From numb hands and freezing feet to a runny nose, can the products in today's "Human Lab" help you weather the cold? If you're someone who spends a lot of time outdoors this time of year, finding the right layers could be crucial for your health. "The biggest dangers are hypothermia and frostbite," explains Dr. Keri Peterson. "The typical body temperature is 98.6 degrees and it takes just a three degree drop for it to be a medical emergency," she says about hypothermia. "Frostbite is when your tissues freeze and it damages the cells, that will happen below 32 degrees. But, if your hands are wet it's much more dangerous, so it's really important to protect your hands, your feet, your nose and your ears."

She says layers are your best defense when spending time out in the cold. Choose a material for the first layer that will not retain moisture. "Cotton is a no-no when you want to stay warm; cotton actually stays really wet," Dr. Peterson advises. "You want to stick to more synthetic materials like polyester or actually wool. Your second layer you want to be warm and insulating, and again wool is the best bet for that. And then your outer layer - waterproof!"

Staying warm is especially challenging for three of our viewers, whose jobs keep them shivering all day, so they are testing products to try and get warm!
Henry, Ice Sculptor. "I'm usually in the freezer five to seven days a week, from one to 16 hours a day," says 31-year-old Henry. "Anything that would keep my face warm would really help!" He tests the Talus Cold Avenger Pro Face Mask, which claims to be high performance with an aerodynamic design and a state-of-the-art ventilation system to allow unrestricted ease of breathing, keeps moisture away from the face and warms and humidifies inhaled air.

Ashley, Figure Skating Instructor. "This rink is like a giant igloo!" says Ashley. "My feet are cold every day, all day, and the rest of my body will not warm up until my feet are actually warm." She gives Thermo Feet shoe inserts a try, which claim to keep footwear 20 degrees warmer.

Alex, Professional Window Washer. "Your hands feel like weathered stones ... your bones feel brittle ... your skin's cracking dry," says Alex about his daily regimen. "It's really hard to find something that will keep you warm that you can still work in." He's trying out the 180s Commuter Glove, which claim to warm your fingers with a quick moving blast of breath, without removing your gloves.

Related Links

180s Commuter Gloves

Dry Guy

Talus Outdoor Technologies