It is essential to have a checklist when taking part in snowshoeing races, hiking, or mountain climbing. Factors include how far the trip is, how many days the trip will be, considering the weather, and if other activities will take place other than snowshoeing. Of course, having the correct-fitting snowshoes before you venture out on a trail is also vital. The amount of time depends on what to bring and how much.
Even though you do not want to overload the bags, it is critical to always carry them for extra days in case emergencies arise. A checklist of ten essentials is broken down into different items for necessities and emergencies.
Snowshoeing Gear
Naturally, if you are going snowshoeing, it is critical to bring snowshoes. Be sure to have a pair of comfortable and warm set of boots. Wearing extra socks will help keep the feet warm and prevent frostbite.
Backpacks are perfect for carrying. Ensure there are enough compartments in the pack to have everything. A person will also need snowshoe poles with snow baskets to assist when walking. This will help with balance for every step.
Proper Clothing & Footwear
It is critical to have dry clothes at all times and check the weather forecast for the days necessary for the trip. For each part of the checklist, plan for it in case something out of the ordinary may happen.
All clothes, jackets, pants, and shirts should be waterproof. To keep warm, it is critical to have an insulated vest or jacket, wool or synthetic long underwear. Plan for each day on the trip to have at least one extra set of clothes per day. If there are no extra socks to wear, have hiking or ski socks that are well-insulated and waterproof. Wearing a durable pair of hiker boots or insulated footwear while in your snowshoes is also important. A warm hat, ski gloves or mittens, and scarves are also a good idea to bring.
Food & Water
An extra day's worth of food and water plus lunch and water for that day should be added to the planned number of days for the trip. A person needs at least two liters of water per day, so water bottles are necessary. Trail snacks like beef jerky should be plentiful if someone gets stranded in the snow.
Warm liquids like coffee, soup, or hot chocolate are recommended in a thermos to keep warm.
Another excellent idea is to have a water filter on hand, like a purifier or a chemical treatment, to kill bacteria in the water if you get stranded. This is a lifesaver when the water supply is low.
First Aid Kit
This is something no one should ever leave without when going on any trip, even for a day. Here are some of the items necessary to have in the kits:
- Band-Aids
- Gauze
- Wraps
- Cleaning pads for wounds
- Matches or lighter
- Signal mirror, flare gun with flares, and a whistle
- Emergency shelter
- Alcohol or hydrogen peroxide
Navigational Gear
It is essential to remember that cell phones may not always work in some locations. This is why the old way should always stay in practice. Keep these items handy in the situation of getting lost.
- Compass
- Waterproof map
- Guidebook
- Two-Way radio
Handy Tools
Tools like a swiss army knife work perfectly because they have all the essentials in one device. It is also a good idea to bring items to fix stuff with, like duct tape or zip ties. You never know if you'll need to fix a binding on your snowshoes or what could happen along the way.
Other Essentials
These are the rest of the ten essential items for the checklist. These are other items that come in handy to bring and are some things we all use every day. Those items include toilet paper, trash bags, and hand cleaners or sanitizers. Remember that there may be no bathrooms, so improvising is called for in situations like these.
Any personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrush, and deodorant are not life-saving items, but some people can't go without them.
Flashlights, headlamps, batteries, binoculars, and warming devices are also helpful in the wilderness.
Keep on your personal a form of ID, extra cash, and a cell phone if it works in emergencies.
Important Snowshoeing Tips
Snowshoes are only meant for walking in the snow. Do not use them to walk on ordinary ground because it may damage them. Keep in mind that they will not save your feet from frostbite, so do everything possible to keep them warm at all times.
Remember to never walk on frozen lakes or rivers when wearing snow shoes. They will not save you from the frigid waters if the ice breaks. Last, always let someone know where you are at all times.
Now that we've educated you on the basic snowshoeing gear and safety advice to follow, you should feel more prepare to take on an adventure as long as you have the most important thing - Snowshoes!
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