Snowshoeing - Anyone do it?

[fmajor007]

I can say, after having Atlas 10 Series (the Atlas 1225's look *exactly* like my Atlas 1033's except for the color and maybe the crampon difference), Tubbs, and a slew of the other aluminum-tube snowshoes that my MSR Lightning Ascents are sooooo much better than *any* other snowshoe.

With the Ascents, I can say good-bye to glissading down steep mountain inclines (which can be fun, but not in mixed terrain - believe me!!!). I sorta wish the Ascents came in longer sizes for deep, deep powder, but even my 30"-ers give lots of float so i doubt i'd actually *need* 'em to be longer. In fact, I've not needed to use the tails yet (which i have), but i'm hoping to get out tomorrow or Saturday.

I'll try to take some pics and will post 'em up.

 

[Raskolnikov]

I'm going to look into those Ascents - I like the idea of a slightly more aggressive bite while still having flotation.

In the program that I work with, we use Tubbs mostly. They're affordable and very durable, which is a must for the groups that we usually take out. They work very well on level hikes and most modest trails. I am a big fan of the poles when using them on trail, but less so when on fields or lakes.

 

[nipsip]

I can say, after having Atlas 10 Series (the Atlas 1225's look *exactly* like my Atlas 1033's except for the color and maybe the crampon difference), Tubbs, and a slew of the other aluminum-tube snowshoes that my MSR Lightning Ascents are sooooo much better than *any* other snowshoe.

With the Ascents, I can say good-bye to glissading down steep mountain inclines (which can be fun, but not in mixed terrain - believe me!!!). I sorta wish the Ascents came in longer sizes for deep, deep powder, but even my 30"-ers give lots of float so i doubt i'd actually *need* 'em to be longer. In fact, I've not needed to use the tails yet (which i have), but i'm hoping to get out tomorrow or Saturday.

I'll try to take some pics and will post 'em up.

I probably have put 300 miles on those Atlas 1225 and if they bite the dust I will certainly look at others. Those Tubbs were made in the USA not China where they are made now and I have had to fix them 4 times. Not impressed with Tubbs.

 

[indawire]

I'm almost ready for Social Security and have been doing it for years, so don't hesitate to start. A great winter workout, dress in layers, you can get overheated very quickly. We have the traditional LL Bean wood frame w/ synthetic webbing, several pairs of alluminum with a synthetic platform, they each have their advantages. If you can rent, that's a good way to see if you like it.

 

[fmajor007]

@ Roskolnikov - the Lightning Ascents give more than a slight improvement to traction - it's on a completely higher plane of performance - from amateur to Pro is about the closest i can describe. The only nit i have is adjusting where the little pegs go to secure the extra strap material (and actually using them....). However, once that's set for your boots it's pretty much grab 'em and go. This year i'll be using mine pretty extensively. I bought them in Feb 2011 so i didn't have enough time to abuse i mean *use* them enough to ensure durability, but from the use i've given them and how they look they're pretty sweet. Time always tells....

@ Nipsip - I try not to speak poorly of things in general; i'd rather speak about the positives if i can or positive alternatives. I chose Atlas and they're great snowshoes for the design. The Atlas bindings are nice and easy and has (or had, i don't know about recently) a great warranty if something ever goes wrong. I just like the design of the Lightening Ascents so much more than any other pair i've owned. I also bought some of the MSR Evo snowshoes for clients/friends to use and so far they seem pretty good - especially for the price. I'm not fond of plastic in the cold, but i've been assured they're of a different material so not affected. Also, i thought they'd be noisy, being plastic, but they're not - not much different than my others.

I'm taking my kids out tomorrow for snowshoeing and sledding so will take some pics of my various pairs (and in use) and will post in another thread.

 

[fmajor007]

Welcome aboard indawire!!!!

This is a great Community - i look forward to hearing about your experiences and contributions - don't be shy!!!

 

[mtwarden]

I had a pair of 25" Lightening Ascents (I'm 190#'s) and while they worked in many conditions, I often found myself wanting longer ones as we get a lot of powder snow in the West. I ended selling the 25's and going w/ the 30's, I don't find them much longer from a walking standpoint, but they do give much better flotation. I also bought a set of tails (my old Lightenings didn't have that option) for winter camping when my pack will be heavier.

the Ascents are nice if your in steep country- the televators really help w/ traction on steep slopes, they also reduce fatigue

I'd highly suggest going out w/ trekking poles (w/ snow baskets), makes a huge difference IMO

snowshoes make winter a heck of lot more fun

 

[neeman]

Used to use 56" Alaskans in wood and neoprene
I could run in power snow!
Not when I had a 10 day pack ...

