If you live in a cold area, it could be difficult to move around in a car or on foot. If you use a car, it might get bogged down in the snow, and if you go on foot you might get in trouble because of the cold. Luckily there are many transportation options that you can choose from. One such option is dog sledding.
This type of transportation uses well-trained huskies and wolf-dogs to pull a specially made sled. It is a very effective mode of transportation and it will allow you to cover a great deal of ground. Before you take up dog sledding though, you should be equipped with the right pieces of equipment. Here are 7 dog sledding essentials for beginners.
- Eye Protection
If you are going to try out dog sledding, it is imperative that you have proper eye protection. Although dog sledding is a fun and invigorating activity, it could also get dangerous if you are not careful. Eye protection is particularly important because the faster your sled moves, the more chances that snow and debris might get in your eyes.
When it comes to eye protection, ski goggles are particularly effective because they could cover a majority of your face. Most ski goggles are tinted, so they could cover your eyes against the glare of the sun. If you are going to purchase eye protection, it is best that you buy from respected manufacturers such as Fetop. This company produces China Ski goggles, and guarantees top quality and reliable products for your use.
- Dog Sled
When it comes to taking up dog sledding, the most important component is your dog sled. The dog sled has been used for transportation in winter areas for hundreds of years.
They are usually solidly made and will act as a platform where you could sit or stand on. If you are going to purchase a dog sled, you should be more discerning. Here are some factors to take into account.
- The number of dogs that will pull the sled.
- What type of material your sled will be carrying.
- The type of dogs you will be using
- Snow Hook
When it comes to using a dog sled, safety is always of the utmost importance. One of the most important pieces you could have is a snow hook. It is shaped like a large hook and is meant to act as an anchor that helps the musher stop the team along the trail. The hook is designed to act as a huge fish hook. The harder the team pulls against the hook, the deeper it will sink onto the ground. Although the snow hook is not a foolproof way to stop the sled, it is still a dependable option.
- Gloves
While you are controlling your sled, there might be times where you will have to pull on the ropes abruptly, and if you do it barehanded, there is a chance you might scrape and injure your palms by accident.
So it is imperative that you have proper hand protection. When you purchase your gloves, it is important that you choose ones that provide adequate gripping capabilities. The outer layer should be made up of warm materials such as cotton or wool, however, the palms should have leather linings, so you could have a good grip.
- Dog Booties
Dog Sledding trips usually last for a long time, and seeing as your dogs are the ones pulling your sled, it is important that their feet are protected as well. If your dogs get injured during a journey, it will not only delay the trip, it might also damage them irreparably. Sledding dogs are very valuable, and you most likely have a great deal of affection for them so it is very important that you protect them as well. Dog booties are a particularly effective way to protect their legs.
- Dog Jacket
Aside from protecting your sled dog’s feet, you should also make sure that they are properly insulated. Remember that the winter months could get very cold, and even sled dogs could get cold in the long run. So it makes sense that you bring dog jackets. These act as track suits for dogs, and they help protect and insulate them from the frigid winds. By wrapping your sled dogs in a dog jacket, they will be able to rest their muscles during breaks.
- Harness
One of the most important parts of a dog sled is the harness. It is what connects you and your sled, to your sled dogs. So if you are going to purchase a harness, you should be as discerning as possible. The main factors to look for in a harness are durability and flexibility.
It should be sturdy enough to handle the strain of having multiple dogs pulling at it without it breaking apart. It should also be flexible enough to handle any change of direction. You should also take your sled dog’s size into account. The harness should be able to fit them comfortably. The most common type of harnesses is the X-Back, H-Back, Half-Harness, and Spreader Bar Harness.
The X-Back harness is the traditional type of harness and is meant for efficiency and comfort for lighter loads. The H-Back harness on the other hand is usually meant for long-bodied dogs. The Half-harness is specially designed for safer usage, which results in fewer athletic injuries. If you want to get more power from your dogs, then the spreader bar is the best option. Choosing a harness style could be a bit tricky, and they don’t really come cheap. So you should do your research before you invest money in a harness.
Conclusion
If you live in a very cold area, traveling can be quite a challenge. Luckily, there are options such as dogsledding that you could try out. By having these dogsledding essentials, you will b e able to travel via dogsledding in the safest way possible.
