Hi Aaron,
It depends on what you mean by extreme temperatures. We've been on the road often in the European north (Norway, Sweden) in the winter and have had temperatures down to just below minus 30 degrees Celsius/ minus 20 F.
Overlanding in winter a really great thing if the overlander pays attention to a few things. I'm happy to share my experiences on this and give a few tips. There are also some good articles on this in the forum here, for example in the boot camp part. Please take a look there as well! For example the
Boot Camp article for sleeping warm in camp.
Basically, traveling in winter requires a little more planning and preparation. Furthermore, a thorough inventory of equipment is self-evident and, depending on the destination, additional equipment is also advisable. In addition, there are numerous ways to prepare well for cold weather, so that you can then enjoy the beautiful winter landscapes.
One of the most important things in my experience: the weather can change quickly adversely, especially in winter. Here everyone should be prepared. This includes at least blankets, additional (warm) clothing, food and certainly enough fuel in the vehicle. When planning your route, you should take into account the shortened daylight hours. Always obtain a reliable weather forecast before traveling to less populated areas. Safety first!
Now a few tips / keywords in a nutshell:
- Besides the weather, keep an eye on the road conditions; there are good apps for this in many countries.
- As on any trip, the vehicle should of course be in good condition. So, check anything before, such as is the starter battery still ok, is the coolant ok (check it with a refractometer), are the lamps and bulbs ok, windshield wipers and check windshield cleaner / ill it up and carry replacements with you, Maintain door seals, hinges and locks, winter tires/ studded tires (is there any law about that in the are you travel?).
- Many things that we should have in the vehicle in the winter are available in most overlanding vehicles anyway. Jump-start cable or jump-starter device, shovel, camping stove (small meals / hot water for a tea) warm blankets or good sleeping bags (you had already mentioned), simple, high-calorie meals as emergency rations, firewood, firestarter, hatchet and saw, thermos flask (with hot tea), towing and recovery gear, something to sweep away snow, ice scraper, de-icer for locks, etc.
- Comms is key, always, especially in Winter if you get stuck for example.
- Personal gear like headlamp, insulated working gloves, etc. are important.
- Think about additional lights (shorter daytime). Good light is essential in the dark. this Especially in areas where there is a lot of game crossing
- I also have a hot water heater in my vehicle. An independent diesel heater that preheats the coolant and a 120/230V heater.
- Diesel or gasoline engine? In colder regions, diesel fuel can cause problems. A clogged filter leads to jerky engine running, starting difficulties and engine stalling. Change the filter beforehand (should be done regularly anyway), if necessary, carry additives with diesel. Btw, as far as I know also gasoline freezes at about minus 45 degrees Celsius/ minus 50 degrees F. Refuelling in good time is also important.
- At extremely low temperatures, it maybe make sense to change to other engine and transmission oils (thick fluid at very low temperatures), please check the vehicle manufacturer's specifications for that.
With good preparation, such a winter trip can be a real pleasure. For enduring the cold, the overlander is compensated by breath-taking views of snow-covered landscapes or who knows, even a wonderful aurora borealis. I would love to travel to Canada in the winter.
These are just a few points from my experience and that just come to mind. We have here also some members from your are and more northern, which certainly have a lot of experience with cold in the area. Have a look at the member map, maybe you can contact someone there. There are certainly many members happy to help.
Feel free to ask if you want to know anything else.
Enjoy!
Bjoern
