Living in New Hampshire we usually have a good three to four months of snow and colder weather. For those winter lovers a fresh snow means endless outdoor possibilities.
I have many outdoor winter sports that I love, but there is something about snowshoeing through a fresh powder that is not only a good workout, but relaxing.
Recently, I was having a conversation with a friend who noticed she tired more quickly when snowshoeing vs hiking and did not understand why. She is very active, walking and hiking several miles a week. This got me thinking, does the snowshoe matter?
For over 10 years my husband and I used GV Snowshoe. They were fine for what we did. I mostly used them to break trail for cross country skiing behind my house. The last two winters I found my feet and legs really hurt after using them and it got to to the point I did not want to go. I also found it would take me a really long time to snowshoe a trail because I tired easier than when hiking.
Me being on the ground is not a result of the snowshoe, but my clumsiness.
A few years ago my parents got me the MSR Evo’s I was looking for a smaller more light weight snowshoe for packed trails. These are perfect for walking packed trails. The bindings took a little getting use to in regards to how to use them, but once I learned they work great. I prefer a longer snowshoe for breaking trail since I usually cross country ski on the trail after it is broken out. My husband has used these through powder and really likes them.
For Christmas husband got me the Tubbs Panoramic Snowshoe. Due to the lack of snow this year I have not had a chance to use them until recently. After a recent storm I broke out about a mile trail behind my house and when I came back I noticed that I did not have to stop and did not feel that tired. Since then I have gone snowshoeing two other times and have been surprised how much easier it has been. I have been able to go further without getting as tired as I use to. What I realized is that these snowshoes are a lot lighter in weight than my GV’s. In addition to these snowshoes being very lightweight, the bindings are so easy to use as they have a BOA binding. A BOA Binding is a quick adjust cable binding system. I have not had to stop to adjust them on the trail, which as those who snowshoe a lot know how much a pain some bindings can be.
If you have children in your life that you want to get snowshoeing, I highly recommend Tubb Flex JR Snowshoes. My daughter has had hers for about seven years and they work really well with her hiking books.
Footwear is also important when snowshoeing. I wear my hiking boots which are Oboz with Darn Tough socks and my feet are never cold. My daughter and I have tried wearing our Boggs Boots with them and they just don’t work. I know others wear a winter hiking boot. Make sure the boots you have will work with your snowshoes.
For my friend I discussed in the beginning, I recommended her trying a lighter weight snowshoe to see if that helped with her stamina. We will see if my assumption is correct. My overall thought on snowshoes is think about what you want to use the snowshoes for, such as, are you grooming trail or not, will there be an elevation, the weight of the snowshoe, the bindings and your weight. I recommended going to an outdoor sports shop like REI or EMS and talking to an associate to help determine your snowshoe needs.
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I am not a registered guide, these recommendations are based on my experience and opinion.
