At Uncommon Journeys we provide all of the arctic outerwear you need for your dogsledding vacation. We personally like to use only the best clothing and equipment and we treat our guests the same way. The clothing and equipment we provide is the warmest, most durable and technically adapted for winter in the Yukon. We provide you with most of the outer layers of clothing and you only need to bring the inner layers. If you have your own equipment or outer clothing that you would like to use, please bring it along and we will evaluate together which items are most appropriate to use. Upon arrival at the Homestead you will be outfitted with a Woods arctic down parka with fur ruff, insulated bib-style overpants, large overmitts, and winter mukluks rated to -70°F. The gear we provide has kept guests toasty warm even at -45°F!
If you are joining us on a winter camping expedition, we will also provide you with a double sleeping bag system rated to -50°F. This system has been proven during our expeditions in the arctic. Two closed cell foam sleeping pads are included in this system as well.
The following is a list of clothing that we recommend you bring with you as well as some optional items that may make your trip with us more enjoyable. If you have any questions with these suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us for clarification.
WINTER CLOTHING LIST
Developing a winter clothing system:
Your clothing must work as a system that wicks away perspiration, insulates you from the cold and protects you from the wind. Our preferred system is made up of several layers. This allows you to easily adjust your clothing to changes in the weather and changes in your heat output.
The First Layer: the first layer next to your skin must wick perspiration away from your skin to keep you dry and warm. Capilene, by Patagonia, is excellent. Polypropylene is good as well and so is merino wool long underwear. Cotton is inappropriate as it does not wick moisture but rather stays wet.
The Second Layer: the second layer (or layers) provides insulation. This layer needs to retain your body heat without restricting movement. Pile and polar fleece are great. Wool is not as good as it holds moisture and is difficult to dry especially on a camping trip.
The Third Layer: the third layer must offer protection from the wind. The more wind proof a garment often is the less breathable it will be. Gore-Tex is a good choice as it is very windproof as well as breathable. Ultrex is another option.
The Fourth Layer: the fourth layer offers extra insulation. A down filled parka or Thinsulate over-pants are good examples.
Uncommon Journeys supplies the following:
- an expedition down filled parka with a generous hood and fur ruff
- insulated bib over-pants with side zippers
- Webber-Malakov expedition Sorel boots (with double liners warm to -70° F) or Northern Outfitters Mountain Pack Boots (-70° F).
- Apocalypse Design expedition over mitts
- winter sleeping bag system, with fresh cotton liner, linens, towels and face cloth
- 3 closed cell foam sleeping pads
- cordura duffel bag to store your clothing in for transportation in your dogsled
- warm hollowfill booties for wearing in the yurts
- neoprene face mask
- arctic headlamp and batteries
- water bottle and insulating cover
- 1 litre thermos for camping trips
You need to bring:
- 1 warm windproof hat that covers your ears well
- 2 neck warmers/tubes (fleece or wool
- 2 pr. light weight fleece gloves
- 4 pr. light weight liner socks (Capilene, merino wool, polypropylene, or silk )
- 2 pr. warm wool or fleece socks sized to fit over the liner socks
- 2 pr. Capilene, polypropylene, or merino wool top and bottom long underwear
- 1 mid-weight fleece top or light weight wool sweater (100 weight fleece)
- 1 pr. pile or fleece pants (200 weight fleece or pile)
- 1 warm pile or fleece jacket (200 or 300 weight fleece or pile)
- 1 windproof jacket (with a generous hood and sized large enough to fit the mid-weight top and pile jacket)
- 1 pr. windproof pants (sized large enough to fit over your pile pants)
- undergarments
- toiletries ( lip balm and sunscreen are good to bring). We supply you with a towel and a face cloth
- extra medications if required
- camera and film ( we suggest you have a padded case or pouch of some kind to carry your camera in)
- sunglasses that block out most ultraviolet rays
- goggles that block out most ultraviolet rays
Tip #1 - tie small pieces of ribbon or nylon cord through the eye of each zipper pull on all zipper heads to enable you to operate zippers with mitts on.
Tip #2 - “anti-fog” spray for your glasses will help keep your glasses from fogging up!
Optional items:
- headband (fleece or wool) for the warmer months
- “Hot shot” hand and foot warmer packs
- we have a library of books for you to enjoy but feel free to bring your own selection
- binoculars
- tripod for camera
- any preferred alcoholic beverages (wine is provided with dinners)
*Please Note: Valuables, plane tickets etc. can be left at Uncommon Journeys
If you have any questions or concerns about any items on this list please do not hesitate to contact our office. As well, guests have had their local outdoor retail store phone us for information in the past. Whitehorse also has an excellent outdoor retail store that can provide you with any items that you have been unable to purchase at home.
