GETTING STARTED - Suggested Gear for Snowshoeing  [edit] 

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These are some of the items you might consider using on a typical snowshoe outing:

  • A pair of properly fitting snowshoes suited to your expected use, e.g., hiking/trekking, running/racing or backpacking.
  • A pair of hiking boots, snow boots or running shoes. Most any style of footwear will fit into a typical snowshoe binding.
  • A pair of good warm socks.
  • A pair of tights, covered by a light nylon windpant. These will keep you warm and dry and the nylon windpants will not collect snow. 
  • A technical undershirt that will wick moisture away from your skin without holding the dampness.
  • A breathable shirt that will allow the moisture to pass through it so you don’t become damp, clammy and chilled. A shirt that has buttons or zippers will allow you to regulate the retention or dispersion of body heat. 
  • A jacket that is suitable for the worst conditions you could expect to face during your outing. 
  • A cap, or, as we call them way up north, a tuque. Most body heat is lost through the head. 
  • Gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm.
  • Sunglasses. The glare of the sun off white snow can be very damaging to the eyes and is also quite fatiguing. 
  • Water, if you expect to be out for an extended period of time. Use a camelback or a belt that can hold water bottles. 
  • A fanny pack or a small backpack with a high-calorie snack. You’ll be burning lots of calories on even a short outing. 
  • A cell phone in case of emergencies. But don’t depend on reception. Tell a friend where you expect to be going and how long you expect to be out. 
  • A camera. You’ll want to record how much fun you’re having!

And don’t forget to be informed. Know the weather forecast and what you should expect for snow conditions. 

 

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