All employees, visitors, and volunteers must be adequately dressed per weather conditions. Tour Guides/Operators do not bring extra clothing materials for clients. Remember layering is a convenient and easy way to stay warm and reduce heat if one is too hot.
Purpose: To ensure that all guests and clients dress appropriately for sled dog tours to stay safe and have a fun experience with Abitibi Sled Dogs. The Guides/Operators reserve the right to refuse tours if guests or clients are not dressed in proper winter gear for planned activity.
Suggestions for your comforts, bring your own blankets and/or sleeping bag for passive sled ride experience or to stay warm and cozy by the campfire.
Suggestions for best Winter Gear and Equipment for outside conditions Northern Ontario Canada.
Socks – One pair is enough. Thermal socks are best.
Tip 1: avoid tight-fitting socks. If double layering socks, thin nylons underneath are best. Doubling socks can make your feet tight in your boots, limiting the range of motion and causes cold feet.
Tip 2: Best option is one pair of thick, warm thermal socks. Warming packs are a good solution if you are concerned about having cold hands/or feet.
Thermal Underwear as a pants base layer. Alternatives to use are activewear leggings, tights, or long underwear.
Long-sleeved shirt – Tight-fitting long-sleeve shirt such as a thermal undershirt or turtleneck to wear as a base layer.
Pants: Activewear pants, sweatpants, or pajama pants are warm, comfortable, and flexible. They fit well and should provide a full range of motion under snow pants.
Tip: Avoid wearing blue Jeans, Khaki pants, or dress pants. Blue jeans get very stiff when cold and have no insulation. Khaki pants and dress pants provide no insulation and limit the range of motion as well.
Sweaters: Choose a warm, heavy, pullover or hooded sweatshirt.
Tip: Avoid zippered or buttoned shirts as they can be easily broken and opened, and zippers can break or even freeze when exposed to the elements.
Snow Pants (required). Snow pants should not be too thick so that a person cannot move comfortably, but thick enough to be outside for a few hours comfortably.
Tip: Wind pants are not considered snow pants and clothing with a thermal layer and pants on top will not be sufficient for warmth.
Warm Winter Boots (required): Supportive, insulated winter boots, above ankle height. Boots should fit comfortably.
Tip: Asses the thermal rating on your boots.
Tip: Heat packs can be purchased and fit right in the boot and can provide extra warmth. Heat packs should be applied before a tour (not during).
Winter Jacket (required): Jacket should be waterproof, thick/warm, durable, and suitable for winter conditions. Should fit comfortably over your clothing.
Tip: Assess thermal rating. Hooded jackets add an additional warming layer.
Winter Gloved/Mittens (required): Mittens are warmer than gloves (tight-knitted and insulated). Thin gloves can be worn underneath mittens for insulation. Insulated gloves (finger mittens) provide dexterity. Gloves are best to handle dogs, access your camera or any other equipment comfortably.
Tip: tight gloves underneath larger mittens; remember tight fit = cold body.
Neck Warmer/Scarves: material should be flexible enough to pull over face, mouth, and nose. A tight-knitted scarf works well too.
Tip: Avoid loose knitted items or thin materials that will not keep in heat.
Winter Hat (required): Tightly knitted and/or insulated hat that covers the ears. The head should be fully covered to retain heat.
Tip: Depending on your sensitivity to cold it is suggested to avoid headbands or earmuffs. Your jacket hood can offer extra warmth and is strongly encouraged.