What To Look For
When traveling through mountain terrain in winter, you have two choices: skis or snowshoes. Snowshoes are easier to use while backpacking and let you go through tight, technical terrain. Look for snowshoes that have an aggressive crampon under the binding/boot area to give you traction going uphill. The frames and decking should be strong, lightweight materials like aluminum for the frame and Hypalon fabric for the decking.
Common Pitfalls
The two biggest mistakes people make when getting snowshoes for backpacking are sizing the shoe wrong and getting the wrong type of binding. Modern racing bindings are designed to keep the shoe relatively level. However, when used in deep snow, these will snap snow back up toward you from the tail. A free-pivot binding is a better choice for backcountry use. When it comes to sizing, snowshoe manufacturers provide a size guide based on weight. However, you need to account not just for your weight, but for the weight of all your outdoor wear and gear.
Where To Buy
You can buy snowshoes at most hiking and outdoor stores, as well as online at places like Backcountry and REI.
Cost
Backpacking snowshoes typically cost $200 to $350 in 2010.
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