Monday, February 9, 2015 - Blog on a Log

Dress Like A Donkey: How to Stay Warm and Dry During Winnipeg's Ice Donkey Winter Adventure

Winnipeg's Ice Donkey Winter Adventure is 5km like no other, letting you run, slide, crawl and dig in winter inspired obstacles.

If you're Canadian enough to brave this great northern adventure, you best make sure you've got the right gear so you can enjoy your frosty fun in all its glory .... rather than moaning about your blue fingertips and wind-chapped cheeks!  Check out our Layering 101 video for an overview of how baselayer, midlayer and outerlayer work together to keep you warm, dry and comfortable, then read on for gear tips tailored just for this event!

Bottoms Up

Your feet are going to keep you moving through 5 km of snow and ice, you best outfit them well.  Start with a pair of warm, moisture-wicking merino wool socks.  They're not scratchy like other wools, but they'll still keep you warm even when wet, making merino the perfect active winter companion.

If you're planning on tackling the course at a run, a good pair of trail runners is just the ticket.  Goretex shoes are an ideal pick, making sure your feet stay dry and still breathe.  Test the treads on ice and snow before the race - if the grip isn't good enough, slip-on winter treads are a great inexpensive option.  A popular item with winter runners, these pull-on treads add the necessary grip and traction to make your favourite summer shoes winter ready so you don't have to invest in a whole new pair.

If a slower pace is more your style, stick with an insulated winter boot to provide warmth and traction on the ice.  The waterproof outer will keep your feet dry, while the insulation provides all the warmth you need to get down in the snow.

Inside Out

The key to winter comfort is a moisture managing baselayer that provides warmth while keeping you from overheating.  Wool or synthetic options are both good picks - just stay away from cotton, which holds moisture next to the body and is a surefire way to catch a chill, especially in cold weather.  Check out men's and women's options.

Over Top

The runners out there will want to go with a lightweight softshell (try the North Face Chromium for women or the North Face Alloy for men) as their outerlayer - enough to make sure any wayward snowballs don't soak through, while being breathable enough to keep you from overheating while active.

If you're planning on a slower pace, a lightly insulated jacket will provide the warmth your body needs without the extra bulk or overheating of a full parka (try the North Face Zephyrus Optimus Hoodie for Men or Women).  This course is designed to make you run, slide, crawl and dig ... so you'd better be mobile enough to take up the challenge!

Give Good Face

There's no point in struggling with a wayward toque and dangling scarf more likely to trip you up than keep you warm.  Protect those tender cheeks with a warm, windproof balaclava so your face doesn't end up redder than it should be.

Top it all off with a waterproof pair of mitts prepped for digging holes and packing snowballs--with a wool liner underneath for added warmth and you'll be set for a day of whatever Mother Nature may throw at you.

Party Time!

After the race, it's time to suit up!  Bring a warm change of clothes (now's the perfect time to pull out that big poofy parka!) to keep you feeling toasty as your body starts to cool down.  Then grab a hot chocolate and cheer on the other racers as the rest of the Donkeys cross the finish line.

See you at the Donkey!