What am i looking for exactly when looking for snow shoes, im 170lbs without gear and will be treading rough terrain with elevation changes, and waist deep snow almost. Iv never really thought of using snow shoes before but now that im out in the winter alot more, along with hunting more im starting to think about getting some. Any particular brands?

Has anyone here tried the McKinley Trekker snowshoe? They're currently on clearance sale for $50 CAD, and they have both a heel lift bar and a twist dial toe binding. Seems like a great set of features for that price. A couple reviews mention that the binding string seems weak and/or broke, other than that not much info. I can't find a single in-depth review or video of these snowshoes anywhere. Has anyone tried them?

1. Are they decent other than the potential binding weakness?

2. If you have these, have the bindings held up? Is that just a lemon in the reviews? Or is this actually a deal breaker?

My other option is Tubbs Flex WLK, on sale for $100 CAD. Also has the heel bar, but a less fancy binding. But seems like a more established snowshoe brand, about which I can actually find info online.

I'm going to try to make my own pair of snowshoes. I can't figure out how much lacing I will need. Obviously it will depends but an approximate amount would be nice to know. Planning on 42x12 Huron style. Thanks

We finally got our first good snow last night and I got the first email of the season from snowshoemag.com this morning - the season is here for me! I wanted to get out today, but was distracted by (sigh) work. Tomorrow, no such issue so I'm looking forward to hitting the trails. One mile walk on the road to the park, a dozen miles of powder-white trails to snowshoe!

I have a week off from university in a couple weeks and was looking into snowshoeing for the first time. Are there any trails that go hut-to-hut for beginners (I don't fancy sleeping in a tent on my first time), or perhaps a location where multiple trails are close to eachother so I can keep myself busy for a week? I'm based in Belgium and ideally don't want to go too far so anything that's still Europe should be fine. Just asking this because there are a lot of trails out there but I'm looking for a more entry level trail with low risk for avalanches, etc.

Thanks in advance!

I will be going snowshoeing for the first time, and the place provides the actual snow shoes. Due to a slight mishap with a fire, my actual hiking boots are unusable. Any idea if the classic bean boot will work in a pinch? It's either than or trail runners given the time crunch. Thanks!

https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/516691?itemId=175052&attrValue_0=Tan%2FBrown&sku=0GP4804140&pla1=0&qs=3159607&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADoqq1K3ixyP3YRTlzjbld2qUIQ-S&gclid=CjwKCAiA9IC6BhA3EiwAsbltOFEA1BcJIJc_wWATQMB6ffhMLPB2rgSK-ahrm8RlOMNSsr1dHcq3ZxoC_6oQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&SN=PDPImageGallery_04&SS=A&SN2=sosb_test_04&SS2=B&SN3=MobilePLA_03&SS3=B&noaa_region=northwest&originalProduct=31179

Background: I hiked the Pacific Crest Trail through the Sierra last summer with a pair of Atlas Range snowshoes that weighed about 4 lbs total, which was my first introduction to snowshoes (so, plenty of tripping initially). I love/hated them - they did help going up and down slopes, but I spent most of my time traversing steep slopes and ended up with ankle tendonitis in my downhill foot as a result of dragging 2 lbs on each foot across the slope. I also felt that the side traction wasn't solid enough for crossing steep traverses without slipping sideways. Remedying it with cutting directly up and over doesn't always work with the terrain. I found I was always trying to avoid having to wear the snowshoes, so they just became 4 lbs of deadweight on my back, which was significant as my total loadout for 7 days or so was 35 lbs (nearly 1/3 my body weight and definitely the max I can carry). I sent them home after a week and later returned them, thinking I'd stick to ski touring.

Current Context: I'm hiking the Continental Divide Trail northbound next year, and I know I'll have to cross Colorado before the snow melts. I'm trying to decide if I want to give snowshoes another chance, with more time to do research. I'm looking for something that's:

• Lightweight (preferably < 4 lbs for the pair)
• Aggressive traction both for rolling / steep terrain AND for traversing across slopes
• Easy to walk in
• Easy to put on
• Packs flat

Options: I'm pretty much down to the MSR Lightning Ascent (currently on sale at REI) or the Tubbs Symbioz Hyperflex or Tubbs Flex VRT. As far as I can tell, the MSRs are lighter and pack better, but the Tubbs are easier to walk in (especially the Hyperflex) and have a better binding system. Both appear to have good traction for rolling / steep terrain, but I can't tell how well they'd do at traversing slopes (or maybe no snowshoes perform well here?). Anyone have experience here to share?

It's also entirely possible that I just stick to crampons + spikes like I did for the 3 other weeks I spent in the Sierra... given that the CDT tends to stick closer to the crest as opposed to traversing just below it as the PCT does. Open to hearing thoughts!

Is there any difference in technique when using trekking poles for snowshoeing versus hiking, or difference in adjusting their length?

