Mushing Magazine • � • September/October 20�0September/October 2010 #136, $4.95 U.S.

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MushingThe Magazine of Dog powered adventure

GEAR GUIDE2010

GEAR GUIDE

You want warm? These mitts are favored by dog mushers, snowmachiners, and anyone else who needs toasty hands in severe temperatures. Two layers of Polartec 300 fleece on the palm side and two layers of Climashield synthetic in-sulation on the top side are sandwiched between a durable, water-resistant outer shell and a soft taffeta lining. Fleece

insulation offers resistance to compression and Climashield offers maximum insulation at a lighter weight. Leather palms provide grip and durability. An extra roomy gauntlet cuff fits over the sleeves of even the loftiest parka and adjusts with a Velcro flap. Nose warmer pads sewn onto the back of each mitt are an essential feature for cold weather activities. These mittens are designed and fabricated in Fairbanks, Alaska by Apocalypse Design. Many colors. For more information see: www.akgear.com

Therapeutic jacket. This is Adanac’s newest design for therapeu-tics. Our jacket is made from stretchy, wind proof fabric and has a velcro opening and three pockets for heat packs or ice packs. Easy on and off without jockeying or twisting a sore leg or shoulder. Comes in extra-small, small, medium, large and extra-large.

Skijoring/canicross/walking belt. Another new design from Adanac. This belt comes with or without leg straps, is comfort-able, lightweight, well designed and easy to use. As a walking belt, it stays on your hips, has a sliding panic snap and the belt is completely adjustable. Hands-free exercise for you and your dog! There is a pocket for keys and straps for bear spray or a water bottle. This belt has virtually eliminated lower back pain and makes it so easy on the shoulders when you are walking any dog (sled dog or pet). www.adanacsleds.com

The Arctic Oven 10 Extreme with Integrated Vestibule is the first model of integrated vestibule in our Arctic Oven line. It provides 26 square feet of additional storage space. With steep side walls, 90 square feet of livable space and a peak of 6’9”, you can be assured that there will be plenty of space for you and your gear. Popular among hunters and trappers, the Arctic Oven 10 tent is the perfect size for three people in the winter camping months or four to five people during the warmer months, when there is no need for a stove. The Arctic Oven 10 with Integrated Vestibule is designed to perform in any condition.www.alaskatentandtarp.com

Howling Dog Alaska Wheel Dog Harness. Excellent harness choice for any dog running in wheel in the front of a sled with a low gangline attachment. This harness is longer than the usual X-back harness, therefore relieves pressure off the dog’s back. A ring on each side of the harness allows the rear section of the harness to move up and down as the dog runs. Made out of 1 inch wide light weight, extremely durable tubular webbing, Special breast plate design minimizes turn-ing and “under arm” rubbing. Padding is made out of light weight foam covered in rip-stop shell. Padding extends along the harness’ entire length. Webbing is a multi colored design on a black background.Padding is black.

This practical kennel pad is extremely durable and water repellant. For indoor/outdoor use with high qual-ity weather resistant material that stands up to harsh weather conditions. Features dense foam insert and removable (washable) cover. Just flip the pad over for double the use. Ideal for traveling or for the use in an

airline kennel, house crate or inside of a dog box. Great for insulating animals from hot or cold floors. Cool in the summer & warm in the winter. Features Howling Dog Alaska logo. Black color only. 33’ long, 21’ wide. www.howlingdogalaska.com

Arctic Series Dog coats (left) are made of THERMA STRETCH POLARTEC® Windproof and water resistant. Slick finish on outside so snow does not stick to it - fleece inside for added warmth. Coats have Velcro straps for adjusting the girth. Coats are used OVER the harness.

Combo Coat Dog Jacket (right) Shirt with hand warmer pockets is attached to “pants” with elastic Velcro. Shirt can be used alone for harness rub protection or as therapeutic shoulder warmer. Works with short long distance harness as well as with regular harness. Combo Dog coats are made of THERMA STRETCH POL-ARTEC® Combo Coats are used UNDER the harness. www.katahdinMS.com

Mushing Magazine • 24 • September/October 20�0

The Double Trainer by Maine Made Dog Sleds was developed as a sled to help mushers make the transition from dry-land cart training to travelling down the wonderfully snow-covered trails of mid-winter, that time when snow conditions are not the greatest and it is really nice (and at times necessary) to have a second pair of hands to help. There are, however, many other advantages. This sled can be a great training tool in helping to teach an inexperienced musher to learn how to run dogs. It is also a time-saver by allowing the musher to be able to run larger teams. Sometimes it’s just nice to take someone along without having to deal with a tag sled. The 2010 model has new features which improve the handling and a flip-up dragmat has been added. The Deluxe edition also has fiberglass-sleeved stanchions and aluminum runners.This sled can also be shipped partially disassembled to save on shipping costs.

