While we usually turn to current events and offer our perspectives on important issues, this week we analyze an equally important aspect of our everyday lives: weather. Alexander is currently frolicking in the deserts of Qatar and enjoying a balmy 80 degrees (no drink in hand however, so people here on campus win on that front).
Meanwhile, everyone on campus will soon catch a chill, suffer from frostbite and regret ever gallivanting through a blizzard. Obviously, being in such a distinctly different environment has triggered intense meditations and discussions on weather and how it affects our experiences in different places. Like we said, different weather, different life experience.
Indeed, the forecasts for the encroaching winter call to mind a particularly treacherous evening featuring sub-30 degree temps. At that time, Bowdoin Security grimly warned our campus about going outside, lest we suffer a swift death via the demented wind chill factors.
However, Alexander is now ruminating on what is actually necessary to bring when he returns to campus in the spring, so we would like to offer our humble opinions on specific items and gear that people will need to survive the winter—one that Farmer’s Almanac is saying will cause this great country to become a “refriger-nation.”
Bean Boots, around $110: A Maine (read: Bowdoin) staple that is absolutely essential both in terms of fashion and utility. These duck hunting boots will keep your feet dry and toasty even in the face of Mother Nature’s worst spawn, the polar vortex. Alexander desperately wishes he could wear his in Qatar, but that is just nonsensical.
Necessity rating
Danny: 5/5
Alexander: 5/5
Patagonia down jacket, between $150 and $400: Danny believes that a Bowdoin experience simply is not complete without a down sweater or jacket. He highly recommends quickly looking through Patagonia’s array of options. They come in a delightfully vivacious assortment of colors that might also help a driver see you in a blinding snowstorm. Alexander, who is cautious about overheating in the desert, advises against such frivolous items.
Necessity rating
Danny: 5/5
Alexander: 3/5
Flannels, around $40: While they are a fun and cozy layer that can also help you feel like a true Mainer, Danny does not think flannels will do much for you in the face of a Nor’easter. There is also fashion to consider here. Being in Qatar, however, has made Alexander nostalgic for Maine, and he encourages the wearing of flannels while it is socially acceptable to do so.
Necessity rating
Danny: 3/5
Alexander: 5/5
Flannel-Lined Pants, around $40: While Alexander, currently wearing shorts and tanning on a beach on the Arabian Gulf, loves the feel of the sun on his legs, he still prefers the warm embrace of expertly brushed flannel. Just as linen pants are sometimes necessary to protect yourself from a sandstorm in the Middle East, so are flannel-lined pants necessary in the face of an Arctic wind. Danny, however, assures you that you can survive without these bulky, khaki monstrosities.
Necessity rating
Danny: 0/5
Alexander: 5/5
Wool coat, around $200: This classic comes in all styles, shapes and sizes and is the ultimate overcoat. We highly recommend all things wool—gloves, hats, sweaters and obviously, coats. While abroad, Alexander has reached the conclusion that every climate calls for a particular item, and this is the one for the Northeast.
Necessity rating
Danny: 4/5
Alexander: 5/5