What to Wear While Cross Country Skiing

Cross country skiing is a fun sport many people love to experience. Moving across snow-covered terrains, seeing breathtaking views, enjoying the spontaneity of the activity, and giving your body a robust workout are just some of the reasons why. If you’re going cross country skiing soon, you’ve got to start planning now.

What to Wear While Cross Country Skiing

When planning for any sport and recreational activity such as cross country skiing, it’s important to consider what to wear. Since you’re going to be moving across snow, you must prepare for cold weather clothing. You want clothes that will keep you warm and comfortable as you glide across the terrains.

Here are some of the things you must pack to wear when you’re going on a cross country ski trip:

Base Layer

Your base layer, including your underwear, should be lightweight and tight-fitting. You don’t want it to create too much bulk that will make it harder for you to move when skiing. Make sure, however, that it’s not too tight. You don’t want it to end up constricting your blood flow. To make sure you’re packing the right clothes and underwear, you can do more research on sites like The Better Fit.

You will tend to sweat a lot because of the intensive movements. Condensation forms in your clothes as the temperature in your body is warmer than your environment. Because of this, find base layers that are moisture-wicking. Try to bring as many layers as you can for backup. It’s good to have additional pieces in case you need to change.

Mid Layer

Some people stick to a thick heavyweight base layer instead of a mid-layer. However, the strategy of wearing both a lightweight base layer and a mid-layer will give extra room in between your clothes. This provides additional warmth.

In this case, you may also opt for mid-layers. Similar to base layers, avoid the bulkiness as much as you can.

Outer Layer

It’s important that you use the right type of outer layers. You don’t want to risk getting hypothermia. This happens when your body cannot take the very low temperature. You can either wear a soft shell or a hard shell jacket.

Soft shell jackets are worn when it is sunny outside. You just need an outer layer to give you warmth. They also allow your sweat to ventilate away. Hard shell jackets, on the other hand, are more heavyweight, bulkier, and more durable outer layers. These wick heavy moisture and repel water. With these, you can stay protected during unexpected cases such as snow storms.

Gloves

Your whole body may be covered and well protected from the cold. But, if your hands are out and freezing, you’re not going to make the most of your cross country skiing at all. That said, pack some gloves or mittens. Make sure your hands stay warm. You want to have good blood circulation despite the cold.

Boots and Socks

Wear breathable, durable, and high-quality boots. Socks give you the extra warmth your feet might need. It’s not good to layer many socks over one another because it might restrict the blood circulation in your feet. The best thing to do is to bring wool-blend socks that are lightweight and thin enough. They will keep your feet warm.

Conclusion

It’s important to pack the right layers, shoes, and accessories for your cross country skiing trip. It’s a highly aerobic activity. If you don’t have the right clothes to wear, you can become  susceptible to the cold. Remember to bring backups as well. Since you will sweat, you will need several base layers. You will probably need to change quite often.