Snow shoes?

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DocArnie

Joined
Jan 27, 2006
Messages
734
Hi everybody!
To those who have experience with snow: Do you recommend snow shoes? What kind of snow shoes are you using? What do I have to know before getting me a pair? When is it better to use skis? How much money should I spend?

I'm spending more and more time in my late grandpa's house at 1000m altitude in the blackforest and during winter the area is covered in snow permanently (from November to May). Snow depths of 2-3 feet or more are pretty normal and when it's still fresh, there is no way I can go hiking with my boots only.


BTW, has there been a thread about arctic survival lately? One of our finnish buddies said we needed one a few days ago and I agree. I wanna do some training this winter when the conditions are right. :D
 
I have the Tubbs Elevation models and they are good equipment. Among US made snowshoes, the MSR brand gets very good reviews. However, a friend of mine snowshoes with a guy who sold them because they are so noisy.

I like XC skis for rolling terrain and snowshoes for the really nasty stuff. You can travel a lot farther and see a lot more moderate countryside on XC skis.

DancesWithKnives
 
I use Atlas 12-35's when working, these are the most durable snowshoes I have been able to find, and I've tried most. I've got a pair of 12-35's and two pairs of 12-30's, but the 35" snowshoes are better for me being a bigger guy and usually carrying a pack and/or survey gear. The longer they are the better floatation in powder snow, but they are a bit more difficult to wield in the bush. If you are only walking on hard-packed crust you can get away with smaller more nimble snowshoes.

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A lot of guys I work with swear by Ursus snowshoes, I've not used them personally but would certainly give them a try, they seem to hold up well.

I personally don't like Tubbs, I find them a bit cumbersom, I believe due to the way they are upswept at the toe.

If you are not going to be doing any climbing, go for the traditional bear-paw. They are cheap and provide the best flotation in the powder. I prefer the bear-paw to the beaver-tail (Huron type). I find the long tail of the beaver-tail while great for walking in the open is not that great in the bush or when trying to turn around in thick trees.

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The traditional snowshoes above are decked with rawhide, which is OK as long as they are maintained, which means applying varnish each year to keep the leather from absorbing moisture. I much prefer the nylon fishing-line decked snowshoes (sorry, I can't seem to find a photo of these, they are made in Val d'Or, Quebec), the nylon line is quite durable, but will require the odd repair if you step on a punji. On the traditional snowshoes, I usually use the inner-tube/rubber type bindings, they are simple, easy to put on, easy to remove, and easy to attach to the snowshoe (using lamp-wick).

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I snowshoe a lot during the winter. I use Tubbs "Adventure" shoes, which are synthetic with a built in crampon. They have stood up quite well. I'm thinking about acquiring a set of traditional wood and babiche shoes. Ditto what DWK2 said about skis. If you have lots of ground to cover they're the way to go. I recommend the "Snow Walkers Companion" by Garrett and Alexandra Connover and "Paradise Below Zero" by Calvin Rutsrum as good references, particularly the former, as it is more up to date.
 
Make sure you get the correct size for your weight. Most producers have several lines from economy/recreational models to mountaineering/professional models. I think you tend to get the durability and performance you pay for.

I have two pair of Crescent Moon snowshoes and have been using them for years. The bindings are clever, easy to use and rarely require readjustment. Highly recommended!

Snowshoeing is fun and cheap winter entertainment... no lift tickets or travelling to the ski slopes! Most of the hiking trails are empty in the winter time. Enjoy!

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
I've worn my old Tubbs for many years and they've held up fine. Bindings, decks and crampons have stood up to the sharp rocks I've encountered in the Adirondacks. The ones I have are not for trail running, but for hiking with a pack in the backcountry. Definitely worth the money I laid out oh so many years ago. I also tried some Atlas shoes and really liked them.

If you're not sure if you'd like them, rent some for your winter trips and buy the ones you like in the spring when the prices drop like my 401K has in recent weeks.
 
I like the traditional Huron type ones myself. I agree that they give much better flotation then the modern ones do but at the expense of yearly maintenance. Plus, you can often find the traditionals are bargain prices compared to the new fancy ones. Bargain prices and for me at least, they work better.
 
Depends on how the field is.
If rocks or dense woods is prominent, snow shoe is the best choice.
Otherwise, if you are good at ski, ski is better.
 
Hey guys

Great thread, I was just wondering how well snow shoes work and last for bigger guys, I have wanted a pair for a while but at 260lbs I really don't won't to invest in some thing I am going to bend or bust or that just won't work well for me, any suggestions for a heavy duty snow shoe.

thanks
jimi
 
I weigh 225 lbs and use the 30" Tubbs Elevation model. I haven't tried them with a heavy pack or in really deep powder. For those conditions or at 260lbs, I'd probably go with the largest (usually around 36") size. For the snow conditions I usually encounter, the lighter and more maneuverable 30 inchers are a pretty good compromise.

As noted above, the top-of-the-line models from good manufacturers usually hold up well.

DancesWithKnives
 
I'm 250lbs and use Crescent Moon 10" x 37" shoes. They've had a lot of very rough off-trail use here in the Adirondacks and are still going strong. I think this size is about as big as you'll find.... Lots of area and solid decking will give you the most floatation.

Stay sharp,
desmobob
 
J.Wade said:
Hey guys

Great thread, I was just wondering how well snow shoes work and last for bigger guys, I have wanted a pair for a while but at 260lbs I really don't won't to invest in some thing I am going to bend or bust or that just won't work well for me, any suggestions for a heavy duty snow shoe.

thanks
jimi
Click to expand...

Jimi, if you can find snow, I'd be happy to lend you some shoes. I have a couple of sets, old fashioned, and new fangled. They've been in the garage since I've moved to Canada's south though.
 
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