Snowshoers?

[HawkeyeLinus]

Found out today the place we like to go walking has so much snow, snowshoes are likely the answer, or so the wife mentioned a few times (didn’t I say last year we should look into it, I think I said that Thanksgiving, etc.) and I put off thinking about it for sure. Tempted just to dive into LL Bean, not knowing anything, but if anyone has do’s or don’ts I’m all ears!

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

Although the snow was challenging and the wind steady at 25 mph, this guy didn’t mind.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Waterproof boots with ice cleats are all I use.

 

[warren]

What depth of snow? Snow shoes are great exercise. Weight of the shoes should be of prime consideration. There are many styles available and I would do some research. Google show shoeing.

Give a bit of thought to skiing behind the pup on cross country skis. A bit of training and he/she can pull you around a bit.

 

[Zero]

The majority of my winter coats are LL BEAN. I grew up in Indiana where we had snow storms, blizzards, and ice storms. Looking back on it, I didn't grow up with all the thermal gear that's available today. When I was old enough to carry a shotgun, my dad would take me rabbit hunting and the day would start right before before sun up and we would walk all day in the snow for what seemed like miles to me. I remember just wearing tennis shoes and not doubling up on socks. I started chewing Levi Garrett on those trips when I was 12. I had such a tolerance for the cold back then. But I've always wanted to try snow shoes, and as just mentioned...I would Google it. Nice pic, a beautiful companion you have there.

 

[Fralphog]

I have used several types over the years. My favorite are Atlas Snowshoes. Very well made, easy to use binding/ strap system and they are designed to articulate some which aids in traversing slopes and on uneven terrain.
Great winter activity and way to get out see nature, hunt... get rid of cabin fever.
One of our favorite trips is up near a hot spring. Also, try borrowing or renting a pair to see how you like them. Make sure you get a pair matched to the total weight you plan on them supporting. I have one pair I use when I carry a heavier pack. I have another pair that are shorter that I use for day trips where I’m only carrying a small camels back pack with essentials.

 

[Zero]

I have used several types over the years. My favorite are Atlas Snowshoes. Very well made, easy to use binding/ strap system and they are designed to articulate some which aids in traversing slopes and on uneven terrain.
Great winter activity and way to get out see nature, hunt... get rid of cabin fever.
One of our favorite trips is up near a hot spring. Also, try borrowing or renting a pair to see how you like them. Make sure you get a pair matched to the total weight you plan on them supporting. I have one pair I use when I carry a heavier pack. I have another pair that are shorter that I use for day trips where I’m only carrying a small camels back pack with essentials.

So, you don't use this model or style anymore?

 

[Fralphog]

So, you don't use this model or style anymore? View attachment 194744

We have a pair like that hanging on the wall. They look to be fully functional?
My first time snowshoeing was on Army gear in Alaska while Attending Northern Warfare school for the army back in 1981. A pair of these.

 

[Zero]

We have a pair like that hanging on the wall. They look to be fully functional?
My first time snowshoeing was on Army gear in Alaska while Attending Northern Warfare school for the army back in 1981. A pair of these.
View attachment 194748

That's high speed! I had Alaska on my wishlist when I joined. Alaska is beautiful. Thank you for your service!

 

[Zack Miller]

When we lived in Maine, we went snowshoeing frequently. LL Bean was one town over and open 24/7. Don’t get the old wooden models. They are great for hanging over the fireplace, but the newer metal ones are more durable. Unlike skiing, instead of driving long distances to get to the destination, we could literally walk out the door and go, or at most drive to the golf course. It’s great exercise and a way to get out into beautiful countryside.

