Snowshoeing - Anyone do it?

L4NE4

L4NE4

Joined
Aug 24, 2011
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I have wanted to try snowshoeing for a long time now and I think I might do it this year. I just did a quick search to see how much they cost and they are a little more than I thought! Can anyone recommend some decent shoes that dont break the bank? I think this would be a great excuse to get out doors during the winter and just a nice backup if I ever needed them.
 
I did when I lived in NM, they have mountains and deeper snow. I would rent mine from REI, I found that was cheaper than buying, for me. If you can't rent some, there's lots of cheaper models out there. I can't say what you'll need, but your body weight has something to do with the size, so does the depth of snow.
They are better than post holeing all day, but the cross country skiers passed us by like nothing. It adds weight to your feet, and you'll feel it in different muscle groups at the end of the day.
Have fun!
 
I thought about the skis but I want these to be able to walk around the camp in the winter. Plus they just seem like a good idea if we had a blizzard (again) and the power went out (again). It would be a lot easier to walk to the in-laws if I needed to. Wait a minute.... why would I want to do that???

Thanks for the help, I will research the weight thing.
 
If you ever make it up to Wisconsin, the Kettle Moraine has trails to snowshoe/ski(with rentals). I did it a few times and I enjoyed it more than skiiing(never was really good at it).
 
I make it out shoeing a few times each year. Renting from REI is a great idea to give it a try before investing $ on your own pair. Crescent Moon makes some really nice shoes and they're made in Boulder, CO but they certainly aren't cheap. Size/weight and type of snow will determine a lot about what shoe you need.
 
I have for nearly 30 years. For 'inexpensive', well, it depends on how 'inexpensive' you need!!! For decent, inexpensive snowshoes, check out LL Bean.

I don't think we're allowed to post non-Supporting retailers here, so here are the models:

LL Bean Men's Pathfinder 36" model for about $160

or the

MSR Evo's 22" for about $140 and add the Denali Evo Snowshoe Flotation tail for about $40 - total $180 and a MUCH better snowshoe....

It goes up from there, but need to know how much is max. budget (i've used all the mainstream brands and some traditional's as well).....
 
make your own? :p this is mine made out of bamboo - good enough to win an esee izula in their contest :D

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in all seriousness, i love snowshoeing - hiking in winter in general since the trails are completely empty, i can wander off trail to scout new locations and not get lost, and i can camp anywhere since a water source is all around me.

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i'm not sure what your budget is but a quick-release is well worth it. i often find myself maneuvering around/through thick woods off trail and it can be a pain taking it off and on without a really good system. i have a tubbs mountaineer and i really like it.

[youtube]9ZJ7DAYcdfY[/youtube]


tubbs flex are also good entry-level ones.
 
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I have been a traditional guy, I use a set I think from sportec, there are about 30 years old and are made in canada (rabbit sinew and soft wood)

I have looked at the new models, but im not crazy about them. But im the type of person to harvest my own materials and make another set, just haven't had too yet.
 
Mr. Sogetsu said:
If you ever make it up to Wisconsin, the Kettle Moraine has trails to snowshoe/ski(with rentals). I did it a few times and I enjoyed it more than skiiing(never was really good at it).
Click to expand...

I used to go to Kettle at least twice a week in the summer to mountain bike. I am sure I will make it up there to camp too. Hopefully soon! Is it open in the winter? I will have to check their site

fmajor007 said:
I have for nearly 30 years. For 'inexpensive', well, it depends on how 'inexpensive' you need!!! For decent, inexpensive snowshoes, check out LL Bean.

I don't think we're allowed to post non-Supporting retailers here, so here are the models:

LL Bean Men's Pathfinder 36" model for about $160

or the

MSR Evo's 22" for about $140 and add the Denali Evo Snowshoe Flotation tail for about $40 - total $180 and a MUCH better snowshoe....

It goes up from there, but need to know how much is max. budget (i've used all the mainstream brands and some traditional's as well).....
Click to expand...

I can understand that, I didnt post my budget because I had no idea the price range. I will look into your suggestions, thanks!

JV3 said:
make your own? :p this is mine made out of bamboo - good enough to win an esee izula in their contest :D

in all seriousness, i love snowshoeing - hiking in winter in general since the trails are completely empty, i can wander off trail to scout new locations and not get lost, and i can camp anywhere since a water source is all around me.


i'm not sure what your budget is but a quick-release is well worth it. i often find myself maneuvering around/through thick woods off trail and it can be a pain taking it off and on without a really good system. i have a tubbs mountaineer and i really like it.

tubbs flex are also good entry-level ones.
Click to expand...

