Dog Sledding Essentials Packing Guide
Just this past week, I was finally able to cross off something I’d had on my bucket list for a very long time — dog sledding! As much fun as this was, I underestimated the kind of gear you actually need to be properly prepared for it. Here’s my guide with all the essentials you need for dog sledding!
Dog sledding is an amazing experience to say the least, but your experience can easily be ruined if you’re not prepared for it (also see: Dog Sledding Do’s and Don’ts — https://mybucketlistjourneys.blog/dog-sledding-dos-and-donts/) Since you will be out in the snow, the added wind chill as you’re moving on a sled will make it extra cold. It’s easy to stay warm though, you just need the right gear. The key to a comfortable dog sledding trip: layers
It’s easier for you to remove layers rather than add on clothing as you’re outside sledding. Dress extra warm with layers you can easily remove as you’re on a moving sled.
Start with your first layer, your base layer.
You base layer will be the clothing that will wick moisture away from your body. Any moisture, like sweating or the snow itself, can make you cold. This will feel much worse if you’re out all day in the snow. You want to make sure that this first layer closest to your skin does not get wet, so it will also be best if it is tight fitting.
For a first layer, I recommend thermals made of polyester or spandex. Avoid cotton, which actually absorbs moisture. I purchased some items from the brand 32 Degrees. They have a variety of long sleeved tops and turtlenecks made of polyester and spandex. I also purchased their leggings, which are great to have even after your trip for working out or just loungewear. Make sure to get their fleece-lined leggings for some extra warmth.
Next, you will need a second layer for warmth.
Again, avoid cotton for this layer. I suggest fleece for the obvious warmth and comfort. Wool works too. Depending on how cold you get, you may need a couple of these layers on top of your base layer. I was fine with just one though. My second layer was also from 32 Degrees, a turtleneck which I layered on top of their long sleeved crew necks. I’d also suggest a warm fleece or faux fur vest. Sometimes, you are in between, and may feel cold only on certain parts of your body. A vest keeps your chest warm while leaving your arms nice and cool.
For pants, you can wear fleece or wool pants on top of your leggings. Again, I went a bit of a different route since I do a bit better in cold temperatures than most people. I simply wore two pairs of fleece lined leggings.
For your final layer, you will need clothing that will basically “protect” your layers beneath.
You’ll want something that can still keep you warm but also shed snow/rain easily and doesn’t allow it to stick. Thick anorak coats, parkas, and puffer coats work well for the top. For bottoms, you’ll need soft shell and snow/ski pants (some may need snow pants on top of a shell pant if you get cold easily).
I used a hooded parka that went below the waist and also had a fleece lining around the chest/neck area. For bottoms, I only had a pair of soft shell pants on top of my double legging layer. I did wear jeans under my shell pant for one day though. While I was able to stay warm, jeans do not allow for as much mobility/flexibility as leggings, so I wouldn’t recommend.
*For your middle and final layers, I highly recommend clothing with zippers. It’s easy to take on and off as you’re on the go.
Footwear
Look for cold weather/ snow boots. You need to keep your feet warm, but also make sure that they have good traction on the bottom. There may be moments you will need to help your dogs with the sled. Therefore, you will need footwear that does not make you slip in the snow/ice.
*Make sure your boots are not tight. You will want room for one or two pairs of socks.
Out of all your body, your feet will be the body part most likely to get cold, as you will be stepping on and off the sled many times. If your feet are cold, so will the rest of your body. Go for wool socks. Because wool socks are much thicker compared to cotton, you need to make sure you can wear them comfortably inside your boot. If your boot is too tight, it will cut off circulation to your toes, preventing warmth.
If you tend to get too cold, wear a thinner pair of socks under your wool socks. Though cotton isn’t ideal, I was actually able to wear a pair of cotton socks under my merino wool socks and was warm the entire time.
Don’t forget additional accessories!
Aside from your layers, make sure to have warm winter hats, scarves and gloves. For gloves, I would suggest getting a pair with some extra padding. Dogsledding requires a strong grip on the sled handles, which may cause blisters if you do not have proper gloves.
You may also want to bring along a pair of sunglasses incase it gets super sunny. Sunlight can reflect off of the snow, making the ground super bright to your eyes.
Also important to have: sunscreen, chapstick, and lotion. Though it’s winter time, you can still get sunburn by being outside all day. Your lips and skin can get also dry from the icy temperatures and wind chills.
*Important to know: of course, you’ll want to document your dog sledding adventures, but make sure to bring batteries for your camera gear. Your camera can die more quickly in cold temperatures, so be prepared with extra batteries. If you don’t have extras, bring a small day bag to keep your camera in when not in use. This way it won’t be as exposed to the cold.
The sleds usually have a room in the front for storage, so you don’t have to carry the bag on you all day. In any case, just hang your camera around your neck and zip it under your big coat to keep it warm.
Bring a power bank for your phone as well (you will probably have used up all your charge taking so many vids and photos of your adorable pups!)
*You should also bring a water bottle to keep hydrated while on the trails.
To Recap (you can also screenshot this list to help you pack later on!)
Hope this dog sledding essentials guide was helpful and eases the planning on your next dogsledding trip! Dog sledding is now my favorite winter activity and you can enjoy it even more if you have all the essentials!
(If you’re looking for the perfect place for a short dog sledding vacation, you can book the same tour I did in Ely, Minnesota at the Wintergreen Dogsledding Lodge! Check out https://www.dogsledding.com/4-night-better-lodge-based-dogsled-vacations for more info!
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