Registered Member #2231 Joined: Tue Oct 05 2010, 08:14PM : Posts: 12
Hello all,
I know some of you have snowshoeing experience, so I thought I'd see if any of you had some advice.
My wife is interested in snowshoeing this winter, and I am looking at getting a pair for her birthday. I'm not looking to spend a lot on at this point, as neither of us is sure she will really like doing this.
Costco has a snowshoes coming on sale in Dec. for $79, which seems a good price to me. There are two sizes: one that is good for up to 150 lbs. and the other good for up to 200 lbs. My wife falls under the first category, but is it better to get the larger size snowshoes (that go up to 200 lbs.) because they would be less likely to sink in the snow? Or would the extra size just be more cumbersome to walk in?
Registered Member #1154 Joined: Wed Oct 24 2007, 10:30AM : Posts: 4794
Unless she is thinking of going snow camping and carrying a large pack, the smaller snowshoes are better for her. Remember, she will most likely need trekking poles for balance, gaiters to keep her lower legs dry, and a comfortable show or boot that will fit in the binding. Another critical factor is the bindings and how easy they are to get on and off. You might want to check out this package. [Click Here]
We snowshoe quite a bit durning the winter months. Although no expert on matter, I would recomend the ones that are nearest to her weight. We got our snoe shoes through LL Bean. You could also check there as they have quite a few different styles and sizes. Hopefully we will have enough snow this year to use them! We have found that a great place to go snowshoeing is up in the Mill Creek area. Once you get past all the people playing in the lower area, you cross over a gate and and enter snowshoe Heaven!
I have only a little experience snowshoeing. They are a bit cumbersome but easy to get use to. We rarely have so much snow that sinking is a problem. I'd stick with the recommended size. Make sure they are easy to get in and out of as you'll have to do this in the cold with your gloves off. Hope you enjoy snowshoeing! It's a great way the see the mountains right after a storm! (and occasionally the only way to get out of the cabin when there's been a big storm!) What doesn't kill me does NOT make me stronger. It makes me anxious, bitchy, and vulnerable...but nobody wants to see that embroidered on a pillow...Lisa Kogan...thx LXL...sorry i stole it from you! Ok, maybe I'm not sorry :-P
Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your ass tomorrow...Larry the Cable Guy
Registered Member #2231 Joined: Tue Oct 05 2010, 08:14PM : Posts: 12
Thank you all for your quick feedback and advice. I appreciate the ideas on places to trek around too. We are in the Boulder Bay area, so Mill Creek is pretty close. We'll have to try that. I haven't snow shoed since I was a kid and went to Badger Pass area in Yosemite back in the 1970s. I know things have changed lots since then. I think the snowshoes we used had rope on the bottom between wood, I think!
Thank you all for your quick feedback and advice. I appreciate the ideas on places to trek around too. We are in the Boulder Bay area, so Mill Creek is pretty close. We'll have to try that. I haven't snow shoed since I was a kid and went to Badger Pass area in Yosemite back in the 1970s. I know things have changed lots since then. I think the snowshoes we used had rope on the bottom between wood, I think!
Thats funny! We have a friend that still has his old ones. Still uses them too! He has streached hide on his!
Registered Member #1154 Joined: Wed Oct 24 2007, 10:30AM : Posts: 4794
KK wrote ...
skiddered wrote ...
Thank you all for your quick feedback and advice. I appreciate the ideas on places to trek around too. We are in the Boulder Bay area, so Mill Creek is pretty close. We'll have to try that. I haven't snow shoed since I was a kid and went to Badger Pass area in Yosemite back in the 1970s. I know things have changed lots since then. I think the snowshoes we used had rope on the bottom between wood, I think!
Thats funny! We have a friend that still has his old ones. Still uses them too! He has streached hide on his!
Oh my, you will find the "new" snowshoes much more maneuverable and lighter. I have used mine in deep snow and little snow with no difficulties. I am looking forward to going out there this year! There's plenty of trails to shoe on, but be well prepared, as anything can happen in these here hills!
Registered Member #659 Joined: Sat Sep 15 2007, 01:32PM : Posts: 8634
I have only used "real" snowshoes . I assume the newer ones are a lot easier to use. Ours were not something you could strap on and hike a great distance. The main problem was the way you had to spread your legs . Used entirely different muscle's. You might find that the spread is less for the lighter weight and might fit her better. The type of snow would also be a factor. You will need ski poles for balance and I would suggest some lawn time to get used to them. Also try before you buy if at all possible I would think they would be very difficult to use in the Boulder Bay area if you try to go in the rocks. Much easier on open ground Don't argue with an idiot; people watching may not be able to tell the difference.
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Thanks ATL, but I'm not really the backpacking type - too heavy of a pack. Several years ago I hiked Mt. Whitney in a day. About a month later, I backpacked up to Dollar Lake & then went to the top of Gorgonio the next day. That overnight trip seemed more difficult to me than the day hike on Whitney.
nice sunny.. i have grand nieces and the are a joy such sweet manners and just adorable to be around. they are 4 year old twins one takes after dad and the other takes after their mother
snowshoe advice
We have found that a great place to go snowshoeing is up in the Mill Creek area. Once you get past all the people playing in the lower area, you cross over a gate and and enter snowshoe Heaven!
definately take that advice!
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