I'd like to see some discussions on gear modifications, improvements, tricks, etc. In the bicycling world, people are always drilling parts to make them lighter, mixing and matching various stuff, etc. I want to have some similar discussions here. I'll start with my MSR Denali snowshoes. They are the cat's meow for traction, weight and ease of use, but I have a few minor issues with them.
First problem: I just returned my MSRs for new ones because the televator notches rounded over, causing the televator to slide backwards. For now this solved by new 'shoes, but if this is a recurring problem, what has anyone else done to solve (prevent) it?
Second problem: The gray plastic loop on the televator, which assists in putting it up and down, slides around, and down the side of the televator itself, rendering it unhelpful, and even making stepping on the televator "spring-y"
This one I solved by wrapping a skinny piece of duct tape around the televator in the middle of the light gray loop.
This photo illustrates the above two problems:
Third problem: I find my feet twist a bit in the bindings. This is more problematic when on the televators than not. I've tightened the straps as tight as I dare w/o squishing my feet. The rotational forces are countered only by the friction against the boot -- no slots or bumps to keep the boot from turning.
Fourth problem: The straps don't stay under the clips as forward motion in the snow pushes them out. I suppose I could just turn the clips around. This isn't really a problem unless one starts to trip on the loose and flapping straps. I.e., they stay hitched.
Let's hear your ideas! Also, feel free to start additional threads. I do recall Doug Paul having an excellent commentary on making-your-own ice axe leash.
Tim
First problem: I just returned my MSRs for new ones because the televator notches rounded over, causing the televator to slide backwards. For now this solved by new 'shoes, but if this is a recurring problem, what has anyone else done to solve (prevent) it?
Second problem: The gray plastic loop on the televator, which assists in putting it up and down, slides around, and down the side of the televator itself, rendering it unhelpful, and even making stepping on the televator "spring-y"
This one I solved by wrapping a skinny piece of duct tape around the televator in the middle of the light gray loop.
This photo illustrates the above two problems:
Third problem: I find my feet twist a bit in the bindings. This is more problematic when on the televators than not. I've tightened the straps as tight as I dare w/o squishing my feet. The rotational forces are countered only by the friction against the boot -- no slots or bumps to keep the boot from turning.
Fourth problem: The straps don't stay under the clips as forward motion in the snow pushes them out. I suppose I could just turn the clips around. This isn't really a problem unless one starts to trip on the loose and flapping straps. I.e., they stay hitched.
Let's hear your ideas! Also, feel free to start additional threads. I do recall Doug Paul having an excellent commentary on making-your-own ice axe leash.
Tim