G-WeBconnect
Snowshoeing - Get Started (continued)
Scary fashion statement
or
portrait of a balaclava?

Part 2: Clothing

If you ski and/or backpack you probably are close to being clothes-ready. If not... go easy on your wallet.

Recreational snowshoers require less aggressive clothes-planning because they typically hike in areas where the need to retreat for comfort and help is more accessible. Winter hikers in remote areas require considerable thought as to clothing choices because of the danger frigid temperatures and winter storms can have on the body - especially when immobile!

Here are some basic clothing tips for planning long and strenuous winter day hikes. Recreational snowshoers can rachet-down the quality/functionality of clothing required for remote summit hiking. Here goes...

Dress in layers. Do not wear cotton because it retains moisture and will make you colder during cooling down periods. Moisture-wicking socks, underwear, insulated underwear, pants, tops and sweaters are always required. Outerwear (shells or coats) should be waterproof and breathable. Micro-fleece pants and sweaters should be worn just below outer shells (pants/jacket). Hats should be of wind-blocking material. Jackets should have a hood for extra protection from the elements. A balaclava and/or a fleece lined neoprene face protector are suggested. Goggles (anti-fog; amber lens for sunny days) should be carried for blustery weather. (Don't forget sun glasses!) Gloves should be waterproof/breathable; Expedition types of gloves are lined shells with a low warmth factor that are designed to be used with glove liners for colder weather. Gaiters provide protection to keep the elements (e.g., snow spray kicked-up from snowshoes) from creeping down your pant leg and into your waterproof boots vis-à-vis the osmosis and sponge effect of wet socks. Gaiters come in all lengths, insulation quality, waterproofing and materials.

Pack additional layers of clothing for emergencies. Consider bringing a down jacket or sleeping bag (in plastic) for emergency warmth because they're compactible and can be stuffed into the bottom of your pack. I always pack an additional pair of gloves because my hands tend to sweat and I'm usually ready for a dry pair on the way back.

Don't forget... store dry socks, sweaters, pants and a coat in your car for the return home trip. You'll be glad you did!

Here's the basic gear list... starting from the bottom up!
"g"-clothes
Clothes - The Basic Tomato
Clothes - The Hot Enchilada!
Socks:
Smart Wool
Cost: $16		 Heavy duty insulated socks work fine for the recreational snowshoer.
Cost: $3-8		 Moisture wicking, heavy synthetic or wool blend socks are superior. They are worth the money:
Cost: $12-18
Gaiters:
EMS
Nylon; size: short
Cost: $24

When the snow isn't too deep, short nylon gaiters that bridge the bottom of your pants to your boot work great. I've used them in all depth of snow.
Cost: $20-30

 Long distance, cold and overnight trips make good use of insulated gaiters that reach the calf and beyond. Feet and legs constantly in deep snow will chill quickly.
Cost: $15-50
Layers on the legs:
(moisture-wicking)
(1) Silk long underwear bottom - $20
(2) Micro fleece pants - $40
(3) Paclite Gore-Tex pant shell - $200

Short hikes call for an inexpensive pair of snow pants or bib snow pants over fleece-lined, nylon jogging pants. Nice days on a golf course could warrant a pair of jeans.
Cost: $15-35

 Backcountry hiking requires clothing prepared for versatile weather. Waterproof and breathable outer layers are critical to protecting ones self from rain, wind, sleet and blustery snow. Compared with Paclite Gore-Tex outer shells (which I own), heavier grade outer-shells are better options because of durability.
Cost: $80-250 (Pant shell)
Layers on the Torso:
(moisture-wicking)
(1) EMS T-shirt - $10
(2) DuoFold (brand) heavy, insulated underwear shirt - $30
(3) North Face micro-fleece sweater - $60
(4) Paclite Gore-Tex jacket shell - $250		 The recreational hiker will love just throwing on a sweatshirt and winter coat... and off you go! Remote winter hiking means layers of moisture-wicking clothing. A person's body heats up quickly when hiking, and you'll be surprised how little you might need to be comfortable. It's the stopping part that's the problem. Once still, you'll feel the sweat begin to cool and give you the chills. To prevent too much moisture buildup under your outer shell, make sure the coat has air vents and they are open to some degree when hiking.
Gloves:
(1) EMS
Expedition -
Gore-Tex/shell
Cost: $70
(2) EMS glove liners
Cost: $15 		Hand protection is obvious; the options are numerous. For recreational hiking almost any pair of heavy "winter" gloves will due.
Cost: $5-10		 I've used both waterproof/breathable mittens and gloves. Mittens are by far the warmest! My Expedition gloves are plenty warm without glove liners.
Cost: $50-100

Hat:
North Face
Skull Cap/Windblocker/
Micro-fleece
Cost: $30

 Any hat will help to keep the elements off the 'ol noggin. Protect those ears and keep your head warm and dry.
Cost: $5-15		 Hats range from windblocking micro-fleece materials to waterproof/breathable materials. There's wool and synthetic wool. Your hat will be worth a million $ if your stuck in the woods and you're trying to prevent major heat loss through the top of your head!
Cost: $25-80
Face Protection:
(1) Fleece lined, neoprene 3/4 face protection
Cost: $15
"g" who?
(2) Balaclava (synthetic)
Cost: $15
(3) Goggles
Scott (anti-fog; one w/ amber and one w/ clear lens)
Cost: $25 ea.
(4) Sun screen (SPF-45)
Cost: $4
 For the causal hike, a balaclava or scarf could be sufficient face protection... if you need any at all! Sunscreen is probably advisable as you would be surprised how much sun reflects off the snow. I pack everything imaginable to protect my head from the elements. Ears and noses are tremendous ice collectors!
Extra Clothing to Trek With:   Down jacket; insulated top/sweater; gloves; extra socks; handkerchiefs.
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