Snow Soldiers' Kit Trivia Quiz

Answer: ushanka

The ushanka has long been associated with Russian military uniforms, particularly those worn during the harsh winters of World War II. Although similar fur hats had been worn in Russia for centuries, the Soviet military standardized its own versions in the early 20th century. Ushankas were commonly made with sheepskin or other types of fur, although less expensive materials were also used. During World War II, Soviet soldiers relied on them to reduce the risk of frostbite and maintain warmth during long marches and combat.

Answer: mukluks

Mukluks are soft, lightweight boots originally developed by Indigenous peoples of the Arctic, including the Inuit and Yup'ik, who traditionally made them from sealskin or caribou hide. Their design was later adapted by the U.S. military for soldiers operating in extremely cold environments, particularly during World War II.

Military versions were typically made with canvas and flexible soles, with enough room for thick socks to keep soldiers' feet warm. Unlike stiff leather boots, mukluks were lightweight and comfortable, making it easier for soldiers to move across snowy terrain. However, they were less useful in wet or slushy conditions because they were not waterproof.

Answer: snow fluke

A snow fluke is a metal anchor used by mountaineers to secure ropes when crossing steep, snow-covered terrain. It is shaped somewhat like a shovel blade and is usually made of lightweight aluminum with a steel cable attached. When properly buried, the fluke digs deeper into the snow as tension is applied to the cable, which helps it hold a soldier's weight.

Answer: Yukon stove

The Yukon stove was a portable heating stove developed for the U.S. military to help soldiers survive in extremely cold environments. Introduced in the 1950s, it became an important part of American military camps in Alaska and other Arctic regions.

Weighing about 33 pounds (15 kg), the stove could be packed onto a sled and transported with other supplies. It could burn gasoline or kerosene, as well as wood or coal with some adjustments, making it useful when certain fuels were unavailable. Besides heating military tents, soldiers could use its flat top to warm meals or melt snow for drinking water.

Answer: pulk

The pulk is a small, boat-shaped sled that originated among the Sámi people of northern Scandinavia, who traditionally used reindeer to pull passengers and supplies across snowy landscapes. Unlike ordinary sleds, traditional pulks had no runners, relying instead on rounded bottoms that allowed them to slide over snow.

They were later adopted by military forces operating in Arctic environments, where soldiers could pull them while traveling on skis.

Answer: anorak

The anorak originated among the Inuit of Greenland, who traditionally made these hooded garments from animal skins to protect themselves against Arctic winds and freezing temperatures. Unlike ordinary jackets, traditional anoraks were pulled over the head, with no opening down the front to let cold air enter. Military forces later adapted the design, using cotton and other fabrics that were lighter and easier to produce. During World War II, British soldiers wore similar windproof smocks, while later versions became popular with troops training for Arctic and mountain warfare.

Answer: crampons

Crampons are metal spikes attached to the bottoms of boots, allowing soldiers to walk and climb on ice without losing their footing. During World War I, Italian and Austro-Hungarian troops used crampons to navigate the steep, icy slopes of the Alps, where battles were sometimes fought at elevations of more than 3,000 meters.

By World War II, American mountain troops were using ten-point crampons made of steel, which helped them climb without having to cut individual steps into the ice. Modern versions sometimes have additional spikes projecting from the toes, allowing soldiers to climb steeper surfaces.

Answer: balaclava

The balaclava takes its name from the Crimean War (1853-1856), when British soldiers endured bitter winter conditions near the town of Balaclava, on the Crimean Peninsula. With winter clothing in short supply, people back in Britain knitted woollen head coverings and sent them to troops fighting overseas.

These garments helped protect soldiers from frostbite without the bulk of a heavy scarf, while leaving enough of the face exposed for breathing and visibility. During World War II, British civilians again knitted balaclavas for soldiers serving abroad.

Modern military versions are often made from thinner synthetic fabrics.

Answer: bunny boots

Bunny boots were developed by the U.S. military during the Korean War (1950-1953), when thousands of American soldiers suffered frostbite in the bitter winter conditions. Officially called Extreme Cold Vapor Barrier Boots, they earned their nickname from their oversized shape and white rubber exterior.

What makes these boots unusual is their insulation, which is sealed between two layers of waterproof rubber to keep moisture out. They have no removable liners, unlike ordinary winter boots, so soldiers must change their socks regularly to keep their feet dry. Some models even have a small pressure-release valve for air travel.

Answer: snowcat

American inventor Emmitt Tucker developed one of the earliest designs of the snowcat in the 1940s, using wide tracks instead of wheels to keep his vehicle from sinking. His "Tucker Sno-Cat" became so popular that its name eventually became a general term for similar snow vehicles. Snowcats have been used by military forces to carry soldiers and supplies through Arctic terrain, where ordinary trucks would quickly become stuck.

They also played a role in Antarctic exploration, including the first overland crossing of Antarctica in the 1950s.