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.

“I really want to thank the folks at Northern Outfitters for supplying me with the best winter clothing in the world. It stood up to everything the Yukon Quest could throw at it and performed flawlessly,” Hans Gatt said. The winners of the YQ300, Haltmann, Klatenborn and Williams all expressed their gratitude as well.

“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 won the Yukon Quest with a time that beat the previous race record by more than 24 hours. His first order of business at the finish line was to check and thank his dogs. He arrived with his great dog, Sonny, showing the way and nine dogs on the line. At the finish line, he also thanked Northern Outfitters for supplying the gear that served him so well on the trail.

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.”