How to Dress for Snowshoeing Part 2 – Layering Specifics, Wicking Clothing
FIRST LAYER - MOISTURE WICKING CLOTHING
What, specifically should you use for layers? This brings us to the second key of dressing for optimum performance and safety, having wicking clothing as your base layer next to your skin. Moisture wicking clothing is made from synthetic fabrics that work to quickly remove sweat and moisture from your body in order to evaporate it, thus keeping you dry and comfortable. You don’t want hypothermia and having a base layer such as cotton will just retain the sweat and if you have apparel soaked with sweat and moisture next to your body, you’ll not only be uncomfortable but you will also run the risk of getting hypothermia. The freezing season holds no prisoners when up against those insufficiently armed against her.
Wicking (also known as breathable) products have synthetic materials like nylon, lycra, polyester or a blend of these fabrics. There are also specialized wool blends that are even warmer, but these tend to be more expensive. North Face and Marmot are two brands that design high-quality performance, moisture wicking clothes that I trust and recommend. However, your big box stores will also have inexpensive, generic wicking clothing. Check the labels to make sure there is no cotton in the blend. Keeping your feet warm is imperative also and you can accomplish this by wearing a thin, wicking sock underneath a heavier hiking sock. Water proof, insulated boots are imperative.
ADDITIONAL LAYERS
Your second layer should be a vest, fleece, or wool product to keep you warm in colder temperatures. I usually wear a second wicking, polyester or polypropylene blend, followed by a third layer which is a water resistant Marmot vest that can be my final layer should the conditions be mild enough to forgo the final layer. That final layer should be a shell jacket and pants (usually made of Gore Tex) that are water proof to protect you from wind and rain/snow. The netting features these products have on the inside will further assist in venting out that moisture.
Gaiters worn over your boots and pants (some snow pants have this feature already built in) will keep the snow out of your boots and pants. Mittens can be employed in extreme temps but most times some cold weather water proof gloves will suffice. I carry a lighter pair of gloves too, because my hands tend to warm up after engaging in this aerobic activity a little while. A nice warm hat or two along with a gator neck or baklava to protect the face are necessary to at least carry with you. Sun glasses and a little bit of sunscreen are a good idea too.
A LITTLE HISTORY TID BIT
I’m quite sure that Napoleon’s Army would have really appreciated breathable apparel and water proof shells during their highly unsuccessful foray deep into Russia in 1812. The Russians out smarted him by not engaging his army directly, but rather relying on the harsh Russian winter as the primary force to decimate the French Army and therefore enable Leo Tolstoy to write possibly the greatest novel ever War and Peace about the event. The little French man was more interested in keeping his soldiers from wiping their noses by ordering decorative buttons sewn on the sleeves of all their uniforms to prevent this common human reaction to extremely cold temperatures. The useless buttons on the sleeves of dress coats and suit jackets ever since are remnants of that fashion trend. Forgive me for applying my history degree once in a while.
Lest you think that trivia was irrelevant, some of the clothing designed for cold weather today that I mentioned above, as well as gloves and mittens have soft, fluffy material easily accessible designed specifically for the purpose of removing the moisture constantly generated from your nose when exposed to frigid temperatures. That way you don’t have to remove your gloves and mess around with a hand kerchief; although carrying a hand kerchief is always a good idea anyway to remove moisture and de fog your goggles or glasses.
So there you have it, all you need to know to have a warm, comfortable snowshoeing outing into whatever patch of woods or wilderness you can find. Walk well, be safe, and refer to the other articles in this series about all things related to snowshoeing.
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