Knowing what clothing to wear snowshoeing can mean the difference between an awesome backwoods adventure, and a miserable outing that never seems to end… Here I want to show you the different options you have in terms of clothing that will best work for snowshoeing, As well as how the intentions you have when snowshoeing can change the clothing that best suits the situation.
By that I simply mean, If you intend to use snowshoeing as a means for exercise, or likely for recreational purposes, both will require a different style of clothing in order to
Wearing the wrong clothing out snowshoeing can definitely begin to cause you discomfort shortly into your trip, especially if you had no idea what to wear before hand… Either you begin to experience chills, or you begin sweating so badly that you can’t tell the difference between a soggy piece of cardboard, and your undergarments…
Truly discomfort can be experienced in many different ways, From feeling hot, to feeling cold, feeling wet, or simply feeling a mixture of the three
This Is why I want to begin by educating you on the effects that can occur from improper clothing choice, as well as how layering your clothing can make for greater versatility when on the trail. Because, as you likely already know, your body will experience temperature change from the atmospheric temperature change throughout the day, as well as endothermic change based on energy exertion variants throughout the duration of your trip.
Because, I feel that its important that you understand, First, why you should avoid specific clothing materials, as well as specific clothing sequences. This way you will have a better understanding as to why sequencing your clothing in the proper manner can make for a greater experience, as well as a safer one. Especially when participating in activities that are done in
But before we dive deep into the reasoning why clothing choice is so important, lets quickly answer the question as to What To Wear Snowshoeing. In simple terms. A Layering System is the best way to go when selecting clothing to wear snowshoeing. You see, a Layered, rather than a joined garment can allow for quick on the fly adjustment in your clothing density, as well as provide you the ability to adjust when temperature fluctuation occurs. Whether it be internal body temp fluctuation. Or External climate temperature change…
Much more on this later!
Why Proper Clothing Is So Important
Wearing the right clothing snowshoeing is vitally important, especially if you intend on doing a multi day backpacking trip in the snow, or something alike. Given that snowshoeing can use a lot of energy from time to time, your body can end up generating an extensive amount of heat during those strenuous sections of the trail. For this reason it is important you are able to adjust the clothing density you are wearing.
We will be discussing layering your clothing shortly and what exactly I mean by it. But right now its important that you understand why it is so vital that you wear the proper clothing. As Improper clothing can lead to discomfort, and much worse…
Dangers Of Incorrect Clothing
The largest reason as to why wearing clothing that is not Ideal for snowshoeing is such a big problem, is because of the simple fact that the material will absorb, and retain the moisture given
- Shivering
- Chills
- Sickness (Hypothermia)
- And Even Worse If You Don’t Take Precautions To Resolve The Issue (Dry Your Clothing)
Now, given it isn’t just the material of the clothing that you need to pay attention to, but also the sequencing of the clothing. Layering your clothing provides you much more in terms of options when it comes to utilizing the external temperatures for cooling your body rather then relying on the body’s natural cooling system.
And as we discussed above, Relying on sweat to cool yourself when out snowshoeing can lead to troubles later on. But this is at its most in terms of danger when you intend to go snowshoeing where help isn’t easily available, or if you intend to be out snowshoeing for an extensive period of time.
Introduction To Layering
Layering your clothing is simply a way of making it possible to adjust the amount of insulation you have coating your body. This makes adjusting on the
Well, the idea seams like a good one Initially. However, its later when it becomes a problem. You see, with only 1 thick layer of clothing you essentially have no adjustment available to you when the internal or external temperature changes. So, say you find yourself needing to climb a hill, It will likely
However, with a layered system you would have the ability to essentially shed layers when the temperature rises, and add layers as the temperature drops. So basically you are able to maintain a comfortable bodily temp, by using the environments temperature, rather then your internal cooling system. Which results in no sweating, which later keeps you free from chills, sickness, or worse. Assuming you have enough layers on to maintain a comfortable bodily temp.
