Choosing Snowshoes

Before you buy, there are a few things you should know.  Unlike the sport of skiing, there is nothing technical about snowshoe gear.  You don't need high end clothes, or special boots.  Although insulated, high winter boots are best, I slip on a pair of heavy wool socks and go.  I wear the same snow pants, insulated hooded jacket, gloves, and knit cap that I wear to shovel snow at the house.   

If you are new to snowshoeing, think three things: BINDING, SHAPE and FLOAT.

This series is being written for people who will be snowshoeing for recreational outings, day trips and weekend jaunts with their family. 

BINDINGS:
Are normally made of plastic or rubber and are secured to the frame with gromets or rivits.  Bindings should be sturdy and durable.  The mechanism that secures your boots to your snowshoes should be easy to lock, adjust, and release.  You should be able to slip boots in and out of the binding with ease.  Most important, you should be able to secure, adjust and release bindings with gloves on in the cold.

SHAPE:
Snowshoes today are designed in either a rouund or tapered configuration.  Round shoes are wider providing you better float.  The down side is they can cause the wearer to scrape or catch one shoe on the other as you walk.  Tapered models can be easier to walk in but  have less float.

FLOAT (factor):
Is what keeps you from sinking into that fresh white powder you will be walking on.

Recommendations:

• Visit a local outdoor gear store and talk to one of their experts.
• Dress in the clothes you plan on wearing (or take them with you to dress at the store), including socks, boots, gloves, headgear, and goggles (you must be able to bend down with pack on to adjust/remove your snowshoes in the cold).
• Load your day pack with the essentials (see separate article) you will need. Take it with you to the store (total weight-body plus pack-will determine the size snowshoe best suited for you).
• Take poles or ask for a pair at the gear store (so you can test your ability to walk with snowshoes on, while using poles for balance).
• Try on different brands of snowshoes (Atlas, Red Feather, Crescent Moon, MSR, Tubbs) before making your choice.
• Ask questions and be totally satisfied before you leve the store.
• Inquire about the store return policy.  

Other topics covered in upcoming posts on this blog.

• How to dress for Snowshoeing
• Saftey and First Aid
• Daypack essentials
• My favorite snowshoe trails (see the home page at far right)