What to Wear Snowshoeing

One of my favorite sayings this winter has been “There’s no bad weather, just inappropriate clothing” which is pretty true. This winter has been the coldest that I can remember, and it has been much more bearable with the right clothing and gear. I spent a fair amount of dollars this season investing in good winter gear because I want to enjoy the season and the gear will last for many winters to come. Here is a list of some of my favorite winter items for snowshoeing, hiking, and gallivanting in the snow.

Columbia Snowcalpse Insulated Waterproof Jacket

I knew when I wanted to start winter hiking and snowshoeing I needed a decent jacket. Thankfully I found a Columbia insulated jacket on sale! It has the Omni-heat liner (its reflective like a mylar blanket inside, which is neat!) and its thin enough so I don’t feel like I’m getting weighed down. There are also pit zips that I like to use when I’m moving around a lot (like hiking up a mountain) and I never get too overheated. I love this jacket!

Athleta Fleece Lined Tights

Another piece of clothing that I feel is worth the price tag: fleece-lined running tights. I have worn these babies numerous times this winter. Since I run all year round (this winter is no exception!), they are so worth it. I’ve definitely worn them when it is “12 degrees but feels like zero”  many, many times since I’ve had them.

Vasque Snowblime Ultradry Boots

I wasn’t originally going to get winter hiking boots, but my other hiking boots are so meshy and flexible that they wouldn’t have been a good fit for snowshoes or really cold temps. Enter the Vasque Snowblimes. They are a very thick, insulated and waterproof boot and they are actually really comfortable! So far, I love them! I got them on sale at EMS!

Tubbs Mountaineer 25″ Snowshoes

My snowshoes, my one true love. These are my first pair of “real” snowshoes–my  old pair came from a garage sale and were way too long and just all together clunky. These are perfect. The straps are easy-on-easy-off and they make walking through the deep snow drifts a breeze. They are totally worth the investment. I happened to get mine on sale on Amazon as a Christmas present to myself. Snowshoes are required up in portions of the Adirondacks all winter, so they will be getting much more use if I do more winter hiking.

Other gear I find necessary for winter activities:

Thinsualte mittens
A thick pair of wool socks
Wool blend fleece-lined hat
Fleece neck buff