Alaska
World Wide Customs: Alaska Alaska: (1) Before in-home heating systems and electric blankets became widespread, there were plenty of people living in Arctic environments that needed to stay warm. Anyone who lives in Alaska during the winters knows that even with modern amenities, it’s no easy feat, so how did Alaska Native groups stay toasty hundreds of years ago? Depending on the region they lived, they actually created just the right gear to face the elements. A strategy that holds true to this day: to stay warm, dress in layers. Many traditional clothes were made from caribou skin, with the fur still on for warmth. On the inner layers, the fur would face in and on the outer layers it would face out, providing the wearer ultimate warmth. The kuspuk (1), a hooded dress/hoodie hybrid made from lightweight cloth, was another layer to work with. It was traditionally made to be knee length with a large pocket in the front. For footwear, mukluks (2), a boot made from