What should I wear dog sledding? You need warm, layered clothing. This keeps you dry and comfortable in the cold. Good gear is key for a fun and safe trip. This mushing gear guide will tell you everything you need.
Dog sledding is an amazing winter sport. It can also be very cold. Being too cold can ruin your fun. It can even be dangerous. Proper dog sledding clothing is your first line of defense against the cold. We will break down the essential gear for dog sledding from head to toe. This guide helps everyone, including those new to the sport, know what to wear dog sledding for beginners.
The Core Concept: Layering for Success
The main idea for dressing for sledding is layering. Layers trap air between your body and the outside. This trapped air acts like natural insulation. Layers also let you adjust your warmth easily. When you start mushing hard, you sweat. If sweat stays on your skin, it makes you cold fast. Layers let you remove or add clothes as your body heats up or cools down.
We use a three-layer system for the best layers for dog sledding:
- Base Layer (Wicking Layer)
- Mid Layer (Insulating Layer)
- Outer Layer (Shell Layer)
Let’s look closely at each layer.
Base Layer: Keeping Skin Dry
The base layer sits right next to your skin. Its job is not to keep you warm directly. Its job is to move sweat away from your skin. This process is called wicking. If moisture stays on you, you will get chilled very fast, even if you are wearing a thick coat.
Base Layer Materials
Choose materials carefully for this important layer.
- Merino Wool: This is a top choice. It keeps you warm even when damp. It also resists smells well. It breathes nicely.
- Synthetic Fabrics (Polyester or Polypropylene): These wick moisture very fast. They dry quickly. They are usually cheaper than wool.
- Avoid Cotton: Cotton is the enemy of cold-weather sports. Cotton absorbs sweat and holds it close to your skin. Wet cotton makes you freeze quickly. Never wear cotton as a base layer for cold weather gear for sledding.
Your base layer should fit snugly, but not so tight that it restricts movement or breathing.
Mid Layer: Trapping the Warmth
The mid layer goes over your base layer. This is where you build most of your warmth. It traps the heat your body makes. You might wear one or two mid layers, depending on how cold it is outside.
Mid Layer Options
- Fleece Jackets and Pullovers: Mid-weight or heavy fleece works very well. Fleece is light and traps lots of air.
- Down or Synthetic Vests/Jackets: For very cold days, a light puffy jacket can be your main mid layer. Ensure it fits under your outer shell easily.
- Wool Sweaters: Traditional wool sweaters are warm, but they can be bulky. Modern synthetic or lighter wool options are often better for active mushing.
The key here is adjustability. If you are working hard driving the dogs, you might shed your heavy mid layer. If you stop for a rest, you put it right back on.
Outer Layer: Protection from the Elements
The outer layer, or shell, protects you from wind, snow, and sleet. Wind is a huge factor in cold weather. Wind strips heat away from your body very fast. This is called wind chill. Your shell layer must block the wind completely. It should also be water-resistant or waterproof.
For dog sledding, your outer layer needs to handle activity. It must allow the sweat from your base and mid layers to escape. This is called breathability.
Dog Sledding Pants and Jacket
When looking at dog sledding pants and jacket, look for specialized outerwear.
- Jacket: Choose a shell jacket that is windproof and waterproof (or highly water-resistant). Look for pit zips (zippers under the arms) to dump heat quickly without taking the jacket off. Ensure the cuffs are adjustable to seal around gloves.
- Pants: Insulated, waterproof/windproof bibs or snow pants are best. Bibs (overalls) are excellent because they stop snow from blowing down your back when you lean over the sled handlebars. Look for durable material, as you might brush against sled runners or trailside brush.
When reviewing winter outdoor apparel for sledding, prioritize high wind resistance above all else for the shell.
Protecting Extremities: Head, Hands, and Feet
Your body naturally sends blood to your core organs when it gets cold. This means your fingers, toes, nose, and ears get cold first. Protecting these areas is vital for safety and comfort.
Headwear: Staying Warm and Seen
You lose a lot of heat through your head. A good hat is mandatory.
- Base Cap: A thin merino wool or synthetic liner hat is perfect for wearing under a helmet or hood.
- Warm Hat: A thicker fleece or wool beanie that covers your ears fully.
