What do you need for dog sledding?
How to dress
The idea of spending the day outdoors in weather that stays below freezing while dog sledding through untouched snow-caked lands can be a daunting thought, but an incredible adventure. Dressing with the right clothes and keeping warm enough is just as important as the rest of your dog sledding equipment so that you have a memorable and a healthy journey.
Think layers. You will need protection from the ice as well as the wind on your trip. Keep in mind that your clothing is your personal equipment for keeping warm and safe.
Pick your first layer, the wicking layer, out of synthetic material. Nothing of this layer should be cotton. Long underwear made of polypropylene, polyester capilene or silk materials are the most popular materials that move moisture away from the body. You definitely do not want to be wet while dog sledding.
Insulate yourself with the next layers, the mid layers, of your ensemble. Again synthetic materials as well as wool work best in these layers. Items like turtlenecks and pullovers for tops, and items that cover the throat and neck will keep you warmest. This layer should absorb the moisture as well as provides you with insulation.
Pants, shirts and a bulky jacket or a jacket with a good liner should fit over all your other layers. Keep this in mind when buying your clothing and equipment. Be sure that none of this clothing is tight so that it does not restrict your blood circulation.
Repel the water, wind and weather with the third layer or your shell layer. The shell layer's main function is to repel the elements but it should also provide a bit more insulation of your body heat. Be sure it is waterproof and not just water resistant. A hood on jackets, gloves and gaiters should be included and they all must fit over the previous layers, so buy large. Nylon is the best fabric for this layer.
Bring extra pairs of loose fitting, or at least not tight, socks. Change them if they get wet. Do not wear socks that have not been washed before use and wash them after each use. It is very important to keep your feet warm and dry.
Wear mittens instead of gloves on very cold days. Mittens allow fingers to warm each other, keeping your hands as a whole, warmer. Keep your head warm by wearing a balaclava made of polypropylene which covers your face with breathing holes in the correct places. Tinted goggles will also help keep you face warm as well as lessen the shine off the snow and ice are also essential equipment.
- 2 pair of long sleeves shirts (polyester)
- 2 long underwear (silk, polyester) (1 pair of fleece trousers)
- 1 fleece jumper
- 1 wool jumper
- 1 hat (wind breaker)
- 1 scarf
- 1 finger gloves
- 2 pair socks (wool)
- 2 pair of sock liners (polyester or wool)
- Underwear – preferable no cotton (polyester)
- 1 pair of slipper (to wear in the huts in the evening)
- Comfortable and warm clothes in the evening e.g. fleece trousers and jumper
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, lip balm- you will get very dry lips with the sun and wind)
- Sunglasses (uv protection- the sun is very strong at certain times of the year due to the reflection in the snow)
- Goggles (in case it snows this is very comfortable sunglasses works as well)
- Sun cream (protection 25)
- Torch
Extra Tips
- Buy hand and feet warmers to keep your tootsies warm. If your hand and feet stay warm and dry, your adventure will be that much better.
- Keep dry to avoid frostbite as this is one of the most dangerous hazards of the extreme cold weather.
- Tuck all clothing in around you so that no items are dangling off of you.
- Do not wear cotton fabrics as they will keep the moisture close to your body making you colder.
- Check before you take your camera - many batteries do not work in extreme cold weather.
- If you're going on a Dog Sledding holiday it's worth checking to see what equiptment is and is not provided for you to borrow.
