Dress for Snowshoeing

Think layer, layer, LAYER!

Once you leave the trail head or nordic center, your body must be prepared for any weather condition.  There is a good chance you will face wind gusts, falling snow, sleet, and anything else Mother Nature decides to throw at you.

Layering is the answer.  Regardless if you are going out for an hour, the morning, a day trip or a weekend tour, your body must be able to function at its peak potential.  Protection from head to toe is the key to a safe and rewarding snowshoe hike.  It was a good day when you release your bindings, slip out of your snowshoes, and say, "What an awesome experience."

Remember, snowshoeing is an aerobic activity.  You will be generating lots of body heat.  That means you will be stopping to shed a layer, or when at rest, add a layer to maintain body temperature.  When selecting clothes for winter activities, they need to be waterproof/windproof and they need to be breathable.  In addition, they must have pit zips, pack pockets and two way zippers.

BASE LAYER: Choose lightweight moisture-wicking thermal undies.  I use lightweight or midweight Capilene by Patagonia.  Capilene glove liners are a good idea too.

INSULATION (MIDDLE) LAYER:  A light or medium weight fleece is recommended depending on temperature and overall weather.  I use a light fleece by Columbia with zip-off sleeves.  That allows me added flexibility.

OUTER LAYER: The jacket and pants must be breathable wind and rain-proof material.  My Columbia jacket is hooded, with a zip-out fleece lining.  The waist and cuffs can be cinched tight as can the hood.  The collar is tall with snaps allowing me to pull the front zipper all the way up to my nose if I want.  All pocket zips have extended zip-pulls allowing me to open and close pockets with gloves on in bitter cold. 


Pants are rain-proof with a mesh liner.  That allows me to either wear long underwear as mentioned above or there is room for fleece liners if weather conditions warrant it.  The leg bottoms have water-proof sleeve extensions with elastic and snap tightly around boots, keeping snow and water out.  The waist is elastic with ample adjustments.  I keep them up by using a pair of Husky suspenders that clip to the waist band.  

WHATEVER YOU DO...DON'T WEAR COTTON!



SOCKS:  Regular hiking socks will work fine.  But always take an extra pair.  Mid-weight Ultramax and Bridgedale are two of my favorites.

GAITERS:  You will find a number of heights on the market.  I recommend knee-highs.  Any brand will work.

HAT:  I carry three.  A wool skull cap that fits snuggly over my head.  It covers most of my ears keeping them warm.  A second knit or microfleece (depending on wind gusts) covers the skull cap and is long enough to be tucked under my jacket collar, providing added protection.  On windy outings, I pack a baclaclava, plus I always have a wool baseball cap stashed in my pack for when I get back to the resort, nordic center, or the drive home.