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Snowshoeing Attire Clothing must be appropriate to the weather conditions. Incorporate the "25° F rule" when training and competing. This means that if the temperature outside is 40° F (4.4° C), dress as if it is 65° F (18.3° C). This is how warm you will feel from the heat generated by your workout. It is best to dress in layers so you can add or subtract clothes as needed. Always bring too many clothes instead of too few.       Socks Socks are a personal preference, but it is suggested that a wool or blended-material ski or hiking sock be used for snowshoeing. Definitely avoid cotton socks because they absorb moisture, are poor insulators and will result in blisters. It is recommended that liner socks made of synthetic or natural fibers be worn underneath insulated socks. The liners will help wick away perspiration and moisture from the foot and add more insulation layers of air. The liners will also absorb the friction between the feet and outer socks to prevent blisters.     Footwear Any type of shoe can be used. Running shoes and cross-training sneakers are popular because of their light weight and comfort. The heavier the shoe, the more weight the back will feel while running. Boots may be used in colder weather, but be sure that there is flexibility in the ankles and that the boot can remain securely attached to the foot while walking and running. The most important thing is to keep the feet dry and comfortable. It is recommended that the shoes fit comfortably with the socks that will be worn while snowshoeing. Booties that fit over the shoe and cover the space between the top of the shoe and the bottom of the pants are very useful. Neoprene cycling booties are great to use over running shoes.   The key in snowshoeing is that the boot or shoe is the interface with the snowshoe. The snowshoer's warmth comes from the exercise and layering, rather than bulky boots. Heavy boots will make it harder to snowshoe because they add weight. Additionally, they may cause excessive foot perspiration, which can lead to cold feet very quickly.   Mukluks or moccasins can be used in combination with a traditional wood snowshoe and binding. Mukluks or moccasins can have a crepe/ rubber sole and felt insert to provide protection. Mukluks are known for being warm, comfortable and lightweight. These typically provide a good interface with the snowshoe.       Pants and Tops Incorporate the three-layer system. It's simple and it works well.   Inside Layer The inside (or inner or base) layer is the wicking layer. Long underwear made of synthetic materials, natural materials (silk) or treated materials will remove perspiration from the body. Both the upper and lower body should be covered by a wicking layer. A shirt that covers the neck and fits snugly at the wrists is an effective way to conserve body heat.   Middle Layer The middle layer should be an insulating layer and consist of wool (sweater or pants), fleece (top or bottom) or treated material. Synthetic insulations or phase change treatments have also proven to be lightweight but very effective. This layer provides warmth by trapping a layer of air around the body.   NOTE: Except in extremely cold conditions, the legs do not need and would be constricted by this layer.   Outer Layer Wind and snow are blocked by the weatherproof outer layer. For the legs, nylon wind pants are good. If wind pants are not available, choose looser-fitting synthetic sweatpants. A lined windbreaker or warm-up jacket works well on top. Clothing that uses laminates that are waterproof, windproof and breathable (allowing perspiration to leave the body) can be useful. Be aware that absorbent clothing such as cotton sweatpants will provide little protection from the wind and cold. Snowshoes tend to kick up loose snow on the legs and back, and this is best shed by a slick and smooth nylon outer layer. Snowshoeing can be a highly aerobic activity that can generate a tremendous amount of heat and require clothing to allow unrestrictive movement.   Consider the ability of your athlete, the weather and the distance of the event when deciding upon clothing for competition. For optimal competition, strive to dress your athlete in clothing that is lightweight, breathable, layered and slick on the outer surface, and that allows unrestrictive movement. Consider having the athlete wear a thick, heavy, easily removed jacket and pants over everything to keep warm between events. At many competitions, the greatest challenge is staying warm while standing around between events. These bulky layers should have the ability to be easily and quickly removed and put back on before and after events. Do not neglect an extra set of warm, dry clothes to change into for athletes whose competition clothes will get wet with perspiration during longer races.     Accessories Knitted hats are necessary to keep heat from escaping through the head. Gloves or mittens with the same three layers-synthetic base, thermal insulation layer and wind/waterproof outer layer-are needed according to weather conditions. Suitable eye protection is recommended to protect the eyes from damaging ultraviolet rays and glare and from snow kicked up by the snowshoes. Polarized sunglasses will cut glare, and high-quality glasses will be less likely to fog. Remember that if the glasses fog up, a sunglass-friendly soft handkerchief should be used.

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