Winter Gear

Leave hibernation to the bears when the snow starts to fly. There are still great opportunities to get outside, regardless of the weather; you just need the right gear.
When it’s icy, you need something to provide some traction. Even the best of boots will still slip and slide if you don’t have something between them and the ice. We recommend MICROspikes®, made by Kahtoola. They weigh only a handful ounces and fit in your pocket. When you need them, just slip them onto the bottom of your running shoes, hiking boots, or winter boots and you’re good to go. Whether you’re walking the dog, shoveling the driveway, or hiking on trails, MICROspikes will come in very handy. We’ve used them on the icy trails of the Adirondacks High Peaks and they work like a charm!

Now, when there is substantial snow cover, you need something that will keep you “afloat”. That’s where snowshoes come in handy. Snowshoes provide floatation by spreading out your weight over a large area, and that keeps you from sinking down deeper into the snow. There are still old-style “traditional” wood snowshoes out there, and they work well under some conditions. Plus, they look cool! (In fact, at GBO we offer classes in making wood snowshoes from kits; contact us if you’re interested.)
However, in many cases, modern snowshoes are the way to go because of their better traction through the addition of crampons, smaller size, and light weight. There is no better brand out there than Tubbs®, which we carry. Like riding a bike (or paddling a kayak), buying the right pair of snowshoes depends on how you’re going to use them. Most folks will be quite happy with a snowshoe made for Trail Walking or Day Hiking. (Backcountry shoes are meant for real expeditions with deep snow, no trails, and steep climbing.) Both of these styles have comfortable bindings and provide enough traction to keep you feeling safe and secure. We also carry kid’s snowshoes, so the whole family can get out there and play!

Two accessories we always recommend are gaiters and poles. Gaiters wrap around your boot and lower leg to keep the snow out, and they’re water resistant and breathable. Snowshoe poles are adjustable in length and help you keep your balance in slippery conditions. (We also use poles when backpacking even if there isn’t any snow for the same reason.)

Make sure you have the right equipment, dress warmly and properly (remember, no cotton!) and in layers, and you’ll have a great time out there. Stop by GBO and we’ll get you squared away with the gear you need!