Mushing With Raynaud’s: A Practical Guide for Staying Warm on the Trail
- Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
At Arctic Dog Adventure Co., we believe that the magic of dog mushing should be accessible to anyone who dreams of traveling through the winter wilderness behind a team of sled dogs—including guests with Raynaud’s. Over the years, we’ve successfully accommodated many mushers who experience Raynaud’s symptoms. One of my closest friends, who has assisted me on expeditions for nearly a decade, also has Raynaud’s—and she continues to thrive in the deep cold because preparation and prevention make all the difference.
If you live with Raynaud’s and are wondering whether mushing in Arctic Alaska is possible for you, the answer is yes—with the right gear, attention, and knowledge.
Start With Prevention: The Real Secret to Staying Warm
The single biggest factor in managing Raynaud’s on trail is preventing flare-ups before they start. Warming cold fingers and toes in the field is possible, but it’s always harder than keeping them warm in the first place. Everything below is about stacking the deck in your favor.
Choose the Right Handwear
Heated gloves or mittens are a helpful tool, especially at the beginning or end of the day when temperatures swing.
But here’s an insider tip from years of guiding in the Arctic:
Wool mittens + a windproof shell are the gold standard.
Natural fibers manage moisture and temperature better than anything battery-powered.
If heated mitts fail (as electronics sometimes do in the cold), having a natural system you trust is invaluable.
I provide expedition-grade mittens and overmitts for all guests, but if your hands are particularly sensitive, adding your own system—even redundancies—can give peace of mind.
A Heated Vest: Highly Recommended
Keeping your core warm is one of the best ways to protect your extremities. A heated vest (or a high-quality insulated vest if you prefer to avoid batteries) helps maintain healthy circulation and reduces Raynaud’s flare-ups dramatically.
Hydration: Your Unexpected Superpower
This surprises many people, but slight dehydration is the number one reason fingers and toes get cold in winter conditions. Our Arctic desert climate is extremely dry, and we lose water far more quickly than we realize.
If you have Raynaud’s, be religious about your water intake:
Drink before you feel thirsty.
Sip consistently throughout the day.
Treat hydration like a piece of essential safety gear.
You’ll feel the difference—your hands and feet will be warmer, your circulation steadier, and your energy level more consistent.
Invest in a Truly Warm Hat (Preferably Fur)
A good hat is non-negotiable. We lose a remarkable amount of heat from our heads—it’s practically a magic trick how much warmer your whole body feels when your head is properly insulated.
I strongly recommend:
A fur hat made by a local Alaskan maker, using responsibly harvested wild furs such as beaver or muskrat.
Budget $200–$300 for a high-quality hat that will last decades.
Fur mittens are also excellent, though I personally rank hats as more important because I already provide expedition-grade gloves and mitts.
A proper fur hat is one of the most effective pieces of winter gear you can own, with or without Raynaud’s.
Know the Early Signs—and Act Fast
If you pay attention to your body and respond at the first hint of circulation changes, you will do well on trail. Move your fingers and toes. Add a layer. Switch to dry mittens. Drink water. Adjust your position. Raynaud’s requires awareness, but it does not have to be a barrier to adventure.
Review Your Packing List Thoroughly
According to your Trip Portal, you haven’t reviewed your packing list yet—here’s the link:
Please read through it carefully. Learning how to dress for extreme cold is a skill—and a powerful one. Mastering your layering system will allow you to participate fully in winter expeditions regardless of your diagnosis. Near the bottom of the list, I’ve included links to the gear I provide so you know exactly what to expect.
Yes—you can do this
Raynaud’s doesn’t exclude you from mushing in the Arctic. It simply asks you to be attentive, deliberate, and prepared. With the right gear, hydration habits, and preventative strategies, you’ll be able to enjoy the landscape, the silence, the dogs, and the magic of winter just like anyone else.
If you have questions about gear, body management, or adjustments we can make for your comfort, I’m always happy to talk through options. We’ve guided many Raynaud’s guests successfully—and you can be next.
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