Historians estimate that people have been snowshoeing for 4,000 to 6,000 years. That means we’ve had plenty of time to perfect the process, which includes knowing the right clothing and gear to use!
In this article, we’ll sum up millennia of human experience to explain what to wear snowshoeing.
Jackets, Coats, and Hoodies
Snowshoeing is a vigorous physical activity, so newbies sometimes think they don’t need a good jacket or coat because they’ll get hot and sweaty.
Don’t make that mistake! Despite generating heat through movement, your body still needs protection from the freezing temperatures to avoid hypothermia. In fact, experts recommend layering jackets with heavy coats to optimize warmth.
If you’re looking for the best things to wear while snowshoeing, we have some suggestions.
Wantdo Puffy Coat
Puffy coats are prized for their insulation and resistance to both wind and moisture. Wantdo makes them particularly well.
With ample padding, a generous hood, and adjustable drawstrings, it will keep you cozy throughout your adventure. Plus, the men’s version uses cotton liners and recycled fabric, so they’re one of the best things to wear while snowshoeing if you value quality products and the environment.
Gimecen Polar Microfleece Jacket
Lightweight yet toasty, the Gimecen polar microfleece jacket ranks among the best things to wear while snowshoeing because it makes you feel pampered with soft texture and durability.
The high collar provides extra warmth to your neck as well. Since it’s tailored to fit snugly to your body, you’ll have no trouble layering it with the puffy coat, but it’s still flexible enough to allow for a wide range of motion.
Willit Sun Hoodies
If you want to know what to wear while snowshoeing on a mild winter day, consider the Willit sun hoodie. True to its name, the hoodie is made to protect your skin from UV rays, so it works as an alternative for the microfleece jacket if you expect slightly higher temperatures but still want to stay warm. If you don’t think it would be too bulky, it could also act as an additional layer with the jacket and coat.
Long-Sleeved Shirts
As with jackets, coats, and hoodies, long-sleeved shirts are one of the best things to wear while snowshoeing to prevent hypothermia and similar illnesses. Also, they can wick away your sweat so that your skin stays as dry as possible despite how hard you work. Put them under your other coverings to improve insulation and comfort the whole time that you’re snowshoeing.
Neleus Athletic Compression Long-Sleeved Shirts
In addition to providing coverage for your body, the Neleus athletic compression long-sleeved shirts are designed to encourage proper blood flow and reduce moisture all at once. It’s the ideal shirt for rigorous physical activities, meaning that it’s among the best things to wear while snowshoeing. Plus, it feels wonderfully soft.
Devops Thermal Turtleneck Shirts
Made from tech fleece, the Devops thermal turtleneck shirts are among the best things to wear while snowshoeing because they balance comfort with practicality. The stretchy fabric is smooth against the skin and adheres perfectly to your shape to maximize warmth. With the high neck, you’ll also feel cozier and block stray snowflakes from sliding down your shirt.
Gloves/Mittens
As you consider what to wear while snowshoeing, don’t forget about gloves or mittens. The skin around your hands and fingers is thin and highly vulnerable to damage from freezing weather. Even if you avoid issues like frostbite, cold hands are harder to move, so you may struggle with using your poles or other gear.
When you want to prioritize dexterity, opt for gloves. When temperatures are extremely low, go for the Mittens, which maximize warmth by keeping your fingers huddled together.
Trendoux Winter Gloves
Whether you love to record your adventures or simply appreciate the extra safety measure that a smartphone can offer in case you get lost or hurt, the Trendoux winter gloves are easily one of the best things to wear while snowshoeing.
With conductive fabrics woven to be sensitive to touch screens, you can use your phone anytime you need. The silicone texturing will help you grip your poles, too. Also, even with the inner lining, the gloves are sleek and fit snugly.
Carhartt Waterproof Winter Gloves
Maybe you’re looking for a thicker glove. In that case, why not the Carhartt waterproof winter gloves? The outer fabric repels water, and the inner lining wicks moisture away, so you’re sure to keep your hands dry and warm. Thanks to the textured fingers and palms, you would have no trouble holding onto your poles. Its usefulness simply makes it one of the best things to wear while snowshoeing.
Tough Outdoors Winter Mittens
If you’re heading outside in freezing or subzero temperatures, one of the best things to wear while snowshoeing is the Tough Outdoors winter mittens.
Like other mittens, they generate more warmth than gloves by keeping your fingers close together. However, this pair is especially notable for its quality insulation and fabric that manages to be breathable while repelling moisture and blocking wind.
Legwear
Even though your legs work up a sweat to propel you while snowshoeing, they’re as susceptible to cold weather as every other body part.
You need legwear that promises coverage, warmth, and flexibility so that you can move easily without sacrificing protection. No list of what to wear while snowshoeing would be complete without a discussion of legwear.
Toomett Fleece-Lined Soft Shell Cargo Pants
If you ask a seasoned camper about what to wear while snowshoeing, there’s a good chance they’ll bring up the Toomett fleece-lined soft shell cargo pants.
