What We Wear at -71°C (-95°F)? Yakutia, Siberia

Summary

In this video, Dayana from Yakutsk, the coldest city on Earth, shares how she and her sister Daiaana dress to stay warm in extreme temperatures, even as low as -71°C (-95°F). The sisters wear several layers of clothing, including wool leggings, fleece sweaters, and fur boots made from reindeer skin. Dayana explains the necessity of fur hats and mittens to prevent frostbite, and how Yakutian women balance practicality with style. The video also highlights Yakutsk's unique challenges, such as working at open-air markets and managing cars in the freezing cold.

Takeaways

• ❄️ Yakutsk is the coldest city on Earth, with temperatures reaching -71°C (-95°F).
• 👭 Dayana and her sister Daiaana demonstrate how to dress warmly in extreme cold while still maintaining style.
• 🧣 Multiple layers of clothing, such as woolen leggings and fleece sweaters, are necessary to stay warm in Yakutsk.
• 👢 Daiaana wears traditional Yakutian fur boots made of reindeer skin, which are both practical and stylish.
• 👗 Women in Yakutia have two main looks: one with elegant fur coats and another more casual with down jackets.
• 🧥 Fur hats, particularly made from arctic fox, are essential as knitted hats are not warm enough.
• 🧤 Beaded mittens and full facial coverage are important to avoid frostbite in extreme conditions.
• 🍖 The coldest open-air market in Yakutsk remains operational at -50°C (-58°F), where sellers keep working despite harsh conditions.
• 🚍 Public transport continues to function in extreme cold, and people rely on buses or keep their car engines running all day.
• 🔧 Wearing glasses is risky at -70°C (-94°F) since the metal can freeze to the skin, causing injuries.

Q & A

What are the essential layers of clothing people wear in Yakutsk during extreme cold?

People in Yakutsk wear several layers, including woolen leggings, fleece sweaters, and wadded pants to keep warm. These layers help protect vulnerable areas like the knees, which are prone to freezing.

What type of footwear is traditionally worn in Yakutsk to combat extreme cold?

Fur boots made from reindeer skin, known as Yakutian handmade traditional boots, are commonly worn. These boots often feature unique beaded patterns.

What are the two typical winter styles for women in Yakutsk?

Women in Yakutsk typically have two winter styles: a more feminine look with fur coats made of mink or fox, and a casual style with a warm, more affordable down jacket.

Why is a fur hat necessary in Yakutsk during winter, rather than a knitted one?

A fur hat, usually made from arctic fox fur, is necessary because knitted hats do not provide enough warmth for the extreme cold. Fur hats offer superior insulation.

What additional accessories are important to wear during the winter in Yakutsk?

In addition to layered clothing, it's important to wear mittens with Yakutian patterns and to fully cover the face to avoid frostbite in extreme cold.

How do people manage to work in Yakutsk’s open-air markets at temperatures as low as -50°C (-58°F)?

People working in Yakutsk’s open-air markets dress in multiple layers and wear insulated felt boots. They also take shifts and go indoors periodically to warm up.

What is the coldest temperature mentioned in the transcript that someone has worked outside?

The coldest temperature mentioned is -60°C (-76°F), when a market worker was still able to work outside by wearing more layers and insulating properly.

What challenges do Yakutsk residents face when wearing glasses in extreme cold?

Wearing glasses in extreme cold is risky because the metal can freeze and stick to the face, making it difficult to remove them without causing injury.

How long can people generally stay outside in Yakutsk before feeling severe discomfort?

In Yakutsk, staying outside for 5 to 10 minutes can cause fatigue and pain in the face and extremities. After 20 minutes, even the hardiest residents usually seek shelter indoors.

How do Yakutsk residents ensure their cars function in such extreme cold conditions?

Residents often park their cars in heated garages and wrap the battery in a blanket. When driving, they keep the engine running throughout the day to prevent the car from freezing.