Dog Sledding Equipment and Clothing: Be prepared for the cold!
Dog sledding clothing recommendations
A dog sled trip through the snowy winter landscapes of the high north is a wonderful experience. However, it is important to protect yourself against the cold. Temperatures of up to -35 degrees and colder are possible and the right clothing is a must in order not to freeze and to be able to fully enjoy the journey.
We will let you know exactly which dog sledding clothing you will need or what kind of dog sledding clothing you should bring with you. You will find the specific tour information on every page under the link equipment and clothing. In addition to this information, which is coordinated with the desired tour, you will find general tips on the topic of clothing for Husky sledding trips.
Travelling with the dog sled: General tips for choosing the right clothes on Husky holiday
It is important that the clothes you choose provide an optimal body temperature to keep you warm. Of course you can also sweat at minus degrees. This will only become a problem if the clothing is not made from breathable fabric, thus preventing your body to cool off after perspiration.
The first and second garment layers - what should be observed?
Practical underwear is the first clothing layer in a sled dog vacation. Do not wear this on top of cotton as it absorbs moisture and lets you cool down. Materials such as merino wool, viscose or polyester (functional underwear) are better. Even if you are practising sports (i.e. the dogs pull the sledge on the slopes), these fabrics let the sweat escape and leave your body dry for a long time. Underwear from Merinowolle is so fine that it does not scratch and feels very pleasant on the skin. This is one of the finest commercially available wool varieties, which is hypoallergenic and has skin-friendly properties. We recommend functional underwear made from 100% merino wool rather than mixed versions in order to achieve the best warmth. The icebreaker Merino hat included in the travel price is also 100% merino wool - you will notice the difference quickly!
The Onion Principle: Wear several layers on a dog sled vacation
To enable you to switch between the appropriate layers in changing daytime temperatures and always dressing up according to the actual weather conditions. An ideal intermediate layer is fleece clothing, which dries quickly and warms well. There are differences in the relationship between heat and weight: the 100, 200 and 300 fleece. The 100 fleece is particularly light but does not heat as well as a strong 300 fleece. There are fleece jackets under which you can wear a layer of wool, which also ensures maximum breathability. Since the temperatures on Husky trips can vary very strongly (up to 30 degrees of temperature difference), we recommend several thin fleece layers instead of a thick one - so you feel more flexible and can adapt to the day-to-day temperature.
What is the most important third layer of clothing?
In most cases, this outer garment layer is provided by the partner site before the Siberian Husky sledding tour begins. You can find detailed information about the respective tour description under equipment & clothing. It is important that the third garment layer, i.e. the trousers and the jacket or overall are wind and waterproof. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to add more layers.
What is the right type of clothing for a dog sledding tour
In addition to the right clothing, water-proof boots (Arctic Boots) with inner shoes, waterproof gloves and warm caps (with ear flaps) are part of the basic equipment of an Alaskan husky tour. In February, March and April, you should wear sunglasses with good UV ray protection. For people with very sensitive eyes, the use of transparent goggles can be useful so that they can protect their eyes from snow or wind.
Frequently asked questions & answers
How is the weather, and what temperatures should I be prepared for?
The weather can be very variable during your trip, temperatures can vary greatly..
• Temperatures from a few degrees above zero to -40 degrees are possible. This also applies to the "warm" months of February to April. Even if the average temperatures are higher, it can become very cold here too!
• In many regions, snow storms and heavy snowfall are possible.
What type of luggage should I use?
There are no special requirements for luggage if not described in the tour description.
• You can take both suitcases and travel backpacks. Please be aware of what is included as free baggage with your respective airline (See Email "Flight documents”).
• In the case of multi-day trips from cabin to cabin, only the most important things are taken, unless otherwise described. The rest of your luggage will be left at the base station.
If you have any further questions or wishes, we are always available and will be happy to advise you!