You guys are over-thinking this! When we decided to go in 2007 I initially thought, as most people probably do, that we were going to a totally alien and unforgiving environment. It is just not very cold where you will be, plus it will be summer.

The temperatures were pretty mild - probably in the 30's. On some sunny days we took off our parkas because we were hot. But you need to be prepared for bad weather since it feels a lot colder if the wind is blowing and it is raining or snowing. Take a warm hat that covers your ears, waterproof pants and gloves and some layers to put under your parka and you will be fine.

Those government suggestions are for people who are going to be living and working much further south than you will be, where the weather is really hostile. You will only be out for an hour or two at any given time in much milder conditions.