This is part 5 of a 5 part series on buying snowshoes. For more information, make sure you check out parts 1-4 of the series.
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Part 1:Snowshoeing Vocabulary
There is some specialized vocabulary in any sport and snowshoeing is no exception. Check out part 1 of this series to familiarize yourself with the jargon before heading out to the gear shop.
Part 2: Your Purpose
The thing you want to decide when you are buying snowshoes is what kind of snowshoeing you will be doing. There are four main styles of snowshoes: racing, recreation, hiking, and back country/mountaineering. You should select your snowshoes to fit your purpose.
Part 3: Snowshoe Shapes
Snowshoe tails come in three main shapes: pointed, rounded, and tear-dropped. Each of these shapes has its own benefits and drawbacks. You may want to test snowshoes with different shaped tails to see which shape you like best.
Part 4: Snowshoe Size and Your Weight
Snowshoes are not one-size-fits-all. You should buy the size that is designed for your weight (including clothes, gear, boots, pack, and anything else you will be carrying when you go out snowshoeing). The size guidelines are approximate, and you may need to use a size larger or a size smaller based on the local snow conditions. Your local gear shop would be the best place to determine your sizing needs.
That’s all for selecting snowshoes. At first glance it seems complicated and a bit overwhelming, but after some research, I am ready to face this with confidence. All I need now is some snow.
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