Snowshoeing - optimal clothing
We'll give you tips so you don't sweat or freeze.
The same clothing rules apply to snowshoeing as to winter hiking. The only difference is that snowshoeing always takes place in relatively deep snow. Snow that is cold enough to get into your shoes, wet your pants, and require a mat if you want to sit down. Read the most important tips from professionals here.
Winter, snow, and snowshoeing – what to wear? When there is snow on the ground, the temperature is likely to be around 0 degrees Celsius or below. Nevertheless, it should not be underestimated how much you can sweat when walking in the snow, even if you are not going uphill. This close proximity of heat and cold poses a certain challenge when choosing clothing. It is important to dress according to the onion principle. This means that you can take off layers when you get warm and put them back on when it gets cold.
It is definitely a good idea to bring one or two change of shirts that you can put on when you are wet with sweat. The moisture from a wet shirt on your body combined with the cold is not only uncomfortable, but can also quickly make you ill. For the ascent, a sleeveless jacket over a fleece sweater is ideal. This keeps your body warm, but is still breathable. It is important to have a windproof, weatherproof, warm jacket that you can put on during breaks, the descent, or if the weather changes. As warm as you get during exertion, you cool down just as quickly in the cold. Since you will be carrying this jacket in your backpack, make sure that it is lightweight and can be folded up small when you buy it.
Please do not wear jeans, because once they get wet, they stay wet! There are great functional pants with stretch fabric that are comfortable, breathable, and keep you warm. They often have elastic at the bottom of the legs that goes over your shoes to prevent snow from getting in. Gaiters also help here. Wet, cold feet should be avoided at all costs.
Snowshoes can be easily strapped onto any sturdy footwear. Your winter boots should be at least ankle-high, waterproof, warm, and sturdy. After all, you'll be walking in the snow.
Always bring 2 pairs of gloves and 2 hats! One pair of thin gloves for the ascent and one pair of warm gloves or mittens for the descent. The same principle applies to your head. When exerting yourself, a headband or thin hat is ideal, but during breaks and the descent, be sure to keep your head warm, either with a thick hat or a warm hood. Sunglasses help protect your eyes from the glare of the snow. When buying sunglasses, make sure they have UVA/UVB filters! Speaking of UVA/UVB filters: apply sunscreen. You can still get sunburned in winter, especially when you're out in the snow, which reflects the sun's rays!
© Martin Lugger
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