“We are introducing a new sled to our product line. The new Sprint Sled has the following features: flexing to the right or left 45 degrees, cable steering, and a brake that remains parallel to the snow so the driver will get the maximum braking power whenever needed. These features make this sled extemely maneuverable and fun to drive. The sled package also includes a vented bag, 2 snowmobile holders and a flip-up dragmat.” www.mainemadedogsleds.com

All natural Mushers First Aid is designed to easily penetrate the hair and skin to reach the affected area. It reduces inflammation and promotes rapid healing of joints such as strained wrists and shoulders; it is also extremely effective in healing open wounds, punctures, pad slices and fissures. Use from head to toe on joints or cuts, one product will heal just about any injury and works very well under Wristwraps and Therapeutic shoulder vests. Mushers First Aid will aid whatever ails your canine athletes!

Mushers First Aid is 25% Emu Oil; a deep penetrating (Trans-Der-mal Carrier) packed with Omega 3-6-9 and other fatty acids to give the skin nutrients as well as elasticity, it is naturally anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and healing. Emu Oil with its anti-inflammatory and healing characteristics is used for its ability to deeply carry and en-hance the healing properties of the herbs and essential oils that are also in the product.

The Mountain Ridge Distance Harness is built for the comfort of the sled dog, featuring either heavy or light weight nylon webbing that is padded to the tail. Padding is either closed cell foam or 300 weight fleece; both are covered with a durable nylon fabric to keep the padding dry. They come standard with 2 feet of 3Mtm Reflective tape sewn on for safety when running at night. Choose from 11 standard sizes. www.mtnridge.com

The Northern Outfitters Mountain Pack Boot is filled with their patented Vaetrex insula-tion and is rated to -30F. However, if you ask Martin or Hans or Aliy they’ll tell you it works a lot better than that. This boot features a more flexible sole and thinner liner than the Northern Outfitters Arctic Boot, making it perfect for running behind a team, ice fishing and snow machining. It may not be the prettiest boot in the world, but when you do what we do, pretty ranks a distant second, and this boot is Number One in cold weather comfort.

The quilted VAETREX jacket and pant liners come in 2 thicknesses, EXP 0 and EXP -30, providing a comfort range from 35F to -30F. Impressively, in a 6 month blind study performed by the University of North Dakota, these liners were proven to be “Ounce for ounce, the most efficient insulating material available today”. No wonder you see so many people wearing this gear! www.northernoutfitters.com

Our new brake points have sure footed stopping power. They feature sharp and effective carbide points which can be quickly and easily replaced. The 44cal each has a single point. The 88cal gives the maximum stopping power with four tips digging in.

Enjoy the journey with this mid-distance sled S48TG.This new lightweight sit down sled design is based on our popular Nitro S48 and our Trail Glider. With this model you get 2 sleds in one. When you want a traditional sled you can easily remove the seat with one tool. This sled has the high performance features you need for competitive racing and comfortable travel. www.prairiebiltsleds.com

Musher’s Secret Wax is a dense, barrier wax that forms a breathable bond with your dog’s paws. Developed in Canada for use with sledding dogs, it provides tenacious protection even in the most extreme conditions.Safe and Natural. Made from a blend of several food-grade waxes, then refined according to our our own special formu-lations, Musher’s Secret is the safe, non-toxic way to protect your dog’s paws. The semi-permeable shield is absorbed into the paws, allowing perspiration to escape through the toes. Available at www.susitnasledandkayak.com

Mushing Magazine • 25 • September/October 20�0

PawtrekTM Freetrail Full Suspension Model ScooterThis fantastic full front & rear suspension dog scooter offers high ground clearance, disk brakes and rugged design for serious trail use. With all the essential features of a PAWTREKKER’s unique BRUSHBOW giving added protec-tion to your dog, providing optimal pulling position and holding the gangline clear of the front wheel. Features: • Rear 900lb shock (adjustable) • Adjustable front dampening forks • Mechanical disc brakes on the front and rear • 6.5” ground clearance • Quick release brushbow • Quick release wheels • Screw on Kraton handle bar grips • Kenda 20” x 2.125” tires • Handlebar height & angle adjustable from 37”-41” • Length 78” with Brushbow (75” without brushbow) • Footplate 5” wide x 14” long • Kickstand • Compact when wheels removed & rear suspension folded (see picture) • This is the smoothest ride as this scooter glides over those potholes and ruts. Available now in Orange or Silver. For more information: www.pawtrek.com

