What kind of snowshoes?
- Thread starter Doug
- Start date
Doug,
I'm far from being an expert on snowshoes. After trying several brands out though I bought some Northern Lites. I guess it all depends on what you want out of your snowshoes. The steepness of the terrain,snow conditions,how much flotation you want,and weight of loads you might be packing are things to think about.
I mainly got mine for chasing lions with dogs when the snow gets deep. They are very lightweight,fairly compact,and can easily be strapped to a backpack when not needed. Often times the snow on north slopes might be two or more feet deep and then you break out onto a south slope where snow might be just a few inches deep. Its nice at that point to take the snowshoes off and strap them to your pack.
I know one of these winters we are gonna get buried with snow and I'll probably put them into service to reach calling locations for coyotes also.
I'm far from being an expert on snowshoes. After trying several brands out though I bought some Northern Lites. I guess it all depends on what you want out of your snowshoes. The steepness of the terrain,snow conditions,how much flotation you want,and weight of loads you might be packing are things to think about.
I mainly got mine for chasing lions with dogs when the snow gets deep. They are very lightweight,fairly compact,and can easily be strapped to a backpack when not needed. Often times the snow on north slopes might be two or more feet deep and then you break out onto a south slope where snow might be just a few inches deep. Its nice at that point to take the snowshoes off and strap them to your pack.
I know one of these winters we are gonna get buried with snow and I'll probably put them into service to reach calling locations for coyotes also.
rimfirematt
New member
My wife bought me a set from wall mart. They have actually worked very well. they are called yukon charlies. I think they were like 75 bucks. That was 2 years ago and I dont know if I have seen them at wall mart since then. They are light but seem to be very durable. I have dragged them through lots of brush, logs and rocks. Bindings on them hold well and not one bit of breakage. Really impressed with them since a good pair usually run over 200.00 yukon charlies
I weigh 165-170 and always seem to carry 30-40 lbs of camera gear, etc. in the winter. Bought a pair of Tubbs Sierras some years back for getting around in deep fresh powder and have been mostly pleased with them. They're probably overkill for occasional casual use though.(30" x9" deck, aluminum bearpaw design with plastic webbing, toe and heel crampons, Q/R bindings. Cost $275, if I remember.)
Choice boils down to several factors: your weight, How much you intend to pack, terrain and snow conditions. And for bindings, boot type. If you can, rent some webs first, and use them in the kind of conditions you'll typically encounter, and you'll end up making a much more educated purchase.
If that's not possible, keep in mind that any pair of snowshoes will still sink down several feet in fresh deep powder.
Bunch of quality brands have cropped up just in the past 10 years or so. Steer clear of the racing/running types. You'll probably want to err on the side of more deck rather than less, for hunting.
No matter what you get, it's still going to be a highly aerobic activity. Beats post-holing up to your neck though.
LionHo
Choice boils down to several factors: your weight, How much you intend to pack, terrain and snow conditions. And for bindings, boot type. If you can, rent some webs first, and use them in the kind of conditions you'll typically encounter, and you'll end up making a much more educated purchase.
If that's not possible, keep in mind that any pair of snowshoes will still sink down several feet in fresh deep powder.
Bunch of quality brands have cropped up just in the past 10 years or so. Steer clear of the racing/running types. You'll probably want to err on the side of more deck rather than less, for hunting.
No matter what you get, it's still going to be a highly aerobic activity. Beats post-holing up to your neck though.
LionHo
RalphBeagle
New member
A couple friends and I have the White Magnesium / Airplane cable military surplus snowshoes. We have found them to be very durable and to work well in deep snow. We generally have 2-3 feet of snowpack around here from December to March.
I've got three pairs of snowshoes that I use. One is a BIG pair for deep snow with very little "bottom" to it. The other two pairs are for snow that's got a base to it. Construction includes: wood frame/rawhide decking, wood frame/neoprene decking, and aluminum/synthetic decking material. I prefer the aluminum shoes (10x36) for most uses. The cleats really help in navigating the terrain. One more thing, try a pair of poles for snowshoeing. They make a BIG difference in helping you to get around. MI VHNTR
Amphibious
New member
Atlas 1233's
I can't break these things! absolutly bombproof! great in deep powder, light enough that I can jog in them. will spend a great deal of time in them hunting bunnies this winter.
I can't break these things! absolutly bombproof! great in deep powder, light enough that I can jog in them. will spend a great deal of time in them hunting bunnies this winter.