On its surface, snowshoeing requires little more than the ability to put one foot in front of the other. Although that may be true for snowshoeing on gentle terrain, you'd be well advised to have a solid grasp of avalanche hazard evaluation and other relevant backcountry skills before heading into the wilderness on your new gear.
Start your intelligent snowshoeing habits off right by choosing the right pair of snowshoes for your intended destination. Common types of snowshoes include recreational models for use on gentle terrain, adventure models for more aggressive terrain and backcountry models for pursuits like mountaineering or long winter backpacking trips.
Step 1
Choose a primary snowshoeing activity. Most snowshoes will perform decently in general conditions, but if you're going to be hiking on steep or icy surfaces, trail running or mountaineering, you can purchase snowshoes designed specifically for those conditions. If you're just starting out, a basic recreational snowshoe offers good value for money spent; you don't have to purchase a multi-hundred dollar model just to try the sport out.
Step 2
Pack your backpack with the type of gear you'll carry on a typical snowshoe outing. This includes food, water, tent or other shelter, first aid or emergency kit and extra clothing layers. Dress in the same boots and layers you'll wear on the outing, put your pack on, then step onto a scale to calculate your and your load's total weight.
Step 3
Check the weight range listed on the snowshoes you're considering. You need a shoe that will support at least the combined weight of you and your pack. If you're in-between sizes, the Sierra Trading Post snowshoe buying guide recommends sizing up for better flotation on powder or flat terrain, or sizing down for better traction and maneuverability on steep slopes, thick forests or wet snow.
Step 4
Put on the socks and boots you intend to wear while snowshoeing, then try on the snowshoes you've selected. Adjust the bindings snug against your boots. Although the binding will pivot where it meets the snowshoe, your foot shouldn't shift within the binding at all. The ball of your foot should be centered over where the snowshoe binding meets the snowshoe deck.
Step 5
Flip the snowshoes over and inspect the crampons, also called cleats, on the underside. Recreational snowshoes intended for use on flat terrain may have toe crampons only or, in low-end models, no crampons at all. Snowshoes designed for more aggressive use will have both toe and heel crampons for better grip in all terrain conditions.
Member Comments