GEAR GUIDE SKOOKUMbrand anoraks have been worn by mushers on the Yukon Quest and the Iditarod as well as being featured on fashion runways/magazines from Montreal to Milan. The anorak is lightweight, warm and durable with attention to fit for layering according to temperature, activity, personal comfort in the cold and style. SKOOKUMbrand’s design does not just rely on technical fabrics but is inspired by centuries-old Inuit design for ventilation and traditional fur harvesting for added warmth and protection. SKOOKUMbrand has been recognized for its responsible use of fur. SKOOKUMbrand supports humane harvesting standards, managing fur bearing animals with principals of conservation biology, and generally dem-onstrating the utmost care and respect for wild animals and their habitats. We live in the north where fur is harvested for subsistence purposes and we believe that fur harvesters are the stewards of the land that share values with other conser-vationists, and this is aided by their vested interest in the wildlife habitat. www.skookumbrand.com

Arctic Style Mukluks (left) are perfect for going to extremes. They were designed for major Arctic and Antarctic expeditions and are the favorite of many world-class extreme cold weather athletes. The flexible lightweight upper is neccessary in frigid climates. The aggressively treaded soles are ready to dig in for excellent traction. Arctic Style come with our 9mm woolfelt liner and 2 insoles. These are the same boots worn on most of the Steger Expeditions.

Camuks™ and CamukXtreme™ are the first hunting and survival boots you‘ll brag about and the last kind you’ll ever need! Steger Camuks have a waterproof foot, Pull-Tight Ankle Strap System™, plus cord lock and strap lock gaiter. They’re insulated with a 9mm woolfelt liner, come with three insoles and are the warmest hunting boots on the market. They weigh about half as much as traditional hunting boots and are very... very quiet. Made by Steger Mukluks in Ely, Min-nesota. www.stegermukluks.com

*NEW* Polartec Windbloc Xtreme Musher Jacket Features Ten Squared Racing Lifetime GuaranteeDesigned with musher features in mind: • full zip for easy on and off • other front zipper used for temp control panel • arm pit zippers for added ventilation • front zipper pouch • 3-panel hood with drawcord adjustment • draw cord bottom • Polartec Windbloc Fleece for 100% windproof construction • available in 6 colors • worn throughout the entire 2010 Iditarod Race by Sebastian Schnuelle.

Fast Change Plastic (FCP) Runner Plastic • All extruded UHMW line...available in 2 profiles with varying widths and lengths. 8 Plastic Variations. 1-piece plastics in both 1-5/8” and 2” widths (both available in 8’ or 10’lengths). Fits both the Matrax and the REX runners. Please visit our website at 10squaredracing.com to learn about the different types of runner plastic available. Also extruded in QCR style plastics in both 1.25” (8’ only) and 1.5” (8’ or 10’ lengths) wide...guaranteed to fit QCR metal rails. All plastic formulas available in the QCR style profile as well. www.10squaredracing.com

Mushing Magazine • 26 • September/October 20�0

Taiga Padded Collar -- for the very active dogs that rub their neck hair off from continuous circling on their chains! Standard colors: Red, Blue, Purple and Teal. Standard Sizes: Small (10”-14”) Medium (13”-16”) Large (16”-20”) X-Large

(20-24) Jumbo (24-28) Note: These are special sizes which differ from our other collars because of their limited adjustabil-ity. Description: Adjustable, with 1-1/2” diameter O-ring, padded with a triple layer of polar fleece.

Martin’s Ring Harness. For everyone curious about Martin Buser’s harness modification, here it is. We have added a 1” O-ring to the shoulder portion of the harness. This harness is the best of both worlds as hook up can be either “traditional”, or “shoulder style”. With the shoulder hook-up, the performance is similar to the new shorter style harnesses. The back portion of the harness and the tug simply ride on the dog’s back. All tugs have been shortened to make sure the tug stays up on the dog’s back when it is free. Benefits of this harness are the versatility, reduction of harness rub, consistency and familiarity of sizing. www.mushingsupplies.com

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Dog Paddle Designs: SHERPA Expedition and Freight Toboggan Sled. This sled can haul it all. The Sherpa was inspired and designed after sleds used by the arctic expolorers of team GoNorth. These sleds are built to haul large loads over rough terrain. Whether on a trans-arctic expedition, caribou hunting trip, or for everyday use on the trapline, these sleds are tough. Specifications and options: Laminated white ash runners 3” tall and 2” wide with .5” UHMW screw on runners and 8’, 9’ or 10’ UHMW plastic bed, 20 - 28” width. Optional vertical handles for more turn-ing power with large loads. Rope sides to help hold and lash large loads.

