture has something to do with stiffness, but then again, I have seen trucks with four flat tires with the beads broke, and it is so cold the rubber is froze round. Only when you warm them up do the rubber tires soften up and goes flat. I also seen my buddy outside in gym shoes and after about 20 minutes he was coming back and they were so frozen they broke under the ball of his foot where they flex and bend. He was to lazy to put on his bunny boots and ended up staying out longer than he wanted. I told him to go to the mall and get some new shoes. It is about 3200 miles north of here, then again, everything is north of there.

 

[mneedham]

I have the bibs and jacket what a difference from the previous set I had. I have the luxury of working outside year round and when its 10 or 20 out I am almost to warm. These are by far the best carhartt's made :thumbup:

Yep, I've their older products too, and the extremes are better!

 

[mneedham]

No, they do not stiffen at all. We had -187 WC and again, they were fine. That is the coldest WC I remember hearing about while there, but the temp was somewhere around -80. It is very windy down there.

I would also like to say that it is VERY dry down there, so the cold is not as bad as it would be in a humid area. I was colder in Wisconsin at -30 than I was down there at -60.

You reach down and pick up dirt and it was like sand on the warm beach even though the temp was -30 at Mcmurdo. That is how dry it is down there. The ground does not freeze because there is no moisture in it to freeze. Peel a hard boiled egg and leave it out and in a couple hours it will look like a white prune. The moisture is sucked right out of everything there.

I think this low moisture has something to do with stiffness, but then again, I have seen trucks with four flat tires with the beads broke, and it is so cold the rubber is froze round. Only when you warm them up do the rubber tires soften up and goes flat. I also seen my buddy outside in gym shoes and after about 20 minutes he was coming back and they were so frozen they broke under the ball of his foot where they flex and bend. He was to lazy to put on his bunny boots and ended up staying out longer than he wanted. I told him to go to the mall and get some new shoes. It is about 3200 miles north of here, then again, everything is north of there.

Thats interesting.. The lack or presence of humidity (water vapor) is certainly a factor in heat stress, but I never thought about it as a effecting the cold... I find that the wind is the most critical part of the cold this area as I'm sure it is is Wis.

 

[Sharp Eye]

Great info guys.
Thanks for the review mneedham.
I have to agree that -103 is insane. My toes ache just hearing about a temperature that low.

 

[Razor]

If I, make it through, this winter. I am going to try some Carhatt, bibs, and coveralls. I was talking to an old farmer, the other day, and he said he could not make it through the winter, without his CH coveralls. He is outside everyday, and he is in his 70's. Kinda made me fell like a wimp.