Choosing the Best Snowshoes

Although it should be a few months yet until the snow falls at any appreciable depth. Now is the time when the snow gear manufacturers start ramping up their marketing as a means to get your dollars. So what better time than to break down a few of the snowshoes styles as a means to help ease the confusion when the time comes to take the plunge.

There are basically three styles of snowshoes: Recreational, Mountaineering, and Running.

Recreational Snowshoes are essentially snowshoes for basic hiking on fairly level terrain such as established trails or open fields. These have mild or no crampons attached to the base. This is the most prevalent style because it covers the largest demographic namely beginners and casual users.

Mountaineering Snowshoes are designed for those users that are more demanding. These usually have substantial crampons attached to the base to aid in grip. Backcountry hikers that might encounter moderate to steep inclines, off trail, fresh or deep snow, and occasionally distance running and other strenuous excursions over difficult or rough terrain. Basically Mountaineering snowshoes do everything the recreational shoes will do and more!

Running Snowshoes are designed for speed and maneuverability over a variety of terrain. These are usually lightweight and designed for speed and not necessarily maximum flotation and tend to have only minor crampons affixed to the base.

Snowshoe shapes. As snowshoes have evolved and become more specialized so has the shape of the deck.

• Ojibwa are primarily a beginners snowshoe that is pointed both at the toe and the heel.For use in open areas with deep snow.
• Alaskan/Bear Paw are usually tear drop shaped and best for heavier set folks, or folks carrying heavy packs in any depth of snow.
• Maine/Michigan are a shorter wider version of the Alaskan/Bear Paw.
• Green Mountain/Modified Bear Paw these shoes are usually oval and designed to be quite maneuverable.

When looking for a pair of snowshoes people often search out the old wooden frame and rawhide webbing. They do this for nostalgic reasons and because they look cool. These are great snowshoes and are just as capable as newer counter parts however they require a great deal more maintenance.

I would highly recommend someone check out some of the newer designs that have been developed with the aid of technology.

Things to look for:

• When deciding on a pair of snowshoes you should decide what type of activity you plan on primarily doing.
• Look at the features offered for each pair, do you want/need a climbing block or crampons.
• And most importantly bring the shoes you plan on wearing while snowshoeing and try them on with the snowshoes, often the straps are too short.
• Bring the gloves you plan on wearing as well to see if you can operate the straps.

There are a few reputable snowshoe manufactures that have spent countless hours and dollars researching a developing snowshoes to take the guess work out of choosing a pair.

In case you want to shop a few different manufacturers here is a list of a few:

Atlas Snow-Shoe Co. - www.atlassnowshoe.com
Baldas Snowshoes - www.baldas.com
Bigfoot Snowshoes - www.bigfootsnowshoes.com
Crescent Moon Snowshoes - www.crescentmoonshowshoes.com
Dion Snowshoes - www.dionsnowshoes.com
Faber Snowshoes - www.fabersnowshoes.com
GV Snowshoes - www.gvsnowshoes.com
Havlick Snowshoes - www.havlicksnowshoe.com
Iverson Snowshoe Co. - www.iversons-snowshoes.com
Mountain Safety Research - www.msrcorp.com
Northern Lites Snowshoes - www.northernlites.com
Redfeather Snowshoes - www.redfeather.com
Schnee Schuh Profi - www.schneeschuhprofi.com
TSL Snowshoes - www.tslsportequipment.com
Tubbs Snowshoes - www.tubbssnowshoes.com
Upcountry Snowshoes - www.upcountrysnowshoes.com
Ursus Snowshoes - www.ursussnowshoes.com
Vert Snowshoes - www.verts.com
Whitewoods USA - www.eriksports.com
Wilcox and Williams Snowshoes - www.snowshoe.com
Yowie Snowshoes - www.yowies.com.au
Yukon Charlie’s Snowshoes - www.yukoncharlies.com

The brands I would recommend are MSR for mountaineering snowshoes and Redfeather for recreational and Atlas for running. Although they all make great snowshoes I have personally used these brands and can speak for their efficacy.

Here is a helpful guide for figuring out how to size your pair:

Don’t forget to check out local trail guides and always travel with appropriate equipment, such as gaiters, poles and your survival kit.

Cheers and Beers!