RaceBoggan. Stiff, yet very manueverable distance racing sled, The RaceBoggan is a cross between a tobbogan and a raised tobbogan sled. It is very steerable and flexible but still has good longitudinal load support for large loads. A nice compromise between a race style sled and a toboggan. Specifications and Options: Choice of 8’ or 9’ runners of laminated white ash, Matrax or Rex Runners. Choice of 5’ or 6 x 1/4” UHMW plastic bed, 20” width.www.dogpaddlegear.com

Nordkyn: Skijoring Kit. Skijoring Towrope consists of panic snap or stainless steel snap shackle, shockline, and tug with snap. The Towrope measures approximately 10’ . Please note that skijoring belts adjust from approximately 34” to 53”. If you need a larger or smaller belt size, please note on your order. Remember the belts fit on top of outdoor cloth-ing. Harnesses are not included in the various kits. All belts are fully padded with neoprene.

Hiking belts are 2” webbing padded with neoprene. Belts adjust from approxi-mately 34” to 53”. Larger or smaller belts are available by request. Hiking Belts are available in black only. HB2 (shown at left) has two rings in front to attach leads. www.nordkyn.com

Long Distance Gatt Sled ERS. All sleds are custom built with a choice of either annodized aluminum or carbon fibre stanchions. There are benefits to each, talk to Hans if you would like help in deciding which is the best choice for you. All runners are reinforced with UHMW plastic. Runners come in your choice of heavy weight or light weight for 8 foot runners, all 9 foot runners are heavy weight. Every Gatt Sled is built by Hans Gatt alone. These are racing sleds and are built for the serious competitor, no matter what your actual racing experience may be. Everybody gets the same top quality sled. Gatt designs and materials result in a light weight and extremely durable racing sled. The designs come from Hans Gatt’s experience in top level racing. He uses the same sleds that he builds for his customers, other than testing out new ideas each year personally on the trail, ideas which are subsequently discarded or incorporated in the next year’s model. www.gattsled.com

Flying Fur Trading Co: Show off your love for the sport of Mushing!Dryland Mushers HoodieLight Blue Hoodie with Dryland Mushers logo screen print on the front and Gee Haw printed on the sleeves.

Dryland Mushers T-ShirtAsh tee with Dryland Mushers logo screen print. https://missinginkshop.com/flyingfur/store

Scandinavian designed snow hook. V-shaped center plate, digs deeper as pull force increases. Our hook fea-tures a flat handle which is much easier to grab than the round handle that other hooks of this design have. Best hook made for use in soft snow. Never loose your team again from a popped hook! Made out of galvanized steel.Weight: 2.5 lb. Available at www.susitnasledandkayak.com

Insulating Dog Jacket. Designed by mushers to easily fit your dog. Nylon exterior with a no-pill polyester fleece interior means excellent water and wind resistance as well as superior warmth retention. Easy secure fit with a VEL-CRO® Brand Fastener belly strap that also minimizes soiling. All jackets have 3M brand reflective tape sewn on the sides of a windproof / waterproof / breathable nylon exterior shell. Jacket size is the number of inches from the dog’s shoulder to the start of the tail.

A tote bag for every season. Made of 100% nylon with a re-inforced double bottom. The webbing strap handles goes all the way around the bottom for extra strength. These will last for years under normal condi-tions Measures 18” high x 12” wide x 7” deep. Bag color is the color of the body of the tote. The bottom will be a contrasting but complimentary color. www.dogbooties.com

Gear Guide continued on page 31Mushing Magazine • 27 • September/October 20�0

Mushing Magazine • 3� • September/October 20�0

GEAR GUIDE Continued from previous page

Traditional Snowshoes. Designed by experienced northwoods outdoorsman Gus Gustafson and crafted by master dog-sled builder Clyde Risdon. These beautiful traditional shoes are crafted in the old fashioned way - one at a time. We have combined the look of traditional wood and rawhide shoes with our new poly-lace webbing. Poly-lace looks like rawhide but is much stronger with less maintenance and lighter weight. We offer them in four sizes. New! Snowshoe Kits - $160.00 Kits come with sanded frames, all lashing locations marked, easy to follow instructions, and all materials (our bindings & tools) except scissors, lighter, and varnish.

