I’m from Michigan.
I was surprised by those in our group who were very unprepared. Even some from the east coast.
As someone who is used to the outside and spends time walking, the cold and damp was even a surprise for me in that a temperature that wouldn’t be cold here, felt more so there. It also gets dark around 4pm, something you are used to in MA. Also we spend a lot of time going from the house to the car, not being outside, moving slowly and being out for hours.
You wanted tips, I’m full of them 