I used the orginal Prager snowshoes for steep New England mountains in the 70s
Long time ago!

No idea what the market has now

 

[ASharpCanadian]

youre right just buy em dude. everyone who lives in a location that can get 4 foot dumps in a matter of days should own something, theyre cheaper than snowmobiles.

 

[fmajor007]

OK, got out on the mountain today with my kiddo's for some snowshoeing/sledding. Stayed off the open slopes to keep out of the wind and had a blast!!!

I took some pics of my various snowshoes that i currently have (i have multiple pairs of a couple of these models).

OK, here's the gang:

and a closer-up - check out the traction on the yellow MSR Lightning Ascents and the blue MSR Evo's in the back...

here is the crampon-side of the snowshoes MSR Evo/Atlas 1033/MSR Lightning Ascent 30"/Atlas 7 Series 36" and my boy's snowshoe:

here is the deck-side of the snowshoes MSR Evo/Atlas 1033/MSR Lightning Ascent 30"/Atlas 7 Series 36" and my boy's snowshoe:

Here's my 11-year-old alpine pack - a Jack Wolfskins Fjell Runner II - no better climbing pack that i've used....

and another view of it:

my ugly mug in my Mountain Hardwear down parka (i had just put it on after 2 hours outside):

and one of me again in my normal movement jacket:

finally, one of the general terrain:

OK, thats about it...

 

[JV3]

can that shovel collapse shorter - enough to tie it to the outside of a pack, say 25" total length? i'm looking for a packable shovel to take winter camping with, mostly clearing snow off the ground for the tarp area. all i see in stores look flimsy, clear plastic.

 

[Montana Horn]

I have been doing it for almost 20 years in Montana,Wyoming, and Idaho. You should get your first pair with a clear understanding of where you will most likely use them. Some models are very good for climbing, especially on harder snow. Others are good for fast travel, even running, again usually on harder snow or packed trails. Other models excel in deep, light snow. Keep in mind the weight of the user, including pack. I picked up a pair of very long Tubbs Xpedition (36) recently, which have much more flotation than my last pair.

 

[mtwarden]

can that shovel collapse shorter - enough to tie it to the outside of a pack, say 25" total length? i'm looking for a packable shovel to take winter camping with, mostly clearing snow off the ground for the tarp area. all i see in stores look flimsy, clear plastic.

I've had good luck w/ my BCA B1 collapsible shovel, all metal and just a wee bit over a pound

 

[fmajor007]

can that shovel collapse shorter - enough to tie it to the outside of a pack, say 25" total length? i'm looking for a packable shovel to take winter camping with, mostly clearing snow off the ground for the tarp area. all i see in stores look flimsy, clear plastic.

Hi JV3 -Yes and no. It's in it's "collapsed length" which is right at 65CM or 25.59", but that's the handle length only. When i'm packing, i remove the handle from the shovel-head and store it length-ways along the outside-side of my pack and strap the shovel-head outside as well. I also have a snow-saw blade that clicks into the handle for cutting blocks, but it stays home most of the time.... I believe it's a Black Diamond D9 or something like that - i've had it a looonnngggg time! It's always been a pleasure to use, admittedly on the heavy side, but boy it sure can move a lot of snow quickly.

Here's what i was told by mountain SAR guys when buying a snowshovel (particularly for avy rescue): if you're going to *need* a shovel, buy a metal one b/c all the Lexan/plastic ones either aren't large enough to move alot of snow quickly and/or fail when you need 'em the most. I was a big, big fan of Lexan and keeping things light if possible and this advice contradicted what i 'knew'. However, lots of similar folks gave the same advice so i actually listened (was a rare occurance back then....).

Hope this helps..

 

[Raskolnikov]

That looks like a great day outside with the family; awesome.

and a closer-up - check out the traction on the yellow MSR Lightning Ascents and the blue MSR Evo's in the back...

Thank for that shot especially - most of the areas that I snowshoe are interspersed with lots of steep hard-pack, so those look like a sound investment for the future.

 

[JV3]

I've had good luck w/ my BCA B1 collapsible shovel, all metal and just a wee bit over a pound

that one is really nice. thanks!