I am new to snowshoeing but not new to mountains. I am hoping to use them mostly on mountain ranges in BC so the heel hook thing and crampons are ideal! I would prefer if they were less than $200 CAD but that may be unreasonable...What do yall think?

I was looking at these: https://www.msrgear.com/ca/snowshoes/explore-series/womens-lightning-explore-snowshoes/10217.html

Hi all, I am new to the sub and interested in snowshoeing a bit this winter. My question is equal parts curiosity as it is preparedness.

I live in KY and hike the central and eastern part of the state (Red River Gorge, Daniel Boone National Forest) pretty regularly, but typically “three seasons.”

By chance, I watched a documentary on an avalanche (BURIED on Netflix) recently and it got me wondering - do avalanches almost only occur in the Mountain West/Northeast or can/do they happen with any frequency on a smaller scale in smaller mountains like those in KY, NC, VA, etc..

Thanks!

I know this has probably been asked a hundred times on here but I really need some advice on the whole snowshoeing thing. I would appreciate any help you fine folks can offer. My wife bid on and won a charity auction for a 2-night stay in Lake Louise, Canada in February. Part of the auction package was a 3-hour snowshoeing experience. The snowshoes are included but we have no clue what to wear in terms of clothing. We are coming from Houston Texas. We have zero cold weather clothes. I'm guessing at a minimum we need a heavy coat (but how heavy), gloves (ski gloves, if those are even a thing), snow pants, and some insulated hiking boots? Do we need goggles or some type of polarized sunglasses? The auction description said "don't worry if you can walk you can snowshoe" so I am guessing we aren't doing an advanced trails. Feel free to provide me any links to gear. Thank you in advance.

My brother just got a nice property in the northeast adjacent to a lot of woodland for winter hiking. He's in tech and loves gadgets. He also has a size 15 foot, if that's relevant (does he ... even need a snowshoe with that weight distribution? lol). But yeah, I wanted to get him some snowshoes that are pretty cool, have some nifty features, and aren't TOO expensive as I'd like to get him a few pairs to keep there for guests.

Any recommendations?

I am a total and complete noob. I usually spend my winters snowboarding, but I tore my ACL at the end of last season and I’m off the slopes this year. After my ACL reconstruction my ortho said it would be OK to snowshoe this winter but I have literally zero experience and know nothing about it. (I was just hoping to have some physical exercise and fun this year in the snow.) I am a 50 year-old woman, 5’6” 130 lbs. and I will be snowshoeing in the Lake Tahoe (Northstar) area. What equipment should I be looking at getting? In fact, where do I even begin? LOL

Hi everyone,

I’m a snowshoe newbie, and despite a lot of research (including the REI guide), I’m still feeling lost. I’ve read about snowshoes for powder, wet snow, flat terrain, hilly areas, and mountainous conditions. But is there a versatile snowshoe that can handle a bit of everything?

I live at around 11,000 feet in Colorado, where it seems mostly powdery. I’m not sure if that’s always the case through winter, though, since I’m new to the area. For context, I weigh about 150 lbs and might bulk up a bit for winter, but not by much.

Can anyone recommend a versatile snowshoe that would be a good fit for these conditions?

Thank you in advance!

I have limited experience and am looking to get fully into the hobby. As said in the title, I weigh 230lbs (size 13 boots) and plan to use these for mixed terrain. One primary venue would be hilly, unmaintained woodland roads and the surrounding forest. I'd also likely use them quite a bit while ice fishing or just for hiking on the frozen lakes (although I'm not fully sure how achievable that is throughout the winter).

I'm sure there are a number of hangups I'm not knowledgeable about so I figured it best to get advice from a community. Also, I'm looking for recommendations on shoes and sizing. Since I'm just getting started, I'd prefer to keep things relatively budget minded unless there's particularly good reason. I can always upgrade later.

Hey everyone. Like the title says, I am looking for an ultralight daypack with the ability to lash snowshoes. This winter I am planning on doing some backpacking trips. This will be the first time that I have winter backpacked. When I have previously snowshoed on day trips, I use a snowboarding backpack as a daypack. I like the ability to lash my snowshoes if I come across a trail that is hard packed, or there just isn't enough snow to need them. I would like to be able to find a nice ultralight packable daypack that I can stuff in my backpacking pack. But then I can use it if I want to venture away from camp. I am thinking somewhere around the 20-25 liter size would be nice. I don't know if such a thing even exists, but I figured someone on here could help me out. Or if some has another idea that I am not thinking about. Thanks!

Live between SLC and Provo. Looks like I'm going to hit up mirror lake next weekend, otherwise I would go there.

Anywhere else on your radars?

I've only been snowshoeing once in deep fresh powder with cheap rentals. I'm 5'11 170lbs 61 years in shape, bad knee (No ACL). No I never took an arrow to my knee. 😋

I haven't bought my shoes yet, I'm still researching. I really want to avoid as many newb mistakes as possible. f Nothing is off the table. Equipment, techniques, terrain, extra gear, and accessories. The title says it all.