- Balaclava or Neck Gaiter: This protects your neck, chin, and face from windburn and frostbite. A neck gaiter is often easier to manage than a full balaclava, allowing you to pull it down easily when you warm up.
If your tour operator requires a helmet, the balaclava or liner hat fits perfectly underneath.
Hand Protection: The Mushing Glove System
Hands take a beating when dog sledding. You need to steer, manage lines, and possibly handle anchors. You cannot afford numb fingers. A single thick glove rarely works best. Use a layering system for hands too.
- Liner Gloves: Thin, close-fitting gloves (wool or synthetic). You wear these when you need dexterity, like tying a line.
- Insulated Outer Mittens: Mittens are warmer than gloves because your fingers share warmth. Get high-quality, very warm mittens for when you are just standing or moving slowly.
Many mushers carry glove liners inside their mittens. When they need to do a quick task, they swap the warm mitten for the liner glove instead of exposing their bare skin. Check that your dog sledding clothing includes robust hand wear.
Footwear: Insulated Boots for Dog Sledding
Your feet are critical. You are standing on runners, often with snow spraying up. If your feet get wet or cold, you cannot run or move to generate heat.
- Boots: You need high-quality, heavily insulated boots for dog sledding. These boots should be rated for temperatures far colder than you expect to encounter (e.g., rated to -20°F or lower).
- Waterproofing: The boots must be fully waterproof, especially around the sole where they meet the snow and ice.
- Fit: Make sure they are not too tight. Tight boots restrict blood flow, making your feet colder. You need room for thick socks.
The Sock Strategy: Critical Comfort
Socks are often overlooked but are crucial components of your cold weather gear for sledding. Like gloves, you should layer socks if needed, but be careful not to restrict circulation in your boots.
- Base Sock (Liner): A thin synthetic or silk sock worn closest to the skin. It wicks moisture away from your foot.
- Main Sock: A thick, tall sock made of quality wool (Merino is great). This provides the bulk of the insulation.
Avoid wearing two thick wool socks, as this often compresses the foot inside the boot, cutting off circulation and making your feet colder than if you wore one medium-thick sock.
Summary Table of Essential Gear Categories
| Body Area | Layer 1 (Base/Wicking) | Layer 2 (Insulation) | Layer 3 (Shell/Protection) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torso | Synthetic/Merino top | Fleece jacket or puffy vest | Waterproof/Windproof Jacket | Look for pit zips. |
| Legs | Thermal leggings (wool/synthetic) | Fleece pants or heavy tights | Waterproof/Windproof Bibs or Snow Pants | Bibs prevent snow entry. |
| Head | Thin liner cap | Thick beanie or insulated hood | Balaclava or Neck Gaiter | Protects against windburn. |
| Hands | Thin liner gloves | Heavy, waterproof mittens | Keep liners inside mittens. | Dexterity vs. Warmth trade-off. |
| Feet | Thin liner sock | Thick Merino wool sock | Heavily insulated, waterproof boots | Do not over-tighten laces. |
Safety Gear and Additional Considerations
Beyond the core clothing system, several items fall under dog sledding safety attire and general preparedness.
Goggles or Sunglasses
The sun reflecting off the snow is blindingly bright. Squinting causes fatigue, and UV rays damage your eyes.
- Goggles: Best for windy or snowy conditions. They seal out wind and snow completely. Ensure they have good anti-fogging properties.
- Sunglasses: Fine for sunny, calm days, but have backups. If the wind picks up, your eyes will water, and the wind will sting. Dark, polarized lenses are recommended.
Visibility
If you are on a commercial tour, visibility is usually covered. However, if you are out independently, bright colors are helpful. Trails can be remote. Reflective strips on your jacket or pants can help if you are near roads or if visibility drops suddenly due to a whiteout.
Cold Weather Gear for Sledding Extras
Even with great layers, you might need a little extra boost, especially if you are prone to getting cold or if the temperature plummets.
- Hand and Foot Warmers: Chemical heat packets are fantastic additions. Place them inside your mittens (not directly against the skin) or stuff them into the top of your boots or over the toes. They provide hours of gentle warmth.
- Spare Gloves/Mittens: Always carry a dry spare pair. If your primary pair gets wet from touching snow or handling dogs, swapping to dry mittens provides immediate relief and prevents a serious chill.
