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Winter on a mission: coats, boots and keeping warm

What coat does a missionary need for winter? What the MTC and the Church’s dress guidelines say, and who helps when it’s cold.

Coats & boots ↓ Cold housing? ↓

At a glance

Four official pointers for a cold-weather mission.

  • MTC coatArriving at the Provo MTC Oct 1 – Apr 1? A coat is recommended.

  • Layers are fineCoats, gloves, scarves and hats as needed.

  • Winter bootsProfessional, and right for the mission’s climate.

  • Cold housingTalk with the mission housing coordinator.

Sources: Provo MTC FAQ · Elders · Sisters · Missionary Standards 4.6

Does the MTC recommend a coat?

From the Provo MTC on-site FAQ, under warm clothing.

  • Oct 1 to Apr 1Arriving between these dates? A coat is recommended.

  • Mission doesn’t need one?You may send the coat home before leaving the MTC.

  • Other MTCsFollow your own MTC’s list in your call packet.

Source: Provo MTC on-site training FAQ

Winter coats, boots and gloves: dress guidelines

From the Church’s dress guidelines for Elders and Sisters.

  1. Step 1In cold weather Coats, gloves, scarves and hats as needed. The Elders’ list adds sweaters.
  2. Step 2Keep it simple No words, pictures or logos. Small, non-distracting logos are fine.
  3. Step 3Winter boots Should look professional and suit the mission’s climate.
  4. Step 4Good fit Outerwear should fit well and look professional.
  5. Step 5 Local guidance Mission leaders may adjust dress guidelines for local needs.

Sources: Guidelines for Elders · Guidelines for Sisters · Missionary Standards 4.9.1

Mission packing list →

Apartment too cold or feeling sick?

Missionary Standards, chapter 4, names who helps.

  • Housing concernsTalk with the mission housing coordinator (4.6).

  • Health concernsCall the mission medical coordinator (4.4).

  • EmergencyCall local emergency services, then your mission leaders (4.4).

Source: Missionary Standards, chapter 4

Sending a coat or care package

To the Provo MTC: US Mail, UPS, FedEx or Amazon. No ice or hot packs.

  1. Step 1Care package How to send a package →
  2. Step 2Letters & packages Start here →
  3. Step 3Mission abroad Customs and timing →
  4. Step 4 Christmas Mail-by dates →

What we left out

Tap to open · Not on official pages

We only share what official pages say.

  • Heater and electric blanket rules: ask the mission.
  • Winter temperatures by mission.
  • Coat or boot brands, and prices.

Questions

Tap to open · 8 common questions
What coat does a missionary need for winter?

The Provo MTC recommends bringing a coat if you arrive between October 1 and April 1. It doesn’t name a type. The dress guidelines say outerwear should be simple, fit well and suit your mission’s climate. If your mission doesn’t need a coat, you may send it home before leaving the MTC.

Can missionaries wear winter boots, gloves and scarves?

Yes. In cold weather the dress guidelines allow coats, gloves, scarves and hats as needed (Elders may also wear sweaters). Keep them simple, with no words, pictures or logos; small logos are fine. Winter boots should look professional and suit the mission’s climate.

What if my missionary’s apartment is too cold?

Missionary Standards tells missionaries to talk with the mission housing coordinator about any housing concerns. For nonemergency health care, they call the mission medical coordinator. In an emergency, they call local emergency services (unless the mission gave other instructions), then mission leaders.

Can I send a coat or care package to my missionary?

Yes. Letters and packages to the Provo MTC should come by US Mail or carriers such as UPS, FedEx and Amazon, not dropped off in person. Use the MTC address your missionary gets by email. For mission addresses and timing, see our Letters & Packages guide.

Can I send hot packs or hand warmers to the MTC?

The Provo MTC’s package guidelines list ice packs and hot packs among the items it can’t accept. Gloves, scarves and hats are fine under the dress guidelines.

Does my missionary need a suit coat at the MTC?

Not always. The Provo MTC FAQ says you don’t need to bring a suit or suit coat to the MTC if your mission doesn’t require one.

Where is my missionary’s official clothing list?

The Provo MTC FAQ says to bring the items on the mission clothing list sent by the Missionary Department. It’s also on the Missionary Portal.

Can dress rules be different in my missionary’s mission?

Yes. Missionary Standards says mission leaders and the Area Presidency may modify the dress guidelines to accommodate local circumstances.

Sources and fine print

Tap to open · 6 official pages + fine print

Fine print

  • The Provo MTC FAQ coat line is for missionaries arriving at the Provo MTC between October 1 and April 1.
  • Dress standards can be adjusted by mission leaders and the Area Presidency for local circumstances (Missionary Standards 4.9.1).
  • GotMyCall links to official pages only; we don’t copy Church images or logos.

. Official pages, your call packet and the Missionary Portal are always the final word. GotMyCall is unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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