Edit - Soooo do you bring stuff in your pack? What boots do you wear? Thigh-high wool socks? Thermals? Avalanche gear? Sat-phones?

Edit: Hit the stores and I bought:

Lowa Renegade/Evo boots (Gortex) - Versatile boots I can use when it snows in town too

OR Gortex Gaiters

Helly Hanson SOGN Cargo Snow Pants - Also can use for skiing. Wish they had more pockets, but on sale 50% off!

I’m looking to purchase some snowshoes! I’m a decent hiker and have some experience snowshoeing, though mostly on flat ground.

For a day hike I typically do 5-10 miles and up to 3k feet. I’m not totally sure how that translates to snowshoeing, but would like to get in a similar workout (or even more elev gain). I have poles.

5’8” + 120 lbs + pack maxes around 20ish lbs though it’s typically lighter. For boots I wear some big ol’ Sorels. Glacier model maybe? I look like I’m headed to hangout with penguins. Women’s size 8.

Would love to be able to buy through REI or Amazon!

Also would love any tips / tricks you have!

So I am in the Seattle area and am trying to look ahead into the more winter months. I've done multiple snowshoe overnighters in Oregon, but was having trouble trying to find some spots within an hour or two of Seattle. I'm looking for around five miles to camp and a lower avalanche risk area if possible. Back in Oregon I could pick a sno park on Hood and find good spots pretty easy. So something like that or comparable.

Any good places to snowshoe there? Preferably in the Lakewood-Laona or Florence-Eagle River Districts. Looks like a lot of trails there are no go because they’re groomed for skiing.

Hey everyone, I feel like I'm beating a broken drum, I've searched the subreddit and seen other people ask similar questions but I haven't quite found the answer to mine. I'm looking it upgrading my cheap, first pair of snowshoes and getting some nicer ones. For context the ones I have now are a $60 hardware store special that have been used and abused for the last 10 years. The ones I'm looking at currently are primarily the MSR lightning ascent and the MSR lightning Explore, and I've got to ask, what the heck is the difference. From doing some reading it looks like back in the day there was a little bit of difference between them with different bindings or the heel lifter but as it looks right now they look almost identical to me.

Im entertaining the thought of some other snowshoes as well like the tubbs mountaineer, and an atlas pair.

I do plan on using them in hilly and mountainous areas in Western Alberta with deeper snow, that's why I'm looking at these ones.

TIA

I bought a pair of snow shoes a couple years ago to go out in the Sierra’s when I can’t hike or run, but I haven’t. Can anyone recommend a certain trails better for snowshoes? And how do you figure out whether it’s packed and you need crampons or powder and you need snow shoes? I’m sorry if these are dumb questions I’m coming from the world of running and hiking.

Recently came across trekking skis (i.e., Altai Hok/Kom, BD Glidelite, OAC XCD/trekking skis) as a potential alternative to snowshoes. Covering more ground on flats and skiing down slopes seems more efficient than snowshoeing (I alpine ski). I have seen complaints about these types of skis being a lack of control and losing momentum on downhills. I would imagine they are worse on steep slopes, mixed terrain, and ice. They seem like a great compromise between BC skis and snowshoes, as I love the speed/efficiency of skis but hate having to bring ski boots along with my normal winter hiking boots.

Does anyone have thoughts/experience with these skis vs. snowshoes? How critical are snowshoes on steeper slopes where I imagine such skis would start to fail?

Hi! Great big fat guy here. I weigh ~255-260 depending on dinner the night before. I'm what you might call a "ten essentials absolutist," (every fucking one, every fucking time) plus I carry extra food and equipment for my dog. When I go hiking, my day packs typically weigh north of 20 pounds, and my overnight bags usually crack 40.

Though I'm a fairly avid hiker, I've only been snowshoeing a handful of times. Each of those times, I borrowed equipment. I'm looking to buy my own this year.

Cascade Mountain Tech Navigator 36's seem perfect for my purposes (their max weight rating is 300 pounds), but they don't have a heel bar. Metal snowshoes with heel bars are expensive, and I don't want to pay $300 for a set of snowshoes if I don't need to. In case it matters, I live in Washington State (lots of big hills to climb, and the snow is super wet).

Do I need heel bars? At what other brands should I look?

Just wondering if anybody had a ruptured achilles and if so what the timing was to return to snowshoeing.

I am thinking that the snowshoeing timeframe would be the similar to a return to hiking. Hiking won't work as the hills will be covered in snow. :)

I am thinking that snowshoeing doesn't really stress the achilles as the snowshoe keeps the foot flatter when it moves, but this is just a guess until I try with a snowshoe on.

I am looking at around 12 weeks after rupture to try.

I’ve never used poles while snowshoeing before but after the 2+ feet that got dumped on Iowa last winter I definitely want some, but I also what to be able to use them for hiking. Eventually I may get separate pairs for each, but I don’t want to start there.
What do you all suggest?