How to Use this List

Items under the Required heading are items that you must either bring yourself or rent or purchase from Wintergreen Northern Wear as available.

Items under the Optional heading are not required, and you may bring yourself, buy, or rent from Wintergreen Northern Wear as available.

If you see an X in the purchase or rent column, that means that an item is NOT available for rent or for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear as indicated.

Words in blue indicate direct link to specific product page at WintergreenNorthernWear.com

Clothing and Boot Rental

Reduce your luggage and guarantee the right clothing for your trip by purchasing or renting from Wintergreen Northern Wear. In store pickup available. All products are designed, cut, and sewn in Ely, MN and designed specifically for winter active wear!

Fill out the RENTAL FORM for clothing and boot rental.
Pick up all items in Ely, MN at Wintergreen Northern Wear BEFORE arriving at your final destination. Plan for at least 30 minutes extra for rental pickup. Check in with Wintergreen Northern Wear regarding store hours and pick up times.
Any questions or concerns specific to gear rental contact Wintergreen Northern Wear directly at (844)-359-6233 or info@wintergreennorthernwear.com

Tips for Dressing Warm in the Winter

Do not wear any layers of cotton, synthetic layers or wool are best. “Cotton is rotten!”
Wear loose fitting clothing, especially socks and gloves, so they don’t constrict blood flow.
Wear multiple layers so you can easily adjust, especially while being active.

Remember to stay “comfortably cool” to prevent sweat from making your layers wet. Adjust clothing to the state of the elements.

We don’t recommend thin down jackets as your top outer layer while dogsledding, given that the fabric is prone to tearing. Wear rugged active wear that is durable.
Wear boots with a removable liner that you can dry out in the evening. The boots should feel “snug” and not constrict blood flow.
Camp Clothes & Day Activities Clothing: Keep in mind that your wicking layers and or warmth layer may get moist from sweat during the day’s activities. You’ll be able to stay warm during the day due to movement and use of physical activity. However, it's good to have one extra set of wicking and warmth layers that stays dry for when you stay at camp and there is less physical activity. Staying dry is the key to staying warm! Be sure to get into the habit of changing from your camp clothes (to keep them dry) into your Day Activities Clothing every day of your trip.
Stay well fed and hydrated throughout the day. Your body needs fuel and adequate water to function at its best. Expect to drink more water than your normal day to day life. The recommended amount is 3-4 liters in cold dry winter conditions, during high activity. It is important to eat a diet high in fat and protein to stay warm.

General questions about gear or this list?

Email info@dogsledding.com, connect with your senior guide (see pre-trip emails), or call 218-349-6128

Upper Body Layers
You need at least three insulating layers: a windproof layer, a warmth layer, and a wicking layer. Make sure your layers fit loose and comfortably over each other. If you get cold easily, we suggest that you take four insulating layers, or three layers plus a vest. You should have two lightweight insulating layers: one to wear while dog sledding and one to wear during lunch or at camp (if camping).
Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear Call: (844)-359-6233 20% discount for dogsled guests		Available for Rent at Wintergreen Northern Wear	Notes	Example Image
Required
WICKING Long Underwear Tops (1-2)	Available at Wintergreen Northern Wear	X	Mid- or expedition-weight synthetic or performance wool is best.(Examples: Mountain Hardwear Extend, Patagonia Capilene, Ibex wool, Icebreaker wool)
WARMTH Midweight Warmth Layer (1-2)	Available at Wintergreen Northern Wear	X	Midweight fleece top and/or vest or wool sweater that fit comfortably over long underwear and underneath jackets.
WARMTH Fleece Jacket OR	Available at Wintergreen Northern Wear	$15/single day or $40/ multi-day trip	Light- to mid-weight fleece jacket that fits over your base layers.
Insulated Jacket	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	A warm, synthetic-filled jacket that fits over your base layers. Rated to 15 degrees F. (Examples: Mountain Hardwear Compressor, Patagonia Nano Puff Hoody)
WIND Jacket	Available at Wintergreen Northern Wear	$20/single day or $45/ multi-day trip	Nylon wind shell, roomy enough to fit comfortably over your base layers.

Lower Body Layers
You need at least three insulating layers, a windproof layer, a warmth layer, and a wicking layer. Make sure your layers fit comfortably over each other.
	Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear	Rent	Notes	Example Image
Required
WICKING Long underwear bottoms (1-2)	Available at Wintergreen Northern Wear	X	Mid- or expedition-weight synthetic or performance wool is best. (Examples: Mountain Hardwear Extend, Patagonia Capilene, Ibex wool, Icebreaker wool)
WARMTH Insulated or fleece pants (1-2)	Available at Wintergreen Northern Wear	$10/ single day trip Or $20/ multi-day trip	Fleece or synthetic-filled pants work well. Expedition weight long underwear bottoms are also acceptable. (Examples: Sherpa Jaaro Microfleece Pants, Mountain Hardwear Compressor Pants)
WIND Wind pants or guide pants (wind proof, yet breathable) (1)	Available at Wintergreen Northern Wear	$10/ single day trip Or $20/ multi-day trip	Nylon hiking pants or snow pants are recommended for protection from wind. Downhill ski pants will work as well.

