What to Bring
Snowshoe Boots
Your footwear will be the most important item you pack for this tour. The best option is a good fitting (snug, but with room for warm socks), winter hiking boot with good tread. Otherย waterproof, insulated hiking boots will also work. Loose fitting, heavy lined boots like some Sorrels can cause blisters. A low cut hiking shoe is not a good option, nor are non-waterproof hikingย footwear. Essential with the boot are warm, wool or synthetic hiking socks and gaiters. Over the cuff gaiters are provided by the tour These are not insulated, full-shoe cover versions.
Water
It is essential on snowshoe trips to stay hydrated. Water bladders with a hose can easily freeze, and then you have no access to your water. An insulated hose with a valve cover can work, but youย would still need to wear the bladder and hose inside your clothing. A better option is insulated water bottles in your pack, or light weight thermoses. Screw top covers are better than bike bottleย type valves.ย 48 oz capacity should be sufficient for this trip.
Clothing recommendations – layers are key for this trip. On a bright sunny day, walking uphill, you may be comfortable in lightweight tights and a single capilene shirt. If the clouds and wind roll in and you are going downhill you will want 4 or 5 layers on.
Bottomย
- Wool or synthetic warm socks โ but not so thick they make your boots tightย
- Tights or synthetic long underwearย
- An insulating layer like fleece pants (avoid cotton), with a zipper is best to go on over your bootsย
- A wind proof layer โ wind pants or Goretex shells (snow pants can work, but separate insulating and wind/snow proof layers are better).ย
Top
- Wicking bottom layer like capilene or silkย
- Lightweight fleece or wool sweater or heavy weight capileneย
- Fleece or down insulating layerย
- Add a down or fleece vest to keep the core warm and to wear when stopping for a break
- Waterproof outer layer with hood โ breathable Goretex is best โ make sure it fits over the other layersย
Otherย
- Mittens – Layers for hands are good also โ a liner glove with and outer mitten and a shell is bestย
- Hat options โ light hat with a hood from your jacket can work, include a scarf or balaclava, earband is great for warm days, hat with a brim and ear flaps also a great choiceย
- Sunglasses essential!, Goggles if you have them *sunscreen (spf 15 or greater) and lip protectionย
- Leisure clothing, including shoes/boots for evenings (informal, casual, comfortable is the rule)ย
- Camera, binocularsย
- Moleskin and mini personal first aid kitย
- Daypack big enough for your warm clothing when you are not wearing themย
- Swim suit (why wouldnโt you always have one)
- Hiking poles are provided by the tour
Snowshoe tours: Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain Winter Getaway, Rocky Mountain National Park
