The snow provides versatile activities from sledding with the family to snowshoe races. Downhill skiing, snowmobiling, backpacking, cross-country skiing, building snowmen, ice climbing and now snow biking are examples of activities involving snow. Proper snow gear will protect, warm and keep you dry on your adventure.
Base Layer
You need to invest in a good base layer that will wick the moisture from your skin. This wicking technology aids in keeping the body dry and as a result, warm. Avoid cotton base layers and opt for a polyester wool blend. Your base layer need not be thick. Extra warmth is achieved by layering over the base layer. Layering allows you to add and remove clothing as necessary to regulate your temperature and find a comfortable insulation point. Fleece and wool clothing make excellent layering pieces.
Head
Hats help the body retain heat instead of losing it out of the head. A thicker lined hat is acceptable for activities such as snowmobiling, skiing and playing outdoors. If you will be working at a high intensity, a lighter hat is adequate. Higher intensity activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoe races have a higher energy output creating more body heat. Consider a neck gator on extra cold days to protect the neck and reduce the amount of body heat lost. Sunglasses or goggles protect the eyes from the sun, wind and snow conditions.
Outer Layer
The outermost layer needs to be waterproof. Waterproof pants and jackets ensure that as the snow melts it won't seep through the material causing you to get wet and cold. Many waterproof pants and jackets are breathable and have pit zips allowing air movement.
Hands
Gloves or mittens are necessary to keep the fingers and hands comfortable and warm. Mittens tend to offer more warmth because the fingers are all together, not separated like in a traditional glove. Gloves need to be waterproof like the outer layer. Many gloves and mittens have pockets to insert hand warmers if needed. This is a nice extra that comes in handy on those extra cold days. Be certain to pack a few hand warmers, just in case.
Feet
Splurge on a pair of moisture wicking socks and a comfortable pair of waterproof boots. This combination will keep the feet warm and dry. If you will be snowshoeing or hiking in snow, consider purchasing a pair of gators. Gators attach to your boots wrapping around the leg from the ankle to the knee. Gators provide extra protection from wet conditions.
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