“We tested this Sprint Sled for 3 years with Neal Johnson, Ken Chezik, Gary Callaghan, Rob Downey, Jan Bootz-Dittmar and others, before making a produc-tion version.” -Clyde Risdon. Specs: • 23.5 lbs with bag • 6061 aircraft aluminum stanchions • Runner core shaped and reinforced with graphite • Simplified cable steering. • Runners are removable with the release of 4 pins, allowing for easy transport. • This model can be mailed, saving on shipping costs.www.risdonrigs.com

The Critterwoods Snow Hook has been in production for 12 years. It is a once in a life time purchase where as it is made of almost indestructible material, tempered stainless steel that is lazer cut and tig welded for added strength with a total weight of 3½ lbs. You should only have to replace it if you lose it or just want another. The hook itself is made in a way that when pulled from the front it naturally wants to dig down and sets itself. I have got into the habit of just dropping it into the snow and letting it set itself. The best part is it will right itself. As soon as it hits the ground it will dig in and you are stopped. There have been many Crit-terwoods snow hooks that have made the trip to Nome as well as traveled the Yukon Quest and most of the other major events world wide.” Gary Chapman, owner. www.critterwoods.com

Porter’s Original Dozen Booties was created as a source of affordable high quality dog booties. Pro-ceeds are being used to fund a Yukon Quest attempt by Team Three Dog Ranch. Porter’s Original Dozen Booties are available in two fabric types: coated nylon (EZ Booties) and uncoated nylon (Beta Booties). Both fabric types are 500 denier nylon; the choice of material is one of personal preference. Porter’s EZ Booties are constructed from 500 denier, 100% nylon Cor-dura-like material and have a light, smooth nylon coating on the inside. The coated material provides some structure that helps hold the bootie open, making it easier to inset the dog’s foot as well as a longer service life. We have literally sold thousands of these booties. www.dozenbooties.com

Dan and Kim Schlosser, and family, from Westboro WI are producing the Sled Dog Systems Dog Sled product line. Dan is a Journeyman Machinist and certified welder who is a specialist in research and development. Kim is also a Journeyman Machinist who has over 17 years of Quality Control experience. The Schlosser family are active mushers committed to providing excellent products and services to the mushing community.

The K-2 Sprint Sled is the latest generation design incorporating all the same innovations as the K-1 Sled in a slightly larger model with large team capability. We include anodized frames at no additional cost. The K-2 frame design increases flexibility of the front of the sled making for an even smoother ride than the K-1. The K-2 can handle bumps, holes, washboard and ruts with ease while maintaining it‘s reputation for being the best corner-

ing sled made. The brake is made with a precision formed stainless steel tube backbone for improved looks and higher strength. The bridal is coated stainless steel cable and has an adjustable locating system. Custom and standard bags are available. www.sleddogsystems.com

Our Command Training™ lead and belly band are the prefect tools for individualized command training of dogs in harness. Both are fully adjustable and useful for teaching dogs to stay in place, to move out on command, change pace, and stop. We originally developed this equipment to be used in conjunction with the training methods described in Lee Fishback’s book, Training Lead Dogs, but it has been adapted for a wide variety of uses includ-ing weight pulling and skijoring training. The training lead attaches to the collar and the back of a harness, giving you control at both ends of the dog. Both ends of the lead are adjustable, allowing you to compensate for different lengths of dog or to emphasize control at one end or the other. The adjustable belly band clips on to the sides of a harness and runs under the stomach. It keeps the dog from backing out of the harness and is used to move them forward when teaching a dog to pull on command. The Command Training Lead™ is now available with a padded handle. We pad the handles with soft Polartec 300™. This equipment should be used in conjunction with a Yukon or X-Back harness. www.blackicedogsledding.com

Official Mushing Magazine T-Shirt. Screen printed right here in Alaska, this shirt is knit of the finest, imported, medium weight cotton, and hand sewn in Asia by factory workers laboring for pennies a week. But socio-economic world problems and Western guilt aside, it is a very cool piece of mandatory gear around our offices whenever the temperature rises above 50F in Willow, Alaska - which is never. Needless to say, we have an abundance of these in stock and ready to ship. This gar-

ment is 100% cotton, doesn’t wick perspiration away from your skin, and gives you that uncomfortable, wet, clammy feeling when worn under insulating garments while exercising. However, on a nice, sunny day, is there a more perfect garment than a t-shirt? Available in any color you like, as long as it is Navy Blue. www.mushing.com