EcoTrek Gear
WINTER:
In winter the best attire is "light layers"... base layer should be made of a technical fabric if possible, like UnderArmor or DriFit. Can be expensive, but worth it if you plan to be outdoors in the winter doing anything, not just EcoTrek. The middle layers should be thin as well so you don't have bulk slowing you down, and the num ber of layers will depend on the temperature and wind chill - you want to dress as though it's about 10 degrees warmer since your body will heat up quickly. (As a general rule in spring, summer & fall, you'll want to dress as thought it's TWENTY degrees warmer than the thermometer says!) Your outermost layer would be best as windproof and waterproof to keep you the warmest. There are always great deals found at local outdoorsy stores as well as online; if you'd like specific recommendations, please email your request to: cari@ecotrekfitness.com as this info changes too frequently to keep updated on this website.
So besides your upper body layers, you'll want a layer of two under your workout pants that are thin silky long underwear or something technically similar.
Socks in winter should be breathable, winter-weight; something along the lines of SmartWool, Thorlo or Wigwam, to name a few brands. Think thin and not bulky and bunchy.
While keeping your feet warm & dry is most important, a close second would be your head and neck. Many EcoTrekkers like to wear fleece earbands so the top of the head can still "vent"; some EcoTrekkers like knit caps. It's all personal preference. Baseball hats with a brim are always a good idea when it's snowing or sleeting to keep it out of your eyes, plus you'll have something to clip your caplights to if you chose to wear those on dark mornings or evenings! (Most auto parts stores carry the CATZ LED lights for $4.95, see batzusa.com) A neck "gaiter" can work like a scarf but without the bulk, and can be pulled up or down depending on your warmth levels. A neck gaiter is also helpful for EcoTrekker who have trouble with the cold air in their lungs, it can work as an "air recycler" when pulled up over the nose and mouth.
Keeping your hands warm is super-important. Your fingers can go through different temperature phases as you are working out; they can be ice-cold for the first ten minutes and be sweating by the time you're done with the EcoTrek session, it just depends. Glove brands are going to be a subjective thing again, and you'll get many different answers from EcoTrekkers as to what is their favorite.
Footwear can be tricky, but for the most part EcoTrekkers like to wear athletic shoes (lightweight, good support) with YakTrax (see the EcoTrek STORE on this website) for traction, along with some calf-high or knee-high gaiters. The gaiters stop the snow from coming into your shoes, and if you've got athletic shoes with GoreTex (or other waterproof brand), your feet will stay warm and dry for the 75 minutes you're EcoTrekking. Big hiking boots or heavy snow boots are not ideal for EcoTrek, but we do have a few Trekkers who prefer that when the snow gets deeper toward the end of the season.
CLICK HERE to download printable PDF of
the updated recommended EcoTrek "gear" for 2011!
SPRING, SUMMER & FALL:
We have EcoTrekkers wearing pants, capri-style pants and shorts in all three of these seasons, so it's personal preference. If you have a phobia about getting your hands dirty, you may want to invest in some lightweight (running-style) gloves, otherwise once you have good athletic shoes, you're pretty much good to go until winter!
If your EcoTrek sessions take place in the dark and you don't have reflective wear, ask your Leader about borrowing one of the EcoTrek reflective vests for the session. Your leader will have other basics you may have forgotten too, like sunblock, bug spray and tissues.
EcoTrek Series Leaders carry the resistance bands so you don't need to bring any equipment of your own, and you can keep your car keys locked safely in the Leader's vehicle during the session so you don't have to worry about dropping them along the route.
The main thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to go out and buy all the latest-and-greatest gear right away, and you may find that you'll do just fine without some of it. Just pick up what you need as you need it, dress for the weather and ask your EcoTrek Series Leader if you're looking for specific guidance. Just bring yourself and a positive attitude and you're ready to roll!