That being said, Layering your clothing really only applies to the upper midsection of the body as well as the lower half of the body (Legs). Typically you wont see anyone using layers under their gloves, Hat and so forth. But that doesn’t mean you can’t do so, as in the past I used to double layer my gloves. Now, this was more to add insulation when I knew I would be out in the cold long. But it no doubt helped add to the insulating ability that only 1 pair would provide…
Below are the 3 Main Layers to be considered:
- 1st: Wicking (Base Layer)
- 2nd: Warming (Insulative Layer)
- 3rd: Weathering (Weathering Layer)
Let’s Discuss What Each Layers Means, And How It Will Affect You.
Base Layer: Typically this is a full body undergarment, such as thermals, or long underwear. The best materials to look for in a base layer is synthetics materials such as Nylon, & Polyester. Also Silk, Spandex, & Wool (Merino Wool is ideal) will work great as well. The most important job of the Base layer is to wick away moisture from your body. Because, well the likelihood of you not sweating at all is very slim, though you can take precautions to limit it. Sweating a little bit should always be expected.
Insulative Layer: Otherwise known as the mid-layer. The Insulative layer is meant to do exactly that keep the warmth your body gives off under your clothing while preventing the intrusion of external cold air (Basically Like a barrier between your body, and the outer temp. Trapping the warm air in, and the cold air out). The thing about the Insulative layer is it doesn’t necessarily need to only be 1 layer of clothing. Actually it is better to have a few layers as your insulative layers, as this will allow you the ability to have better adjustment of insulation as temperatures change. Note: the Insulative layer/s don’t need to be thick, just made of the proper materials such as: Fleece, Micro Fleece, Wool, Merino Wool all work great as an Insulative material. Though I have heard of some using Primaloft or, light Duck or Goose Down as an insulate layer if they intend on being in excessively freezing temperatures.
Weathering Layer: As a weathering layer you’re looking for something that is water resistant, and wind resistant at least. The whole point of the weathering layer is to prevent moisture, wind, and other potential elements from invading what rests underneath the garment (You). Soft shell jackets are the best way to go when it comes to weathering layer. Mainly for the fact that they are not very insulative (Which is a good thing when looking for a snowshoeing jacket). As well, they are typically wind resistant, as well as moisture resistant. Plus they are breathable, which allows sweat to make its way to the surface where it will dry.
Materials To Avoid: Stay away from Cotton. Cotton will absorb sweat and retain it, rather then pass it through each layer of clothing. The problem with cotton is, given that it doesn’t pass moisture through it, it causes your clothing to feel wet continuously given that it just retains the moisture. This can cause for the exact issues we spoke on above… Also Avoid Denim. Denim jeans, jackets, shirts and so forth, as it does the same as cotton.
Pro’s & Con’s Of Layering Clothing
| Pro’s | Con’s |
| Adjust On The Fly | Added Steps |
| Light Weight | Extra Cost (Maybe) |
| More Options | |
| Greater Warmth | |
| Further Comfort |
Snowshoe Clothing Options
Given that there a 2 main reasons as to why many participate in snowshoeing. It important that I explain the differences between the 2 in terms of clothing options. You see, Some enjoy snowshoeing, simply for Recreational Purposes. And some enjoy snowshoeing for the Fitness Benefits. Let’s Discuss the differences between the 2, and how clothing choice should change based on intentions you have behind snowshoeing.
Recreational Snowshoeing: Recreational snowshoeing simply means that you are going to be Walking or Hiking in your snowshoes. The majority of those involved in snowshoeing enjoy the Recreational aspect of snowshoeing. As the subtle intentions are to get out and get active, but the main reason for getting out is to experience what nature has to offer during the winter season.
Snowshoeing For Exercise (Fitness Snowshoeing): Using Snowshoeing to gain the fitness benefits is utilized by many, as snowshoeing can provide one with an extravagant workout! Now, Those who enjoy snowshoeing for the fitness aspect typically are going to be Running or Jogging in their snowshoes. Given that the body will be working harder and generating more heat, less clothing is going to benefit more, as compared to those who enjoy Recreational snowshoeing.
