Snowshoes originated in Asia around 4000 B.C., and their invention is considered to be as important as the invention of the wheel. Though snowshoes were designed from just flat cuts of wood, they allowed aboriginal people to cross the Bering Strait and enter the Americas. The indigenous people on this continent became the best snowshoe designers because they navigated the dense wooded areas where snowshoes were essential for walking through deep winter snow.
Algonquin Snowshoe Design
The Algonquin Nation of the Ottawa and St. Lawrence River valley areas and the Ojibwe people designed the most sophisticated snowshoes. Using a bearpaw design, they created myriad patterns to be used in various conditions. The Plains Nations used snowshoes to hunt bison before they started hunting on horseback. The snowshoe was the one cultural trait shared by all tribes that inhabited areas where there was snow.
Ash Wood Snowshoes
The bearpaw design perfected by the indigenous people is very similar to what many mercantile owners sell today. These snowshoes have rounded front and back edges, can carry up to 200 lbs. and are made from ash wood with rawhide laces. Ash wood is a light wood that is durable and hard but simultaneously pliable.
Preferences for Wood
A snowshoe should be the right length to keep you from sinking in the snow. The length you choose is determined by your weight. Those who prefer wooden snowshoes claim they are the best type to use in deep, powdery snow. You won't sink or "post hole" down into the snow because the snowshoes are designed to distribute your weight evenly. Wooden shoes allow you to stay on top of the snow, or "float" over the snow. In addition, those who use wooden snowshoes claim they are quieter than aluminum snowshoes.
Types
Custom made wooden snowshoes can cost more than $300. This is why you should assess your own purpose for buying a pair. You should decide if you want to do recreational hiking, get in an aerobic work out or engage in serious hiking or backpacking. Snowshoes are designed differently for each of these types of activities and each type of snowshoe has a different price. Shorter, plastic snowshoes are best used for recreational or aerobic activities where the snow is not too deep.
Aluminum Snowshoes
Longer snowshoe frames are made for back-country hiking where you will most likely encounter deeper snow. There are choices for that type of sport as well. You don't have to purchase wooden snowshoes; there are well-made aluminum snowshoes available. Aluminum snowshoes can adapt easily to steep, icy or deep terrain because they usually come equipped with stainless steel crampons.
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