With water-repellent coating strengthening the exterior and fleece making up the interior, it’s the perfect combination of practical and comfortable. Since they’re cargo pants, there are also pockets with which to carry additional gear or tools.
Arctix Cargo Snow Pants
For the avid snowshoer, thicker and more formidable legwear may be necessary. Take a look at the Arctix cargo snow pants. Featuring several pockets, gaiters, an adjustable waist, and lightweight fabric capable of maintaining warmth and insulation in subzero weather, these pants are regarded by hardcore enthusiasts as one of the best things to wear for snowshoeing. As a bonus, they’re available in lots of prints and colors!
Footwear
The key to any great snowshoeing trip is to have the right footwear for the job. Footwear can determine your comfort, safety, and the ease and quality of each stride you take. It might even be the most crucial item to consider when deciding what to wear while snowshoeing.
Flashtek Lightweight Snowshoes
With sizes for everyone, the Flashtek lightweight snowshoes are impeccable for beginners and veterans alike. The aluminum build ensures strength and durability in diverse terrain and snow conditions, yet they weigh so little that even a child can use them without trouble.
They also lock securely to your boots. The set includes poles for assistance and balance, as well as a bag to simplify packing.
Kamik Snow Boots
You need superb snow boots to go with the rest of your gear, and the Kamik boots are revered as one of the best things to wear while snowshoeing.
Equipped with moisture-wicking soles, liners, and waterproof exteriors that are as cozy as they are durable, they’ll shield your feet from snow, frost, and freezing air when temperatures are below zero. In case you need to take off your snowshoes, don’t worry; the traction is excellent for walking on snow and ice.
Hats
To keep yourself safe from hypothermia, you must retain as much heat as possible, so cover every part of your body that you can. This includes the head. Despite boasting a small amount of surface area compared to other parts of your body, it can make a big difference in your comfort and health.
While a beanie will help your head stay warm, a bomber hat is more effective at covering the forehead and ears, optimizing the effect. Your choice in what to wear while snowshoeing should depend on the weather you expect to encounter.
FZ Fantastic Zone Beanie With Scarf
Boasting a luxurious and stretchy fleece lining and stylish design, the FZ Fantastic Zone beanie already earns a spot among the best things to wear while snowshoeing just for its effectiveness.
However, it goes above and beyond by providing a matching scarf for extra warmth. Choose from a variety of colors to complement the rest of your gear!
Original One Beanie With Visor
Speaking of beanies that go the extra mile, have a look at the Original One beanie as well.
With a built-in visor, you can better shield your eyes from the sun and prevent snowflakes or debris from falling onto your face from above. Though not technically a bomber, this hat also features long “lobes” to protect your ears.
DOXHAUS Bomber Hat & Trapper
You already know that bomber hats provide wonderful ear and forehead coverage as a general rule. What makes the DOXHAUS bomber hat one of the best things to wear while snowshoeing is that it includes a detachable trapper to go over your nose and mouth.
Combined with the faux fur, along with the waterproof and wind-resistant shell, you’ll have no problem retaining heat.
Eyewear
When thinking about what to wear while snowshoeing, eyewear may not be the first thing to pop into your mind. Sunglasses and goggles are more associated with summer beaches and pools. However, to maintain clear vision, prevent snow blindness, and shield your eyes from snowflakes and debris, you’ll need great eyewear.
ZIONOR Snow Goggles
If you’re looking for eyewear that simply repels UV rays, note that the Zionor snow goggles are spectacular at accomplishing that.
Nevertheless, the reason they’re regarded as one of the best things to wear while snowshoeing is that they also resist fog buildup, and they’re large enough to cover your peripheral. There’s a wide array of color combinations from which to choose so that your goggles match your whole outfit!
FAGUMA Polarized Sunglasses
Maybe sunglasses are more your style, in which case the FAGUMA polarized sunglasses deserve your attention. In addition to blocking UV rays, the lenses are anti-glare to further support your vision.
Despite being lightweight enough to feel comfortable against your face, they’re also highly durable. No matter which of the various colors you pick, you’ll quickly see why so many people think they’re one of the best things to wear while snowshoeing!
Get All the Best Things to Wear While Snowshoeing!
The secret to a fantastic winter wonderland adventure is knowing what to wear while snowshoeing. We’re confident that every item on this list would be instrumental in helping you create amazing and lasting memories.
Have you found the perfect pair of snowshoes yet? Check out this list of The 9 Best Snowshoes for Winter Hiking!
- About the Author
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With a bachelor’s degree in history and several years of professional writing experience, Ashley Morales believes there’s a story in everything. It’s her passion to tell each one that she can.
She has been camping and nurturing a love for nature since childhood. Sharing her knowledge is just one of the many ways that she likes to encourage others to enjoy the outdoors. Waterfronts are always her favorite places to camp or relax, no matter the time of year!