Snowshoe Apparel Essentials & Accessories: Stay till the end as we will also will go over some of the Apparel Accessories you will need, as well as some optional, yet very desirable items that will allow you to have a better experience. Apparel Accessories listed below will apply to both Recreational Snowshoeing, as well as Fitness Snowshoeing.
What To Look For In Snowshoe Clothing:
- Moisture wicking (All Layers)
- Breathability (All Layers)
- Warm (Insulative & Base Layers)
- Comfortable (All Layers
- Snug (All Layers)
- Wind Resistant (Weather Layer)
- Water Resistant (Weather Layer)
Now, let’s dive into the different aspects of snowshoeing and how clothing options will change based on your intentions behind the activity! Note: There are clothing Recommendation below. The Recommendations are based on both my personal experience with the clothing as well as others who are heavily involved in each specific aspect of snowshoeing.
Recreational Snowshoe Clothing Options
Recreational Snowshoe Clothing is ideal for those who intend to be Walking or Hiking in their snowshoes. The below recommendations are meant to follow the layering process as listed above. If you intend to be walking or hiking in your snowshoes then this sections is meant for you!
Recreational Tops:
By “Tops“, I simply mean Shirts, Jackets, Hoodies…etc. Essentially clothing that will cover your core. The most important part of the body is the core, all the vital organs are housed in the core of the body. For this reason it is important that you regulate the temperature of your core properly.
In order to do this you need to wear the right materials as discussed above. Now, given that you are only going to be walking and / or hike it’s likely you won’t be exerting as much energy as you would if you were running. This means you will likely need more clothing to regulate a comfortable bodily temp, as your body won’t be producing as much.
Now, when it comes to the upper mid section of the body it is important that you use at least 3 different layers, as it is often the core of the body that feels temperature change initially. As well as experiences more drastic temperature change. At least when it comes to the thermic side of temp change.
Recreational Top Recommendations:
| Layers | Men’s REC. | Women’s REC. |
| 1st: Base | Men’s Thermal (Amazon) | Women’s Thermal (Amazon) |
| 2nd: Insulative | Men’s Light Fleece Jack (Amazon) | Women’s Light Fleece Jack (Amazon) |
| 3rd: Weather | Men’s Softshell Jack (Amazon) | Women’s Softshell Jack (Amazon) |
Recreational Pants:
Again utilizing the layering system can be a good idea when it comes to the lower half of the body some times. However, I prefer to opt with 3 layers on my lower half if the temperatures outside are drastically cold… Truly in most situations simply a Base layer, with a softshell ski pant will do fine. Given that your legs will be doing a majority of the work, your legs will generate a lot of heat even when simply doing Recreational snowshoeing.
For this reason I suggest you use your intuition and / or best judgement. And base the judgement on the forecasted weather conditions for the area to which you intend to go. Now, of course you should do this no matter what, as it’s always good to know what your getting yourself into.
However, when it comes to deciding whether on not you want to go with 2 layers or 3. The judgement call is up to you. But keep in mind the reason for layering is the ability to shed them when you get hot. So take a pack and either start with all 3 layers or just 2. But either way it’s a good idea to take all 3 with you, Just in case.
Recreational Pant Recommendations:
| Layers | Men’s REC. | Women’s REC. |
| 1st: Base | Men’s Thermal (Amazon) | Women’s Thermal (Amazon) |
| 2nd: Insulative | Men’s Light Fleece Pant (Amazon) | Women’s Light Fleece Pant (Amazon) |
| 3rd: Weather | Men’s Softshell Pant (Amazon) | Women’s Softshell Pant (Amazon) |
Softshell ski pants can be a great option for your weathering layer. However do keep in mind they do come with some added insulation built in. But not as much as, say a Hardshell ski pant would. But this is a good thing, as less insulation for your weathering layer means more ability for layer adjustment in the Insulative layer/s.
