The Gear I Used to Survive the Iditarod

Published October 25, 2023 03:53PM

When dogsledding in extreme environments, good gear isn’t just about comfort; it can be life-saving—especially if you fall through ice, get stuck or lost, or encounter rapidly changing conditions. I’ve raced the Iditarod—the iconic 938-mile race through Alaska’s wild interior—as well as some of the other toughest dogsled races in the world, and I’ve learned firsthand what gear cuts it in temperatures so cold that the mercury drops off the charts. Here are some of those items.

RefrigiWear Extreme Softshell Bib Overalls 0795 ($229-$244)

I rarely see RefrigiWear recommended in outdoor circles; much of their gear is designed for people who work long hours in industrial freezers. That means it’s remarkably durable–and relatively inexpensive, too. I’ve tried countless bibs—down-filled and otherwise—and these softshell bibs with synthetic insulation and a reflective twill lining are by far the warmest. They’re comfort-rated to negative-60 degrees Fahrenheit , and hold warmth even when they get damp. These bibs are simple—there aren’t a lot of technical details or extra seams, which probably helps keep the warmth trapped inside. I particularly like the side-zips on the legs, which offer quick ventilation, and the high bib that keeps my torso so warm, I can often get by without a parka.

LaCrosse Aero Insulator Boot ($230)

Though I’ve tried countless cold-weather boots, I keep coming back to these heavy-duty neoprene ones. I wouldn’t say my toes are toasty in thirty, forty, or fifty below, but I can still feel them—particularly when I add a thick wool insole—which feels like a big achievement. They’re sleeker than other options, so it’s easier to run alongside my sled, shift between sled runners, and step on the brake at a moment’s notice. Plus, they’re completely waterproof, which comes in handy when I encounter river crossings, slush, and overflow. I like this Lacrosse model because the polyurethane shell adds durability; neoprene on its own tends to crack after a year or two of heavy use.

Canada Goose Snow Mantra Parka ($1,725)

I’ve been using this parka consistently for a decade now, and it’s held up beautifully. It feels like I’m wearing insulated armor: it’s very heavy and very protective. Every design detail is thoughtful, from the recessed, rib-knit cuffs to the flap of windproof fleece that keeps my neck warm when it’s slightly unzipped.There are nine external pockets and five internal ones to store items that you need to keep from freezing, like a a thermos, snacks, headlamp, and extra batteries. The tunnel hood might be overkill, but I love the thick wire incorporated in the front seam to bend your ruff to block wind. The 675-fill goose down makes this jacket one of the warmest I’ve ever worn. When I’m too tired to unpack my sleeping bag at night, I simply lie down in this parka and pull my arms inside.

Non-Stop Dogwear Long Distance Jacket ($89)

My dogs’ gear is at least as important as mine when I’m mushing. For serious wind or cold, I love Non-Stop’s long-distance dog coat. The synthetic insulation packs up a little bulky, but at 320 grams (for a size medium including the belly flap), the coat is still lightweight, even when I’m carrying a dozen in my sled. The biggest selling point: The water resistant ripstop shell sheds ice better than any other dog coat I’ve tried; if one gets wet from water or urine, you can simply bend it back and forth and the ice will crack off. Bonus: A removable belly flap protects male dogs’ sensitive bits when it’s windy.

UnTapped Energy Gels ($2 for 1 packet, $11 for 5 packets, $20 for 10 packets, $37 for 20)

In deep cold, it becomes especially important to consume a steady supply of calories so the body can generate its own heat. Unfortunately, I tend to lose my appetite in serious cold. It doesn’t help that most foods freeze rock-hard, which turns eating into a real chore. Enter these packets of pure Vermont maple syrup. They go down easy and the low water content prevents them from freezing completely. I always keep a couple in my pockets for when my energy dips or I start to shiver. Plus, the coffee-infused ones keep me energized on long night runs.

Magic Gloves (From $1 each from different retailers)

I keep a stock of these stretchy, one-size-fits-all acrylic-spandex gloves in a waterproof bag in my dogsled, and trade them out whenever my hands get damp (which is often). They’re dirt cheap, so losing or tearing them isn’t a big deal, and they allow enough dexterity to care for dogs, light a cooker, and complete other tasks that require dexterity. I keep them on all the times in deep cold when I’m handling metal items like dog bowls and brass snaps to protect me from contact frostbite.

The Gear I Use to Survive the Country's Most Extreme Dogsled Race