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The Adirondack Explorer is a nonprofit magazine covering the Adirondack Park's environment, recreation and communities.

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  1. Boreas says

    I might add some people like moisture barrier socks as part of an extreme low temperature system. They can be improvised with plastic bread bags or coated ditty bags.

  2. Joseph Dash says

    If you’re shoeing in deep snow:
    1. Dump the modern snow shoes. They’re made to get alpine climbers to and from the rock – that’s it! They’re useless on the trail or in deep powder. Get a Maine, Michigan, or Alaskan style wood frame type with the tightest weave you can find. Faber in Canada mass produces a tightly woven shoe but there are also some solo producers in Maine like Coos Canoe & Snowshoe
    2. Use Inuit style bindings with your shoes. These are made from lampwick or shaker tape. Pole and Paddle of Maine sells lampwick. There are YouTube videos that demonstrate how to tie the Inuit binding. You can break an ankle with a shoelace style binding.
    2. Only use wool. Forget polyester and nylon
    3. For an outer shell don’t wear a parka, It’s too bulky and hot. Use a light weight fabric shell that breathes yet keeps wind out. Goretex doesn’t breath fast enough. A snow walker’s anorak and pants are best. This outfit makes changing layers fast and easy. Lure of the North and Empire Wool and Canvas both sell these suits
    4. A balaclava is a must if it’ll be windy. Silk is good
    5. I use an Inuit Pang Hat and scarf for head an neck warmth. These are hand-crocheted by Inuit women on Baffin Island, Canada. You can get them with or without ear flaps.
    Armed with this gear you’ll be much more comfortable and your day trip will be more fun. If you’re going overnight you better get “The Snow Walkers Companion” by Garret and Alexandra Conover. Modern gear is dangerous for winter camping.

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