 

[captpat]

I haven't used snowshoes since my college days in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. As I recall they had wood frames with rawhide mesh, Alaskan style (long and thin) that were hand made in a small town near where I went to school. Pretty common sight to see snowshoes and cross country skies in the coat rooms outside the classrooms in the winter time. Pretty amazing bit of kit that really made it much easier to get around in deep powdery snow.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

We've got over 12 inches and no walking on top of it, lol - sink over my calves and a little more troublesome for the missus.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

I have used several types over the years. My favorite are Atlas Snowshoes. Very well made, easy to use binding/ strap system and they are designed to articulate some which aids in traversing slopes and on uneven terrain.
Great winter activity and way to get out see nature, hunt... get rid of cabin fever.
One of our favorite trips is up near a hot spring. Also, try borrowing or renting a pair to see how you like them. Make sure you get a pair matched to the total weight you plan on them supporting. I have one pair I use when I carry a heavier pack. I have another pair that are shorter that I use for day trips where I’m only carrying a small camels back pack with essentials.

Atlas seems to get good reviews overall and LL Bean and REI (should have thought of that) seem to be sources for the same or similar. I was surprised to see "trail" oriented, more for walking snowshoes, I'd just wear boots, so paying attention to "flotation", haha, when reading up on them - want to be as "on top" as we can.

LOL, @warren, we have XC skis but haven't used them for a few years --- we'd both rather walk (although yesterday challenged that quite a bit - more like trudge and I took us out a little beyond what my wife would have considered her point of no return with 20 degrees, 25 mph wind in our faces on the way back in - oops). And if the going got tough, that little guy would be looking at me waiting to pick him up and carry him (unless he caught wind of a game bird) - he's a clown/wiener/manipulator/drama queen/fearless hunter rolled into one.

 

[bullet08]

Snowshoe? What's that? Just flap around in sneaker during winter in NYC. Snow wasn't big deal, it was the dog shit under the snow that was little nasty on wet sneakers.

 

[Zero]

The Snowshoe Hare are built for it

 

[Zero]

I just found a neat little video featuring some snowshoeing and footage of a wild Canadian Lynx chasing and catching a Snowshoe Hare.

 

[condorlover1]

During the cold and on occasions when we had snow when I lived in the U.K I used to use these which not only stopped crud going into your boots but kept your legs warm on the motorcycle. Cheap, practical, plentiful in surplus stores and have been used by the British army right up to the late 1930s.

 

[Zero]

During the cold and on occasions when we had snow when I lived in the U.K I used to use these which not only stopped crud going into your boots but kept your legs warm on the motorcycle. Cheap, practical, plentiful in surplus stores and have been used by the British army right up to the late 1930s.

View attachment 194807

I currently keep a pair of Arctic Sport Muck boots near by for when the temperature gets down to freezing or below 0. They boast that they'll keep your feet warm down to -40F, they're steel toe which might explain why my feet still get cold (despite doubling up on thermal socks) if I'm not moving around. I'll have to look into those leg warmers

 

[scloyd]

I have snowshoes and cross country skis. I prefer snowshoeing. Haven't used either in the past few years due to knee problems.

Now that I recently received a new left knee, I'm hoping to get back into snowshoeing next winter.

I used to go snowshoeing a few days a week in the early morning at our local conservation districts. So quiet and peaceful being outside alone in the woods.

Sometimes I would bring my portable backpacking stove and make some hot tea while snowshoeing.

Damn, I miss snowshoeing.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

I have snowshoes and cross country skis. I prefer snowshoeing. Haven't used either in the past few years due to knee problems.

Now that I recently received a new left knee, I'm hoping to get back into snowshoeing next winter.

I used to go snowshoeing a few days a week in the early morning at our local conservation districts. So quiet and peaceful being outside alone in the woods.

Sometimes I would bring my portable backpacking stove and make some hot tea while snowshoeing.

Damn, I miss snowshoeing.

Then the wife is onto something - she was game in snow up to her knees, lol, but not my favorite even though it doesn't come that far up on me, it's more work than I need on a hike/walk out in the snow - and we can't even get 20% of the way out to my favorite spot where there is a protected bench and a chance for a relax and and