How to dress for snowshoeing?

This weekend it's decided, it will be snowshoeing! With friends, as a couple, or as a family, this winter sport is a delight for all lovers of wide-open mountain spaces. Less expensive than skiing and just as user-friendly, snowshoes gain many followers each year. However, a question often comes up: how to dress for snowshoeing? Can I put on my downhill ski clothes? Do I have to wear a special outfit? To enjoy your day on snowshoes, it is better to be well equipped! Find all the answers to your questions in this article!

Snowshoes

It's obvious, that you will of course need a pair of snowshoes adapted to your weight and height. Today many models correspond to the frequency and quality of the track taken:

Plastic rackets. Generally, for children, it is the entry-level racket. They are quite heavy and do not allow you to navigate difficult terrain. They are intended for rather simple use and courses for beginners or intermediate level. Nevertheless, they are resistant and are not very expensive.

Rackets in composite materials. Usually made of aluminum alloy or alloy steel, they are lighter and easier to walk “normally” with. They will accompany you on all types of terrain!

Aluminum rackets. It is at the top of a range of the racket. Recommended for professional use, it is also a very good choice for enthusiasts who go climbing the peaks as soon as they have free time! Light, handy, they also have a climbing wedge, very practical to reduce the effort!

how to dress for snowshoeing?

Snowshoe poles

Sticks are essential because they provide stability and greatly facilitate progression. Walking sticks can be used. Ideally, the puck should be wide to prevent the equipment from sinking too deeply into the snow.

There are sticks with interchangeable pucks. It's super practical to accompany you on your hikes in good weather and winter!

That's exactly what I got you! Here are the Mechhre aluminum walking sticks! In aluminum, they are resistant and light: only 260 grams per stick! Telescopic, they adapt to all sizes from 65 to 135 cm. Above all, 4 different tips correspond to:

The snow ;

Earth ;

Tar ;

The stones.

These walking poles are the perfect equipment you need to make snowshoes in the best conditions.

How to dress for snowshoeing: the bottom

Snowshoeing is above all hiking in the snow. You must feel comfortable in your clothes while being protected from the cold. Summer hiking clothes are therefore to be avoided because, if they are breathable, they are too light. The same goes for street clothes like jeans or simple leggings.

The ideal pants for snowshoeing are winter hiking pants. This type of equipment makes it possible to wear a lightweight, low-bulk, and breathable sock that stays warm.

how to dress for snowshoeing?

Cross-country and ski touring pants are particularly suitable because they allow a good range of movement. On the contrary, downhill ski socks are not very suitable. Their main purpose is to protect against the cold and the wind during rapid descents. Snowshoeing being a sport that requires more effort, it is not uncommon to drop the jacket during the climb.

For an occasional walk, you don't have to invest and your downhill ski pants can do just fine. But for common practice, I strongly advise you to invest to feel perfectly comfortable and free to move.

The Free Soldier pants are the ideal equipment for hiking in winter. Light but warm, it has a very soft fleece lining. It is of course waterproof and windproof to keep warm while being breathable. It has 5 secure zipped pockets and a very practical detail: there is the possibility of putting on a belt thanks to the loops! We also like its elastic material which makes it ultra-flexible and comfortable.

Finally, it is possible to put leggings or tights underneath in colder weather.

Dressing for snowshoeing: the top

3 layers are needed to keep you warm. The advantage of this technique is also to be able to temporarily remove one of them if you are too hot.

The first layer is a close-fitting piece with long sleeves and is ideally made of merino wool. If you don't know, this material can retain up to 35% of its weight in moisture. Concretely, this means that your garment will never be wet with perspiration. It is therefore perfect for a first layer, directly in contact with the skin.