Yukon Quest Winners Helped by Northern Outfitters Parka Winter Clothing System
Posted in Fly Fishing Gear on the February 21, 2010
The warmth of the parka system worn by four Yukon Quest dogsled teams kept them warm and comfortable for the race. The parka system was provided by race sponsor Northern Outfitters.
Hans Gatt, who won the 1000-mile Yukon Quest this year, wears the parka, boot, mitten and hat system found in Northern Outfitters’ 9-piece clothing system.
In addition to sponsoring the winner of the 1000-mile race, Northern Outfitters also sponsored the three top teams in the Yukon Quest 300, a shorter qualifying race for the Iditarod. These top mushers also wore Northern Outfitters’ top-performing cold weather clothing.
Sven Haltmann won the 300-mile race, crossing the finish line in Circle, AK, at 7:42 p.m. on February 8. Second place was taken by Magnus Kaltenborn finishing less than 2 hours later. Third place went to Sean Williams who finished at 4:44 a.m. February 9. The YQ300 is a qualifying race for the Iditarod coming up in March, 2010.
All four mushers expressed their gratitude for Northern Outfitters’ sponsorship. Hans Gatt said, “Thanks to the folKs at Northern Outfitters for supplying me winter clothing that stood up to everything the Yukon Quest could throw at it.”
“What our cold weather clothing does is give the mushers the edge in warmth, flexible comfort and moisture wicking,” according to Jim Harrison, owner of Northern Outfitters. “Dogsled racing requires that the mushers are able to move freely, and our parkas need very few layers, giving them the ability to move easily so they can compete at the highest level.”
Gatt, a Northern Outfitters Pro Staffer and designer of the Gatt Racing Dog Sled, won the Yukon Quest with a time of 9 days, 1 hour and 38 minutes. He arrived with nine dogs on the line and his great dog, Sonny, showing the way. As soon as he crossed the finish line, he checked and hugged his dogs, thanking all of them for a great race. He then expressed thanks to Northern Outfitters, supplier of his cold weather gear.
Gatt pulled into Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada, on February 15 at 1:35 p.m. Gatt added, “This is the strongest team I think I’ve ever had. We’re really looking forward to the start of the Iditarod in two weeks. Thanks again, Northern Outfitters.”