Accessories
We recommend multiple pairs of socks, hats, gloves, and mittens.
	Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear	Rent	Notes	Example Image
Required
Liner gloves (1-2)	Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear	X	Synthetic or wool liner gloves are very handy for managing dogs, so you don’t expose your fingers to the cold. We recommend several pairs. Make sure they fit under your mittens or gloves without being too constricting.
Heavy Fleece Mittens or Gloves (1-2)	Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear	$10/ single day trip Or $20/ multi-day trip	Thick loose fitting mittens or gloves are recommended.
Liner socks (2-3)	Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear	X	Thin silk, synthetic, or wool liner socks help wick away moisture from your foot. We do NOT recommend cotton socks.
Medium and heavy weight wool socks (2-3, or one per day on trail)	Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear	X	We recommend various weight wool socks. Make sure they are not too tight as to constrict blood flow in your feet. If you are bringing your own boots make sure you have tried on your liner socks with wool socks in your boots to ensure they are loose and comfortable.
Winter Boots	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	$10/ Single Day Trip Or $25/ Multi Day Trip	We highly recommend boots with removable liners that are easy to dry in the evening. Make sure they are loose fitting and waterproof. Recommended boots include: Sorel Winter Boots Kamik Forester
Indoor Shoes	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	A pair of basic indoor slippers or crocs to wear inside the lodge or cabin before and after your camping trip.
Thin liner hat	Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear	X	Thin silk, synthetic, or wool liner hat helps wick away moisture from your head.
Heavy warm hat	Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear	X	We recommend a thick comfortable fitting wool or fleece hat that offers wind protection.
Sunglasses	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	Sunglasses are vital to protect eyes from sun, snow glare, and trees and branches while dogsledding. We recommend polarized glasses. Consider getting a pair of chums.
Small day bag	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	Small day bag for personal use or to be shared with your dogsled partner. It should be large enough to fit extra warm layers, a water bottle/thermos, sunscreen, trail snacks, and a small garbage bag to keep your trash in. We recommend 18 to 25 L packs.
Miscellaneous: a small pack of wet wipes, group snacks or dessert to share, shampoo/conditioner/soap, swimsuit for sauna
Optional
Expedition Plunge Mittens	Available for online purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear	X	Warm, weatherproof and easy to “plunge” hands in and out. For those prone to really cold hands, these are the way to go. They are very popular with Iditarod mushers.
Kinco Insulated Leather Gloves	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	Our dogsled guides highly recommend it! Very affordable tough gloves for working with campfires, wood stoves and sled dogs! Can be purchased at most hardware stores. KINCO GLOVES
Down Insulated Pants	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	Great for staying warm when at camp! Some brands even have zippers running along legs so you can quickly put them on over what you are wearing. We recommend that you wear your WIND layer over them to protect them from getting torn.
Locking Carabiner	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	Great for clipping your bags to the sled as well as other items. Locking prevents them from opening up.
Camp Booties	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	Great for use at camp, especially for getting into and out of a sleeping bag and keeping feet warm.
Sleeping Bag Liner	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	Lightweight and can add a few extra degrees of warmth in your sleeping bag. Also keeps your personal items contained if you lose them in your sleeping bag. If you tend to sleep cold, a lightweight summer sleeping bag can also be used.
Sun hat	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	If warm enough, a sun hat can be worn to prevent sunburn.
Buff	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	A great layer to add as a neck gaiter or extra hat
Ski Goggles	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	Protect your face while dogsledding on windy lakes or brushy trails.
Ear Plugs	X	X	The kennel can be a noisy place with 70 eager Inuit sled dogs barking with excitement!These can also help you sleep at night!
SPF 25 Suncreen And Chapstick	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	With added sun exposure from the reflection of the snow, dog mushers are particularly prone to sunburn
Thermos	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	½ Liter or 1 Liter Thermos per Person. One of the most important ways to warm up quickly is to heat up your core with a hot drink. We recommend everyone has their own personal thermos of hot water available at all times.
Hot Warmers	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	For those prone to cold hands and feet, these are a nice way to warm up your body quickly.
Head Lamp	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	It usually gets dark around 4 p.m. We recommend rechargeable headlamps that can withstand cold temperatures. Red light mode, night vision, is recommended.
Nalgene or Winter Proof Water Bottle with Cozy	Available for purchase at Wintergreen Northern Wear Or Available to Borrow at Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge	X	Wide mouth 1 liter Nalgene water bottles are the most durable and recommended for winter use. Consider making or getting an insulated cozy to keep your liquid warm.
Mini Hand Sanitizer	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	We encourage every guest to have their own personal hand sanitizer.
Trail Snacks	X (Not sold at Wintergreen Northern Wear)	X	We provide snacks, drinks, and lunch options during travel days, but some guests find they prefer to have some of their own favorite snacks. Suggestions include cheese and meat sticks, GORP, candy bars, granola bars, meat and cheese sandwiches, candy, salty nuts or nut mixes, fruit leather, and jerky.