Fitness Snowshoe Clothing Options
Fitness Snowshoe Clothing is ideal for those who intend to be Running or Jogging in their snowshoes. The below clothing recommendations are specifically going to work well for the user that intends to use snowshoeing as a means for fitness. Given the fact that you will be generating much more heat than would be experienced when Recreational snowshoeing you are not likely to need as much in terms of insulations. Unless the temperatures outside are significantly below freezing.
Fitness Tops:
When it comes to selecting a top that will work well for snowshoe fitness means, it is best to use a couple layers on your upper body, that can be easily shedded if need be. However, given that you are participating in heavy physical activity you need to opt for thinner, flexible clothing. As you will need both mobility, and flexibility. Now, when it comes to material you need to go with something that will wick away moisture extremely well. As the odds of you sweeting are going to be quite high.
Fitness Top Recommendations:
| Layers | Men’s REC. | Women’s REC. |
| 1st: Base | Men’s Thermal (Amazon) | Women’s Thermal (Amazon) |
| 2nd: Insulative | Men’s Cold Run Shirt (Amazon) | Women’s Cold Run Shirt (Amazon) |
| 3rd: Weather | Men’s Light Run Jack (Amazon) | Women’s Light Run Jack (Amazon) |
Fitness Pants:
Fitness pants don’t necessarily need to be layered, as much as they need to easily wick moisture. You see, the biggest difference between Snowshoeing for the fitness purposes, and snowshoeing for recreation purposes is that though you don’t want to sweat during either. Sweating when out for a run in the snow is ok, as long as the material you are wearing can wick that moisture away. But obviously you don’t want to sweat any more than need be.
That is why Snowshoe running pants, or tights. are typically made to help retain warmth, be water, and wind resistant. But mainly to wick moisture. Given that you will be sweating, more layers could cause for an inability for you clothing to wick well, as well as cause you to sweat more.
If you are going to be using A Cold weather Running Tight? I would suggest only wearing that, but also bring along added clothing if you think you’ll need it. But if you are going to be wearing loose fitting, cold weather running pants, then a base layer could help retain some warmth. Especially if your in extreme temperature conditions.
Fitness Pant Recommendations:
| Layers | Men’s REC. | Women’s REC. |
| 1st: Base | Men’s Thermal (Amazon) | Women’s Thermal (Amazon) |
| 2nd: Insulative & Weather | Men’s Cold Run Pant (Amazon) | Women’s Cold Run Tight (Amazon) |
Snowshoe Apparel Essentials & Accessories
Essential Items are important to keep your extremities warm and comfortable, as well as protect you from the weather conditions, as well as the environmental change. Below is a list of Accessory or essential items that I believe you should definitely consider. Now, when it comes to Accessory, and essential items that are meant to protect or keep warm your extremities, its typically not necessary to utilize the layering system as discussed above. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do so. That being said, below are some of the most important items to have with you on a snowshoe trip.
- Hats
- Ski Face Masks
- Neck Warmer
- Gloves (Convertible Gloves Could Work Good As Well)
- Gaiters
- Sunglasses
- Goggles (Lightly Polarized)
A good pack is also great to consider as it will give you a storage compartment for your shedded layers as well as aid in carrying extra fuel (Food) and water, as well as any of the accessory items you carry along.
- Hydration vest
- Hydration pack
- Simple Small Backpack
- Backpacking Pack (For overnight Trips)
Hats, Ski Mask, Neck Warmer & Gloves: The most important part to consider when selecting any of the following items is to go with the proper materials. Like we discussed above, Avoid cotton, and denim. And go with Synthetics, Wool, Fleece, and so forth. Wicking materials are the best, as they don’t retain moisture like cotton and denim does. Also keep in mind, you are going to be moving quite a bit, which will generate heat. For this reason it is best to go with less insulation, unless, say you are one to get cold hands easily.
Gaiters: Gaiters can do wonders in keep the snow out of your boots! If you have even the slightest problem with snow falling inside your boots as you snowshoe, then be sure to look into possibly getting yourself some gaiters. Literally gaiters are a lifesaver when trekking through deep powdery snow!