Deciphering What to Wear Based on Activity Level
Your level of exertion drastically changes what you should wear.
The Musher (Active Driver)
If you are driving the sled, you are generating a lot of body heat, especially climbing hills or when the dogs are running fast.
- Focus: Excellent ventilation and wicking are paramount.
- Adjustment: You will likely run warm. Start slightly cool. Be prepared to zip down vents or even shed your mid-layer quickly if you start sweating heavily. Your outer shell needs to be very breathable.
The Passenger (Rider)
If you are riding on the back of the sled (the “musher’s seat”), your activity level is very low. You are sitting still, exposed to wind hitting the sled, and not generating much heat yourself.
- Focus: Maximum insulation.
- Adjustment: Dress much warmer than the musher. You need heavier mid-layers and perhaps even chemical warmers from the start. A durable, windproof blanket or throw for your lap is often supplied by tour operators and is highly recommended.
This distinction is crucial for enjoying the experience. Newcomers often dress for standing around, not for the activity of mushing itself.
The Experience Factor: Commercial Tours vs. Self-Mushing
If you are taking a short tour, the outfitter usually provides the critical outer protection.
On a Guided Tour
Many professional dog sledding companies provide heavy, windproof, insulated outer parkas and bibs. This is great for first-timers!
If they provide the outer shell, your main concern is perfecting your inner layers:
- Wear your quality base layer (merino or synthetic top and bottom).
- Wear your mid layer (a warm fleece or light puffer jacket).
- Wear your good wool socks.
- Bring your own gloves, hat, and goggles, as these are personal comfort items they may not provide.
Always ask your tour operator specifically what gear they supply. This prevents you from overpacking or underpacking.
Self-Mushing or Extended Trips
If you plan to mush solo or for many hours, you must own and understand your entire layering system. Every piece of dog sledding clothing needs to be high quality, durable, and well-tested in cold conditions. This is where investing in top-tier dog sledding pants and jacket pays off.
Maintaining Your Gear for Longevity
Good winter outdoor apparel for sledding is an investment. Taking care of it ensures it keeps you warm for years.
- Washing: Follow care instructions exactly. Especially for waterproof/breathable shells, use technical washes if needed to maintain performance.
- Drying: Always dry base and mid layers thoroughly between uses. Damp clothes lose their insulation value. Never put synthetic or wool base layers in a high-heat dryer; air dry them.
- Inspection: Check boots for cracks in the rubber near the sole. Check zippers on your shell jacket for corrosion or stiffness from trail grit. A little wax on zippers can work wonders.
A well-maintained piece of gear is reliable gear, which equals safer, warmer trips.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do I really need a special base layer? Can I wear a cotton long-sleeve shirt?
A: No, you absolutely should not wear a cotton long-sleeve shirt. Cotton holds sweat, making you dangerously cold. You need a synthetic or merino wool base layer to wick moisture away from your skin. This is one of the most important rules for what to wear dog sledding for beginners.
Q: How cold is too cold for dog sledding?
A: This depends entirely on your gear and your tolerance. With excellent, multi-layered cold weather gear for sledding (rated for severe cold), organized tours often run trips down to -20°F (-29°C). However, if you lack proper gear or are new to the cold, anything below 0°F (-18°C) requires careful attention to your extremities.
Q: Are snow pants good enough, or do I need bibs for dog sledding pants and jacket systems?
A: Snow pants are okay, but bibs are better. Bibs cover your back completely, preventing snow, ice, and wind from getting down into your layers when you bend over the sled. For long days or colder weather, bibs offer superior protection.
Q: What is the most important piece of gear?
A: While all layers matter, most experts agree that quality, properly fitting insulated boots for dog sledding and excellent hand protection are the most critical items for comfort and safety. Cold feet or hands can end your day quickly.
Q: Can I wear my ski gear for dog sledding?
A: Ski gear is often very similar and can work well. Ski jackets and pants are usually waterproof and windproof. The main difference is that ski gear is designed for downhill gliding, not necessarily the sustained, upright effort of active mushing. Check that your ski jacket has good ventilation (pit zips) and that your pants are easy to move in while standing behind a sled. It’s a good starting point for your mushing gear guide assessment.