What To Wear For Snow Tubing This Winter
Believe it or not, snow tubing is rumored to date as far back as the 1820s. Yup, it’s true — in the beautiful Alpine Mountains, it’s said that everyone’s favorite winter pastime started as a means to transport people and materials across large swaths of territory before evolving into what we know and love today:snow tubing.
Of course, the gear that we use to dash down a snowy hill these days is quite different from back then, but the activity itself remains true to its simple roots: Ride an inner tube, on the snow, down a hill.
You might be thinking,“That’s sledding,” and while we commend you for calling us out, the truth is that this certainly isn’t true. But don’t worry, like riding an awesome inflatable down a slippery slope, we’ll let thatslide.
But, What Is Snow Tubing
In a nutshell, snow tubing is basically allowing gravity and the snow to take you and your beloved lightweight inner tube on a fun, jolly ride downhill. Simply take your inflatable to the top of a snow-covered hill and ride it all the way down to the bottom.
Sledding, on the other hand, is a little different: similar,but different.
You see, a snow sled is essentially a vehicle, usually mounted on runners that’s used to move across the snow — not necessarily just to go downhill.
They are not as aerodynamic as snow tubes and tend to weigh a ton which is whythe snow has to bejust right to go sledding; if the snow is slushy or slightly melted, you’ll sink when you hop on your sled.
That being said, while snow tubing and sledding have quite a few differences, they do share one big common similarity:dress code.
It doesn’t matter if you’re on team snow sled or team snow tube; what you wear in the frigid temperatures of winter to partake in either activity isexactlythe same.
In this post, we’re diving into the magical world of winter to uncover everything you need to know about dressing appropriately in the cold.
So grab your hot cocoa and get comfortable... here’s what to wear for snow tubing this winter:
Snow Tubing 101: What You Need To Know
Snow tubing is a blast. There’s no skill required, no training necessary, and no practice needed. As long as you can sit and hold on, you are good to go.
With that in mind, while the art of riding down a snowy hill on an inner tube is an easy one to master, not dressing appropriately can put a major damper on your tubing fun. Why? Well, for a few reasons.
Here are some of them:
Common Cold
“I love getting sick!” — said no one ever.
Nothing is worse than getting sick, especially when there is so much fun to be had! But unfortunately, catching a bad bug is just all too common in the winter, specifically,the common cold.
A runny nose, stuffy head, fatigue, sore throat, and watery eyes are surefire signs of this icky illness. The cure? Warm blankets, rest, and mom’s homemade chicken noodle soup.
Frostnip
When it’s a bit nippy outside,frostnip is sure to follow… unless, of course, you’re dressed appropriately. Affecting areas of exposed skin, such as the cheeks, ears, nose, fingers, and toes, frostnip can leave you red and numb or tingly.
Thankfully, a little warmth by the fireplace is usually all you need to kick frostnip to the curb. (If it gets worse, call your doctor. Losing a finger can really put a damper on your snowball fight skills.)
Hypothermia
And lastly, we havehypothermia: a serious cold-related illness that requires immediate attention. When you’ve not dressed appropriately for the cold, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to the cold will eventually use up all of your body’s stored energy resulting in hypothermia or an abnormally low body temperature.
Some of the signs that you’re on the way to developing hypothermia include:
- Shivering
- Loss of coordination
- Confusion or disorientation
- Fatigue
Dressing in the right clothes when playing in the snow is key to keeping these cold-related illnesses at bay.
This brings us to our next topic…
How To Dress For Success
Now that you understand why it’s so important to wear the appropriate clothes in the snow, let’s dive into a few tips to help you dress for success:
Tip #1: It Starts With Warm Undies
Always start with a good base layer, such as long underwear, to keep you warm. Also called thermal clothing, long underwear is great because it will help to trap body heat when it’s incredibly cold. Worn under your clothes, the best thermal clothing will also wick away sweat.
Tip #2: Splurge on a Warm Waterproof Jacket
Waterproof jackets can be a little pricey, but they are usually extremely durable and can last a lifetime. A waterproof jacket provides a shell against moisture and adds protection from the chilly winter wind. Look for one with a hood to provide valuable protection around your head.
Tip #3: And While You’re At It, Get Waterproof Pants, Too
In addition to a great waterproof jacket, it’s imperative that you get waterproof pants, too. Why? Because when you’re zipping down a snowy hill on a snow tube, you might slip off and slide into the snow.
Remember, snow is water — it’s wet. And when pants get wet, like your favorite pair of jeans, theystay wet. Waterproof pants are designed to repel water to help keep you dry and warm during your day in the snow.
Tip #4: Don’t Forget Your Noggin
Although itmay not be true that you can lose half your body heat through your head, you can still lose quite a bit which can leave you susceptible to feeling rather chilly. And as we discussed a little earlier, if you lose more heat than what your body can produce, it’s very possible that hypothermia could set in.
When you’re getting ready to hit the slopes with your favoriteFUNBOY Snow Tube, whatever you do, don’t forget to wear a warm hat on your head.
Tip #5: Last But Not Least, Boot Up
Waterproof boots are key to keeping your body warm in the snow. Quality boots that repel water will keep your feet dry and warm. You see, wet feet can very quickly become cold feet — which can really put a damper on your snow tubing fun.
In addition to good boots, don’t forget to wear cozy socks, too. Avoid cotton, which can absorb water, and stick with wool which can wick away water.
Dress for Success
So, what should you wear for snow tubing this winter?
Warm clothes!
Before hitting the slopes with your favoriteFUNBOY inflatable sled, take a moment to make sure you’re dressed appropriately. Do you have warm undies on? What about a waterproof jacket and waterproof pants? Are you wearing waterproof boots? A warm hat?
Catching a cold-related illness can keep you from playing in the snow for days. Don’t watch all the winter fun bundled up from your window and dress appropriately for cold weather. And if you don’t have warm clothes, stay inside until you do — it’s as simple as that.
Remember, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing! Winter is right around the corner, so it’s a good idea to start putting together your wardrobe. Now is also the time to start stockpiling on awesome snow tubes and sleds — like the ones fromFUNBOY.
Whether you’re looking for ahigh-quality snow tube for hours of snow tubing fun or alightweight snow sled that the whole family can enjoy, you can count on FUNBOY to have just what you need to make this winter your best one yet.
Sources:
Do You Really Get Sick from Being Cold? | UnityPoint
Frostbite and Frostnip (for Parents) | Nemours Kidshealth