Nice pics! Quick release is a great idea, I cant stand the older snow board bindings that arent quick release! Now you got me thinking about making my own set of snowshoes out of my snowboard bindings!

trailbum said:
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___71500
http://www.campmor.com/outdoor/gear/Product___38781?cm_vc=PDPZ2
Great snowshoe.

I agree rent or borrow you might hate it.
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I probably should rent them first but I highly doubt the hating it part. I love anything outdoors and winter is my favorite season. Plus I want them as winter transportation if needed.
 
Renting is a good idea. It gets you a taste without the cost. Also if you rent get the poles too if they have them. Some love em some don't but since you are there..........Myself I bought my firt set in the form of the military snowshoes. They sucked but they worked well enough that I knew I wanted a newer set. Bought some Tubbs and they work great but two years later I bought some MSR shoes when the wife said she wanted to try snowshoeing. I have only used the MSRs since then because they are lighter than the Tubbs. I love snowshoes cause you can easily go off trail and walk over buried brush under the snow. The other thing you may need to know is bring a small pack with room in it for taking off layers :) Snowshoeing does keep you moving and that warms you up. You may want to be able to shed a layer or two :) I hated trying to carry my jacket the first time out.
 
snowshoeing is my winter activity:thumbup:. My current shoes are made by IRL a company in B.C. Canada. They are pricy, heavy but bombproof. My wife uses Red-feathers and loves them. I know they are costly, but in snowshoes you get what you pay for. If you are sticking to flat & groomed trails the cheaper ones may be ok, but going cross country, save up for a decent pair. Remember that the type of snow you are hiking in is important too. i hear good things about the MSR'S but in my snow conditions they don't offer enough float. At 10x37 my IRL's are just sufficient in the powder. I started in traditionals (wood and rawhide) but the modern ones are soooooo maintenance free
 
Not since I picked up a pair of Volkl Amaruqs, Hammerheads and factory skins. Imagine snowshoeing with glide... that and a much more enjoyable descent.
 
Yup, i *luv* my MSR Lightning Ascents!!!

The entire frame is a crampon - so when i'm on some hard, frozen snow (either climbing or descending - i hate skiiing) i've got all the traction i need (not to mention the steel crampon on the binding). OK, these are *not* replacement's for my actual crampons, but for moderate climbing/descending the Lightning Ascents rock!!! I also have the extension tails for 'em so the powder isn't a problem either.

They are *spendy*....but after nearly 30 years using most types of snowshoes available, these are the best for my purposes/philosophy. Additionally, part of what i do is taking folks into the mountains on hikes/eco-tours, etc. so the 'gear' i buy is my work equipment and i *use* it (not abuse it, but i am definitely a hard-core user).
 
I have been looking into it for this year but there has yet to be any snow. I saw a complete set, shoes, poles and case at costco for around 80 bucks. I don't remember the brand but they have them on costco.com
 
+1 to skis. I love getting out in the snowy months, and skis allow one to cover ground in a smoother fashion. Hut tripping before the days of split snowboards we were always waiting for my brother ( on the way up that is).

Like payette I use hammerheads but on Scotty bob fat boys. If you have never tried skiing or snowshoes I suggest trying both before you buy either.
 
If you plan on doing any steep climbing I suggest The MSR Denali ascents. Best pair of snow shoes I've ever owned. I climb mountains mostly though so if you just want a pair to walk on flat ground with deep powder your going to want something with more of a tail but if your a rugged terrain hiker I haven't found anything that beats the Denali ascents yet.
 
I do allot of crosscountry skiing and use the waxing system for grip. I like skiing because of its mechanical advantage, one can travel a long way without getting tired out. I use many different waxes for any given temperature, as the right wax means the difference between a pleasant afternoon on the trails or one of tiring frustration.
 
I snowshoe and have for the past 10 years. I have miles of horse trails behind my house. After going through more than a few pair, I cannot say enough good about Atlas 12 series. I bought mine a few years ago, now there are two 12 series.

Unless you are going into fresh deep snow all the time, you don't need more than the 25" shoe. I have a pair of 30" and hardly ever use them unless I am going into 2'+ of fresh snow.

As far as using snowshoes, if you can walk you can use them. IMO, no learning curve, however you had better be in shape, because even in a foot of new snow, going a couple of miles is pretty exhausting.

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