Suiting up for a snowshoe outing is a lesson in layering.
As with dressing for other snow sports, it’s better to pile on more than you think you’ll need and then shed items as your body heats up and your heart gets pumping.
Start with a synthetic base layer that will wick moisture from your skin and keep you dry. Whatever you do, don’t wear cotton, which will get wet and take a long time to dry, while you freeze and tempt hypothermia.
Depending on weather conditions and how well-insulated your pants are, you might want to wear a synthetic pant base layer as well.
Over those fundamentals (and your skivvies), wear a mid layer that can range from a light wool or fleece sweater or turtleneck to a heavier pullover. Pick a weight based on your comfort level. Do you tend to get cold and stay cold or are you the proverbial “furnace”?
Next comes a shell or insulated parka, its weight again depends on what the maximum outside temperatures are expected to be. Keep in mind that you’re going to be exerting some effort and don’t want to have to drag your heavy coat at the end of your outing.
The right socks will go a long way toward keeping your feet comfortable. Choose a wool or synthetic blend fabric to wick moisture and let your feet “breathe.” Your footwear choice depends on the type of trekking you’ll be doing — from light running shoes to heavy pack boots for the backcountry — just make sure your socks are compatible and comfortable inside them.
Accessories are important, and again, consider your body needs. Do you tend to get cold hands, cold feet, or have ears that turn red the instant you’re outdoors? Pick products accordingly.
A lot of heat escapes through your head, so keep it covered, at least until you warm up. Gloves or mittens are a must. If you use trekking poles, make sure you can hold them comfortably.
If you’re likely to be in deep snow, consider wearing leg gaiters that will keep snow from getting into your boots.
Also recommended: Wear sunscreen and eye protection, strap on a waist pack or day pack loaded with some snacks and water, and, of course, bring a camera.
It’s always fun to try new products and we had a chance during the recent on-snow demos in Winter Park and Devil’s Thumb Ranch resorts following the annual SnowSports Industries Association trade show recently in Denver.
Here are some that passed the performance and comfort test:
Jacket: The return of down to the snow sports scene is welcome, as it’s warm, light weight and perfect for hitting the trails. Every manufacturer has its version, and Descente’s Puffy Elle jacket is light, water-resistant and has a removable and adjustable hood, $195,
Hat: On warm, sunny days, you’ll only need a a simple pair of ear warmers like those made by 180s, ($30, above, in stores this fall) but when temperatures barely reach the single digits, you’re going to want something that covers your head and your face. Chaos Thermal Regulation’s Mistral Multi-Tasker Pro did the trick. It’s a balaclava that fits over the head and has a “hinged” fabric panel that can stay down on your neck or be pulled up to cover the mouth and nose. That added face protection cuts the wind and a mesh panel around the mouth allows you to breathe. It’s thin enough to fit under a helmet or hat and squishes down on the neck without being bulky. You might look a little like a ninja warrior, but what the heck, you stay warm and dry. It’s part of the company’s Chaos Thermal Regulation line, $24.99, .
Socks: After years of alpine skiing in Hue tights because that’s the only thing that would fit into tight boots, it was heavenly to transition into Ultra Light Ski from FITS Socks Co., slim-fitting over-the-calf merino, nylon and polyester socks that hugged the leg and provided warmth as well as compression.
They were perfect for a brisk 2-mile walk in the woods and the next day, an hour-long cross country lesson. FITS ski socks come in sizes small to double extra large, and are also available in ultra light to winter weights, $19-$21, .
Gloves: A combination of windpoof exterior, a stretch interior and grips with a rubber palm treatment to grip poles helped give Chaos’ Howler Combo gloves the right mix of warmth and comfort on the trail. They’re also sleek enough to wear on cold days in the city, $24.99; chaoshats .
Suzanne S. Brown: 303-954-1697 or sbrown@denverpost.com
