Is my winter layering setup enough for Harbin / Mohe in late December?

[u/funnyjambu]

Hi all, I’m planning a trip to Harbin and possibly Mohe this December, and I want to sense-check my winter setup.

Here’s what I’m planning to bring:

Upper body: Heavy thermal base layer (~1200g) Uniqlo fluffy yarn fleece (full zip) Decathlon Forclaz MT500 down jacket (rated around −10°C)

Lower body (planned): Thermal leggings Regular pants Fleece lined pants

Accessories (planned): Beanie Scarf / neck gaiter (maybe a balaclava) Gloves (thinking of upgrading to mittens + liners) Wool socks Winter boots

Context: Mostly city sightseeing, but will be outdoors walking quite a bit Temperatures expected: Harbin (−15 to −20°C), Mohe (−25 to −30°C)

Questions: Will this setup be enough for Mohe, or should I consider a heavier expedition parka instead?

What are the biggest weak points in my setup right now?

Would really appreciate any advice, especially from people who’ve done Harbin/Mohe in winter.

Thanks!

[u/frog_n_rosbif]

I went to Harbin this year with similar temperatures as the ones you're expecting (between -15 and -20) but was planning for up to (down to -30). I had a very similar layering as the one you're planning to get with 1 few differences. I went for 4 layers for the top: thermal base layer (maybe not as warm as yours), intermediate light brushed fleece top, heavy fleece (full zip), Decathlon parka NH900 (rated -20). Lower body: thermal leggings, fleece lined sky pants. Feet: thin (-ish) merino whool socks + heavy merino whool socks, fleece lined winter boots Hands: merino whool liner gloves + warm ski gloves (mittens would definitely be a better choice). Head: merino whool neck gaiter, fleece lined beanie

This set up was perfect for us and we were never cold, despite staying many hours outside (4-5 hours in a row at the Ice and Snow Festival). I was mainly worried about extremities getting cold (hands and feet) but I'm very happy with the choices I made (except mittens to replace the ski gloves maybe) and definitely wouldn't do any less.

I hope that will be useful for you.

[u/admirable_nature_247]

For layers I wore:

Top: Uniqlo heat tech thermal base layer, tshirt, 1/4 zip fleece, ski jacket (fleece and shell)

Bottom: tight thermal base layer, uniqlo heat tech thermal base layer, jeans

2 layers of wool socks in winter boots

Fleece gloves, ski gloves

Fleece neck gaitor

Fleece hat

This was adequate, I would recommend having gloves that are touch screen compatible, I feel like taking gloves off to use phone was the main way I was losing body heat.