Originally Posted by
ptempel
If you feel any tingling when you go into the shower, then you were underdressed and risk frostbite. I had this experience a long time ago on the toes on my feet if I recall. I just had to learn to dress properly and layer up on my legs and core. For your fingers, try another layer on your chest. Maybe another baselayer compression long sleeve shirt perhaps? My experience so far has been if I keep the core covered and warn, then the extremities will take care of themselves somewhat. So 20-29F for example, means four layers on the chest, two on the legs, two on the head (balaclava and winter cap), two on the feet plus shoe covers and winter gloves for me. Then I never feel too cold on the hands or feet.
This is one of those bell curve things, where people are different along the cold tolerance continuum. I am apparently pretty far to the "freezing fingers and toes end" of the long tail. More on the core does not keep
my fingers warm, it just makes me sweat
more.
Today, 11.5 miles, 35deg, 20mph headwind. One thin base layer, one thicker base later, polar jacket. Polar tights. Thin wool ski socks, NW Farenheit SPD shoes. Arenberg cap (love the Arenberg cap, the bill keeps the wind out of the top of the glasses). Liner gloves under Izumi Gavias.
I was slightly sweaty under the base layers, which in my world is perfect. A moist bottom layer doesn't get clammy as body temp keeps it warm.
Toes were cool, but ok. Fingers absolutely froze. Numb. But not frostbit. My fingers go numb but don't really frostbite.