Tips for Night Snowshoeing

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The first time I went snowshoeing by day, I felt like I was walking among the clouds. At night, it was simply magical. Under the glowing moonlight and stars scattered across the sky, the quiet in the wild is at once intimidating and enchanting.

some tips for night snowshoeing

With the right gear and planning, snowshoeing at night can be both fun and safe. Here are some tips for snowshoeing at night:

  • Get AllTrails (Pro Version so that you can download trails and view offline). Download your trail info here and use GPS to navigate.

  • Check the weather forecast and get the latest conditions at the ranger station.

  • Pack for the cold, bringing layers so that you can shed when feeling hot or need the warmth of a heavy winter coat when staying still for longer than a few minutes.

  • Dress in sweat wicking base layers and waterproof outer layers.

  • Wear gaiters to prevent snow from riding up into your pants. Make sure your hiking boots are waterproof.

  • Invest in warm gloves, a beanie, and bring heat packs just in case.

  • Bring enough snacks, water, and a thermos with a hot drink. Love our Zojirushi insulated bottles. Keeps tea hot all day.

  • Bring an extra battery pack to charge your phone if needed. Strap on a heat pack so that your battery doesn’t drop in charge quickly in the cold.

  • Bring a headlamp with extra batteries!

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Some of my favorite snowshoeing gear

I am someone who always gets cold easily and value investment pieces that keep me warm, but also last a long while. Here are a few of my favorites:

  1. Hestra Heli 3-Finger Insulated Gloves - these are the first pair of gloves I’ve found that fit my long, narrow hands well and are perfectly warm in temperatures as low as 5F with wind.

  2. Fjallraven Singi Down Jacket - lined with 800 fill down in the body and hood! The outer fabric is durable. Love the rustic look and color palette. I use this as my outer layer when it’s especially cold. Look for this item on sale!

  3. Arc'teryx Atom LT Insulated Hoodie - got this on sale last year. It’s made with synthetic fill and oh so soft. It’s decently wind proof and usually my outer layer when I start getting hot from snowshoeing.

  4. Arc’teryx RHO AR Zip Neck - this can be too warm for someone who runs hot, but this is a perfect base layer for me. It’s also super soft. Alternatives I love are the 200 weight merino wool base layers from Icebreaker.

  5. MSR Lighting Ascent Snowshoes - the best I’ve come across. Best part is, we were able to rent these for $39 over four days from REI.

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Cheers to your next night snowshoeing adventure!