One of the most challenging things I’ve found about ultra running and long distance snowshoe racing is staying well nourished and hydrated. Taking in calories by way of energy gels is a very effective way of keeping your energy level topped up. However, the hassles of dealing with individual gel wrappers, in addition to the mess and impact on the environment, can make this less appealing. Throw in having to follow up your gel consumption with a slug of water and it’s easy to see that you sometimes feel like you are spending more time fueling and less time actually enjoying your run.

I’m reluctant to admit the number of days I recently wore Mountain Hardwear’s Lightweight Power Stretch Zip T and Boot Length Tights without laundering them. On a two-week Himalayan trek, they were the base layer that I reached for almost daily. They simply cannot be beat for odour repellence, softness and warmth, while their wicking properties are also excellent. I always felt dry and comfortable despite the varying temperatures I encountered, from deep morning chill to afternoon sun. The stretchy fabric is non-constraining and smooth, making it easy to slip outer layers on and off.

Picture yourself out for a long hard snowshoe run or hike, working up a sweat, then trying to take a drink out of your water bottle, but nothing comes out. Drat! It’s frozen solid again. This has continually been a source of frustration for the avid snowshoer.

Jackets with fill down insulation offer a genuine shield from extremely cold weather and harsh winter conditions.  Lately, in Colorado, the conditions have been very extreme – with days recently hitting 19 below.  Of course, here in the Centennial State, life goes on when the weather is crazy.  During harsh walks to the bus and snowshoeing trips in the foothills, the Outdoor Research Virtuoso Jacket has been a lifesaver when the temperatures have reached dangerously cold levels. 

When snowshoe running, the high impact, heat-generating nature of the activity means that you typically can get by using trail or running shoes and gaiters. For hiking on extremely cold days, something warmer and more protective of the elements will ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable outing. Salomon makes winter boot options that work well for snowshoeing. They are functional, fit exceptionally well and are relatively light.

When I snowshoe, it never fails: My chin and nose get colder than any other part of my body.  This happens particularly because it’s the only exposed skin on my body when outside in the outdoor elements.  It’s a problem that isn’t easily remedied without the right gear, but most products on the market are either cheaply made or don’t properly do the job.  This season, it’s all about finding the right gear for the conditions…and I have solved yet another problem for my snowshoeing adventures.  Talus Outdoor Technologies created the ColdAvenger: A cold weather mask that allows you to breathe freely while keeping your face warm and dry.  I like that.

If you’re attracted to win-win situations for your feet and the planet, Teko makes the socks for you. They feel amazing to wear and offer great technical features, plus you can feel good about the company’s environmental ethics. Their motto and mission statement is: “best socks ON the planet; best socks FOR the planet”, and they certainly live up to that ideal.