Need info on autumn, winter climate in Afghanistan

[MLC]

I recently found a friend through Facebook and as it turns out he's in the Army and back in Afghanistan now.
I want to send him a care package and wondered what the autumn/winter is like in Khogyani District, Nangarhar Province?
FOB Connolly specifically.

I was going to send him USB sticks of music, some coffee from a local roaster but mostly I was thinking about a Patagonia beanie hat and some base layer stuff as I presume winter there isn't pleasant.


Thanks

 

[Redmanss]

Re: Need info on autumn, winter climate in Afghanistan

The weather will all depend on what part of that district he is in. That district spans both the foothills and into the mountains, and a thousand feet makes a huge difference here. Likely his weather will be fairly mild unless he's out on an op in the mountains. That also starts the wet season here, so it's either raining or snowing a couple times a week, again depending on altitude.

Quality winter socks, gel boot inserts, instant soup, coco, etc is all good too. Lightweight, small and easy to pack, etc. Think "instant" as there is always hot water that can be had. A little bottle of quality anti-fog compound for the optics and glasses is really nice too and the mil never provides it, at least never that I've seen.

 

[Switchblade]

Re: Need info on autumn, winter climate in Afghanistan

Winter is freakin cold as shit. The boots don't work well enough alone. The issue gear is fairly decent and allows enough layers. Layer 1 is always welcome in a box, but PLEASE wash them first so all they have to do is open and wear(Panty 6 spoiled me during OEF VII). Goretex socks add about 10* of extra foot heat, and a thick wool foot bed for the boot or battery powered socks are the cat's ass. A pair of thin UA glove inserts kicks ass, and a nice tough goretex winterweight glove works awesome for gun truck hatch monkey duty. In the case of gunner duty, a nice face mask from one of the winter company's is a highly regarded item when rolling down the highway in the winter...that sucks balls, seriously, it does.
Summertime, a guy can't get enough hydration. Emergen-C and the products that go with it work better than anything I have ever used. Base Layer T-SHirts that are washed and fresh washed socks are always welcome too, they help to add a little extra between laundry days or replace worn stuff.
Afghanistan at night in winter is cold, bone chilling this place sucks balls cold. Summer heat really depends on where you are. Mountains are a little cooler.