Winter is a spectacular time of the year. From dog sledding to
snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to snowmobiling, or just
camping out in the woods, it’s a time when you can experience
the hushed, serene world of white. However before planning any
trip or sporting activity in the winter you must be prepared to
face the dangers of this glacial weather. Winter activities can
be dangerous and this is further compounded by the weather that
they are performed in. If you aren’t prepared for the hazards
with the right kind of winter gear, you could be at risk from
frostbite and hypothermia, the most common threats to your
health from winter activities.
So, it becomes imperative for an outdoor winter adventurer to
know the finer points of winter gear. For instance, winter
shoes. Backpackers, fishers, or campers exposed to ice, snow,
and water can enjoy their sport without fear of frozen toes if
kitted properly with the right foot gear for the winter. The
foot gear you choose will naturally depend on the activity that
you are involved in as well as the temperature that you expect
to be in. It also depends on the kind of environment that you
will be facing, e.g. will it be wet, snowy or icy? For instance,
different types of shoes are recommended for cross country
skiing and snowshoeing.
For the former you will need a boot that provides support to the
ankle. You may also need a ski over boot to give to the added
insulation over the ski boot. For snowshoeing or hiking in the
snow, regular backpacking boots are just not good enough. They
are simply unable to provide the requisite dead air apace. There
are several options for boots. Among them are:
Insulated Boots - Commonly called ‘Mickey Mouse’ or ‘M&M’s boots, these were originally designed for use in
the Korean War. They are designed to provide an impenetrable
shield against water and extreme cold. A wool-lined interior and
several layers of rubber serve as insulation. Their most
distinguishable features are their giant size and pure white
color. The boots are able to prevent frostbite even at -20 or
-30 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 to -34 Celsius); a thin layer of air
trapped between two layers of rubber acts as a powerful
insulator. They’re now available in black, with pressure valves,
special moisture-wicking liners, and ratings down to an amazing
-60 degrees Fahrenheit (-51 Celsius). You can purchase them
thorough Army Surplus Stores, which is preferred over the modern
copies.
Mountaineering Boots - Plastic shell mountaineering boots
have a woolen or a foam insulated inner boot. These are very
warm and can be easily used with ski bindings, crampons and showshoes.
Mukluks - Mukluks are a type of footwear<
/a> originally made by the Athabaskans and Eskimos to keep their
feet warm and dry in the winter. These are one piece moccasins
which come up to the knee and are lined with felt and wool. How
ever, since they are not waterproof they are best used in dry,
cold winter settings. They can easily be used with snowshoe
bindings and on cross country skis with special bindings, as
well as with hinged crampons.
