SUGGESTED CLOTHING LIST

The following list has been designed based on our experience with the variability of New England winters, and the wide range of the metabolisms and comfort levels of the people we guide. We run fun and safe tours in temperatures ranging from -15F to 35F! If you already know that you are someone who gets cold easily, bring extras. If you find that cold rarely bothers you, please consider this list a minimum; depending on the weather you may not use everything you bring, but you will be safer and more comfortable for having brought it. We want everyone's experience with us and our dogs to be the best possible!

Most likely, you will find you already own a lot of suitable clothing. Please check the labels for material content. Cotton absorbs moisture, removes heat from your body rapidly and is not appropriate for winter activity. Wool and synthetic fabrics (polypropylene, fleece, nylon, polyester, etc.) absorb little water and wick moisture away from the skin, keeping you warmer. You needn't buy all of this gear at outdoor specialty shops; thrift shops and army/navy surplus stores are also great sources.

1 set long underwear (top & bottom)
Light- or mid-weight. Synthetic is best, silk is okay. NO COTTON!

2-3 warm shirts, sweaters or vests that can be layered together
Fleece or wool is best. Many light layers is warmer than a big thick layer because they trap warm air between them as well as within.

1 winter jacket with hood
A skiing or other jacket that is windproof and comfortable to move in.

1-2 pairs of pants
Insulated ski pants work fine over long underwear, or use wind or running pants over fleece or wool pants. NO COTTON!

1-2 hats
Should cover your ears when you pull it down. If you bring two, one can be a balaclava: a hood-shaped hat that covers your neck.

1 scarf or neck gaiter
Only necessary if you do not bring a balaclava (see above)

1-2 pairs of gloves or mittens
Insulated with a snow- and windproof shell.

1-2 pairs of socks
A thick pair with or without a thinner liner underneath. The combination is warmer, but only if they fit inside your boots well. If they make your boots tight, you'll be cold.

1 pair of boots
Insulated winter boots. Designs for hunting, snowshoeing, snowmobiling or winter hiking work well. Make sure they are not a bit tight with the socks you wish to wear.

1 pair sunglasses or ski goggles
These protect your eyes from the glare of the sun bouncing off the snow and snow that gets kicked up sometimes by the dogs' feet.

1 camera or video recorder (optional)
Batteries drain fast in cold weather, so bring a spare set you can keep warm in your pocket

Medications

We provide a basic first aid kit. Please bring any medications you require or may require. Don't forget to inform us of any conditions that may affect you during the day.

Please let us know if you have trouble finding or purchasing any of these items so we can make suggestions!