Snow shoes: Need a little hep

[Too Tall]

Queen and I have done a bit of this and dig it. I've no clue what to buy and the V place has quite a few folks who are into the sport this seems like the place to get answers. Anyone want to be my concierge shopper?

The snowshoeing we like and anticipate doing alot more of are hiking trails in the Appalachians and some open field hiking eg. nothing in deep powder. I'm 200 lbs and Queen is 135 lbs (the honor code has been broken hope I live past sunset). Do me a solid and point out what we need in terms of models and length etc. Ideally, I'd buy a kit so we've got everything in a bag.

*If it says Made in China I'm less incline to purchase. No comments please, I've got issues.
Hey! Thanks.

[Chris Yates]

Since you're not climbing mountains, any basic snowshoe will do. The size is dependent on weight and most manufacturers list maximum recommended weights. Go larger is you are doing more backcountry and smaller if trekking on maintained/packed trails. Here are a couple US manufacturers:

• Havlick Snowshoe Company - Made in NY. Great for flat land and gentle up/downs. I'm also 200lbs and I have a set of the Adirondack 8x30 model. The long tails on the model I have slide while descending the steeps in the Adirondack Mountains. I could have gotten away with the shorter ones, since most of the trails are already broken in.
• Northern Lites Snowshoes-Made in America-The Worlds Premier Snowshoes - Made in MI
• Redfeather Snowshoes, The American Snowshoe Legend || Technical, Fitness and Recreational Snowshoes Handcrafted in La Crosse Wisconsin, USA
• Dion Snowshoes : Performance Snowshoes for Snowshoe Racing, Hiking, and Fitness - VT made racing shoes, but also carry backcountry

For poles, I cheap out and use an old pair of downhill/cross country ski poles that you can pickup at your local used sporting goods store. Snowshoe poles tend to be a little longer and have larger baskets.

[JTC33]

Check out Crescent Moon snowshoes. Comfortable strap design, easy in and out. Well designed.

[vertical_doug]

Too Tall, On a side note, how's the running progressing? Did changing your stride to mid-foot get you off your toes and lessen calf strain?

D

[xjoex]

While the snow shoe is important, the most important thing you can buy are gaiters. If there is actual powder your boot will get full of snow and you'll hate life. Buy them once, anything from OR is good. Mine are 10 years old and still work.

I have owned $50 snow shoes and $350 snow shoes. The only difference is the binding. Look for something that uses a ratchet or snowboard style biding. The straps are a pain because they loosen up and you'll have to take your gloves off to tighten snow covered straps up.

My favorite are Tubbs Altitude 25, but they are no longer made.

Get 25s for the wife and 30s for you.

If I wanted to go mid price, I'd buy Tubbs Xplore for you and the misses:
Tubbs Xlpore 30 Snowshoes - Free Shipping at REI.com
Tubbs Xplore 25 Snowshoes - Women's - Free Shipping at REI.com

Also, find deep snow and jump off things in to it. It's a blast.


-Joe

[JTC33]

By the way, Crescent Moon are made in Boulder, CO. Some would consider that made in America. Others refer to it as the People's Republic of Boulder.

[Too Tall]

Too Tall, On a side note, how's the running progressing? Did changing your stride to mid-foot get you off your toes and lessen calf strain?

D

Yep. It's working very nicely. Thanks, big help.

Joe that's perfect. Great advice.

[taylorj]

TT. Check your email! Love Joni

[maunahaole]

As has been mentioned above - a lot depends on how packed your trail is - more packed, you can go with a smaller (read: lighter and wiggles less when you lift to step) shoe. On fresh and more importantly dry (cold and wintry) snow, you will need a bigger shoe to give more float. Gaiters are a must if you are in deep snow. Poles can help as well, especially if you are traversing a hill. the shoes do not edge in like a pair of skis.

[Too Tall]

Count on Joni to come up with something awesome.

Check this out: GV Snowshoes

Looks like Snowtrails for me and wife. They hit all the high points folks are recommending. Binding looks super nice.

[xjoex]

That is a NICE looking biding. I approve.

This is what my pair look like.
Attachment 48658

-Joe

[JChasse]

Check out Crescent Moon snowshoes. Comfortable strap design, easy in and out. Well designed.

I'll second Crescent Moon. They're hand made in Boulder, and they have the best binding system I've ever used. And for me, that's the difference between snowshoes that I want to use again, vs. those I don't.

[vertical_doug]

Enough talk, go earn your turns.
Attachment 48689

[brunop]

atlas snowshoes are my vote.
and yeah to the gaiters.

[Lazer]

Gaiters and snowshoes from Louis Garneau for this guy. actually went away from the ratcheting style snowboard binding this time (they would pack with snow and slide on my old Tubbs). Love the stretchy rubber straps on the LG. No problems at all.

[miwuksurfer]

No MSR love?

MSR Evo snowshoes

MUSA

[SteveP]

you will like it tt.

[Too Tall]

Holy over the top snowshoes. Holy fast shipping. Can't wait to try these out. Thanks Joni, GV Snowshoes appears to be the real deal. Go figure Canadians would make the right stuff. Weekend reports sure to come.

[dang]

While the snow shoe is important, the most important thing you can buy are gaiters. If there is actual powder your boot will get full of snow and you'll hate life. Buy them once, anything from OR is good. Mine are 10 years old and still work.

I have owned $50 snow shoes and $350 snow shoes. The only difference is the binding. Look for something that uses a ratchet or snowboard style biding. The straps are a pain because they loosen up and you'll have to take your gloves off to tighten snow covered straps up.

My favorite are Tubbs Altitude 25, but they are no longer made.

Get 25s for the wife and 30s for you.

If I wanted to go mid price, I'd buy Tubbs Xplore for you and the misses:
Tubbs Xlpore 30 Snowshoes - Free Shipping at REI.com
Tubbs Xplore 25 Snowshoes - Women's - Free Shipping at REI.com

Also, find deep snow and jump off things in to it. It's a blast.


-Joe

I look at the picture and think, hey, it's all good, and the guy seems to be having fun, but maybe it's time to look at himself in the mirror, come out of the closet, and admit that he really wants to be skiing.

[taylorj]

Yay! So happy you like them. I love them too! Enjoy! Pictures! XOXOXO

Holy over the top snowshoes. Holy fast shipping. Can't wait to try these out. Thanks Joni, GV Snowshoes appears to be the real deal. Go figure Canadians would make the right stuff. Weekend reports sure to come.