Sunglasses, & Goggles: When it comes to snowshoeing, well, really any snow related activity, you run the risk of sunburned eyes. Yes you heard that right “Sunburned eyes”. The problem many have when out in the snow is, Cloud cover becomes minimal and the sun begins to light up the ground around you “Literally”. You see the sun rays hit the snow, and reflects the light back up, which sends the light right into your eyes. Making it so bright that your eyes begin to water, and you struggle to see (due to the need to blink so much).
Think of it like the sun shining down, and reflecting off a mirror directly into your eyes. Now its not exactly that extensive. However, given the snows crystalike surface it does act as a mirror and reflect back at you. For this reason, a good pair of Sunglasses is a must (Just in case). As well as a pair of goggles if you find yourself caught in a blizzard.
Now when it comes to goggles I would suggest you get lightly polarized, as it will protect you from the sun rays when the sun is out, but also be light enough that you’ll be able to see if your caught in a blizzard. And well, given how dark the space will be when surrounded by major cloud cover, dark polarized goggles may make it a struggle to see.
Packs: It’s always a good idea to carry along a backpack or other sort of pack with you, as it will provide you a nice storage compartment for all the necessary items you will need along the way. Now, backpacks can very quite drastically from shape, size and so forth. And well, depending on the plans you have you should select accordingly. If your just headed out for a couple hours, a hydration pack, that is also large enough to carry along so extra items will likely sefice. Nonetheless, if your headed out on a multi day trip, the a backpacking pack will likely be required in order to carry all the equipment you’ll need.
Snowshoe Accessory Recommendations:
| Accessory | Men’s REC. | Women’s REC. |
| Hat: | Men’s Beanie or Trapper (Amazon) | Women’s Beanie or Trapper (Amazon) |
| Ski Mask: | Men’s Ski Mask (Amazon) | Women’s Ski Mask (Amazon) |
| Neck Warmer | Men’s Neck Warm (Amazon) | Women’s Neck Warm (Amazon) |
| Gloves: | Men’s Gloves or Convertible (Amazon) | Women’s Gloves or Convertible (Amazon) |
| Gaiters: | Men’s Gaiters (Amazon) | Women’s Gaiters (Amazon) |
| Sunglasses: | Men’s Sunglass (Amazon) | Women’s Sunglass (Amazon) |
| Goggles: | Men’s Goggles (Amazon) | Women’s Goggles (Amazon) |
| Hydration Pack | Men’s Hydro (Amazon) | Women’s Hydro (Amazon) |
Conclusion
All and all, What to wear snowshoeing is greatly dependent on how your body reacts to the cold, as well as physical activity. Some sweat more than others, and some get cold easier than others. My advice would be start with an outfit that seems like it will work for you, based on how your body reacts to activity as well as climate change. Of course make sure you wear clothing that is made of the proper material.
But once you have an outfit you believe will work well for you, then I’d suggest you get out on a couple short snowshoe trips to see how well the outfit works, and adjust accordingly. This is why layering your clothing is such a great method to go by! Because you can easily adjust on the fly. This means you don’t have to guess exactly perfect when dressing for a snowshoe outing.
Simply because you have the ability to shed, or add layers as you go. Now, of course it could definitely be a good idea to bring along an extra few insulative layers in your pack the first few times you head out just in case. But given the versatility of layering, it shouldn’t take long to find a good outfit that works well for you, and the climates you snowshoe in!
I hope you were able to find some value here! If you have any further questions regarding snowshoeing then be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge for further info!
This Is Colt Signing Off!
Next Recommended Resources
You likely noticed We didn’t discuss what kind of boots to wear snowshoeing. This is because I have recently created an Article that goes in depth on the topic of What Boots To Wear With Your Snowshoes! Be Sure to check it out if you need any help with selecting the right boots for snowshoeing!
Also If you need any help on selecting the right style of snowshoes, or simply the right size of snowshoes then be sure to check out my latest post on Snowshoe Styles, And Which To Buy Based On Your Needs, as well as What Size Snowshoes To Buy!
