I know that many of you think that I think that @jimcarlson must die. In many ways, that is something that is fair to say. After all, @jimcarlson did help me buy snow shoes. SNOW FRIGGIN SHOES!!! And it turns out I love snow shoeing. So, for that alone, @jimcarlson must die, but as we know we should not just kill him yet.
One of my issues last year on the snow was clothing. I was not sure what to wear, because I was not sure what I was going to do, or how hard it was going to be. Every time for the first winter snow shoes were a totally different thing. They were just sort of new each time, unknown each time. As such, I just bundled up, and went that way. Which, sadly was pretty uncomfortable sometimes. No real need for a Carhart coat when snowshoeing, unless you work in the Arctic.
So, recently I called dead man @jimcarlson and he and I talked about appropriate clothing. @jimcarlson suggest Sheppard and Schaller, and away I went. I went in, the staff was amazing, and helpful and came off as actual experts and users of the items they were talking about. For me, that is important. I want to buy a canoe from a guy who canoes, or a car from a car guy. I like musicians who sell guitars, and runners who sell running shoes. It makes sense to me. That is one of the reasons I hate a local shoe store. The people there are selling running stuff, and clearly could give a crap less.
But, back to dead man @jimcarlson. The people at Shep were amazing. I bought my base layer (wicking) two insulation layers, and a sort of outer layer. What I did not get was a shell, because I was a little confused. The person there talked about a couple of different theories for shells, and I was lost. So, I had to once again look to help. This time I went to @darceywestcott. Mainly because she is a skier, and also a mom, and with that comes the careful consumer reality. She suggested a simple shell. Something for the wind mainly, and the rain if you are out in it.
Later I talked to @jimcarlson, and sure enough, he said that same thing. So, I went to REI and found an inexpensive liner, and bought 3 of them. Just in case.
This winter looks to be a great winter for snow shoeing, and exploring the outdoors. Thanks Jim and Darcy.