Hi JV3 -Yes and no. It's in it's "collapsed length" which is right at 65CM or 25.59", but that's the handle length only. When i'm packing, i remove the handle from the shovel-head and store it length-ways along the outside-side of my pack and strap the shovel-head outside as well. I also have a snow-saw blade that clicks into the handle for cutting blocks, but it stays home most of the time.... I believe it's a Black Diamond D9 or something like that - i've had it a looonnngggg time! It's always been a pleasure to use, admittedly on the heavy side, but boy it sure can move a lot of snow quickly.

Here's what i was told by mountain SAR guys when buying a snowshovel (particularly for avy rescue): if you're going to *need* a shovel, buy a metal one b/c all the Lexan/plastic ones either aren't large enough to move alot of snow quickly and/or fail when you need 'em the most. I was a big, big fan of Lexan and keeping things light if possible and this advice contradicted what i 'knew'. However, lots of similar folks gave the same advice so i actually listened (was a rare occurance back then....).

Hope this helps..

thanks! what mtwarden posted above is perfect - all aluminum.

 

[fmajor007]

Hey JV3, i was just looking at shovels and Black Diamond has one called the "Deploy Shovel" and it's pretty sweet. Compact, *really* compact, and all-metal construction and available in the States if thats your locale... The BCA B1 looks like an awesome shovel as well, though seems to be in the UK marketplace if that matters (shipping/US Customs, etc).

BTW, i was wrong - my shovel is the old Black Diamond *Bobcat* - the D9 was even larger and i opted for the in-between size.

 

[Alberta Ed]

We went with MSR Evo model snowshoes... rugged plastic, very well constructed. We got the tails that slip on for use in deep, soft snow but haven't needed them yet. We can go places in the mountains x-country skiiers can't. X-country skiing is out now with my new hip, but snowshoeing is low impact/stress.

 

[mjhMN]

I think we have 5 pairs of snowshoes between the three of us. One kids pair modern, my wifes, ojibway style from a kit, mine Iverson GreenMountain Bear Paw, Ojibway from a kit, and small set 8 X 25 moderns for more packed trails and used to do 10k runs....it's been a while since i've run or should I say shuffeled a 10k on snowshoes.....Considerations I think about: total weight of snowshoer and gear to be carried, terrain to be in and snow conditioins. In my rolling hills, sometimes smaller mountains, and very thick and brushy to open fields, and open expanse of frozen lakes I find the shoes I have picked work out well. Varied conditions can be present on any day outing. If I lived in an area with mountains I'd most likely have made other choices. Did make a GreenMountain BearPaw kit for my brother in Colorado but I did attach a crampon type cleat to the bottom. Snowshoeing is a great way to get out and about in winter time, thus far this winter no real chances to use them......

 

[mckrob]

I have been doing it for almost 20 years in Montana,Wyoming, and Idaho. You should get your first pair with a clear understanding of where you will most likely use them. Some models are very good for climbing, especially on harder snow. Others are good for fast travel, even running, again usually on harder snow or packed trails. Other models excel in deep, light snow. Keep in mind the weight of the user, including pack. I picked up a pair of very long Tubbs Xpedition (36) recently, which have much more flotation than my last pair.

:thumbup::thumbup: Good advice!

I've got three different styles I use depending on where I'm working and what type of snow I'm on. I am a fairly big guy (230lb) and usually carrying 20-30 lb of equipment so I need maximum flotation.

I've got traditional hand made bear-paw style with nylon fishing line type decking for areas where it's flat and the snow is deep and powdery, these provide maximum flotation but are terrible for climbing in.

Most of the time though it's the Atlas Frontier 36" shoes that are on my feet, these have been around the world with me and are still going strong. These are the largest snowshoes they make (this model has been replaced by the 12-35 I believe), great bindings, very durable, and decent flotation, also great for climbing.

The Atlas 12-30 come out when the snow is a bit crustier, they are a bit smaller and lighter but almost feel the same as the 36 (same width/binding).

Most of the guys I work with also use Atlas 12-30s. I've tried the Tubbs and personally don't care for them, I found the toes too long and not upswept enough, and I've heard mixed reviews about the MSR. One of the guys I worked with a while back did nothing but complain about his every day for weeks on end and I think it put me off enough to discount them, at least for work.

A lot of other guys I work with swear by Ursus snowshoes, I've not tried them but they are very well constructed and durable.

Your best bet would be to visit your local ski area and try several different makes/models to see which ones you like best. Keeping in mind your current snow conditions and what your max weight will be, I think most first-timers generally buy too small then end up upgrading once they realize their mistake! I always recommend the Atlas 12-30 snowshoes to any of the newbies at work and I've never heard a complaint so far!