What To Bring On Your Dog Sled Trip
Winter in the North Country can present a wide range of weather conditions. For this reason we use and recommend a system of layered clothing proven to be the most sensible, comfortable, adjustable protection for a wide variety of weather and trail conditions and levels of activity.
Your base layer(s) should be long underwear made of wool or silk or a blend of the two, or polypropylene, which will wick moisture away from your skin, thereby keeping you dry and warm. Stay away from cotton, as it absorbs moisture, holding it against your skin and making you cold. By wearing a lighter-weight synthetic layer next to your skin, then a mid- or heavyweight long underwear layer, and finally topping those with a few layers of outerwear, you can remove excess clothing when you start to get too warm, and you can add the layers as you begin to cool down.
Use this checklist as your guide to what you should bring:
- Heavy wool socks: 1-2 pair for day trips
- Warm winter boots, preferably with removable liners (bring extra liners for overnight trips). Boots that fit too tightly will restrict circulation and make your feet cold. Make sure your boots have ample room, especially for multiple socks.
- Long underwear, tops and bottoms: 1-2 pair synthetic or wool to layer as described above
- Shirts or sweaters: 2-3 layers of synthetic fleece and/or wool
- Pants: 1 or 2 layers wool or fleece with windshell or separate windpants, or insulated ski pants
- Parka or windproof shell jacket with hood
- Neckwarmer or scarf
- Hats: Fleece, wool, or fur, preferably with shell, covering ears well
- Gloves/Mittens: 1-2 pair thin liner gloves to wear while handling dogs, plus 1-2 pair fleece or wool mittens with a windproof shell
- Ski goggles or sunglasses, optional, but highly recommended
- Sunscreen, optional
- Chapstick or similar, optional
- Camera and film, optional
- Heatpack(s)
For overnight trips, please add:
- In-camp footwear: mukluks with wool liners, or lightweight insulated booties
- Wool socks: 1-2 additional pair per day
- Headlamp/flashlight with spare batteries/bulb
- Additional hat and gloves/mittens
- Skin lotion, optional
- Towel and washcloth, optional
Concerning alcoholic beverages and drugs:
Alcoholic beverages and cold weather outdoor activities make a dangerous
combination. We strictly prohibit their use on all of our trips. Possession or use of
illegal drugs is also expressly prohibited on all of our trips.
Concerning medical emergencies:
Your safety and comfort are of utmost importance to us. Our guides are trained in
wilderness safety and first aid procedures and always carry a first aid kit on all trips.
If you or someone in your party has personal medical needs or prescriptions, we urge you to come
prepared with the necessary equipment/medications to maintain your good health. A
medical clinic, hospital, and ambulance service are all available in Ely.
Come travel at the speed of Dog!