There have been many prior threads asking for recommendations on snowshoes. Search and ye shall find.
There have been many prior threads asking for recommendations on snowshoes. Search and ye shall find.
Most snowshoes these days are a bit small for deep powder, however trails tend to get broken out pretty quickly.
FWIW, I have and am happy with MSR EVO Ascents. Relatively light weight, rugged, good traction.
Doug
Of couse--no single snowshoe is optimum for all snow conditions. If you mostly hike trails, then the modern small designs are a good choice. If you mostly bushwack, larger snowshoes may be a better choice. (Some traditional designs are up to 5 feet long--like wide skis that don't slide very well.)There are times when you need bigger shoes, and this past weekend I was really glad that I had the 6'' tails[/URL] for my Evos!!
The tails also result in the snowshoe being somewhat unbalanced--the binding is too far forward when the tails are in use. This can result in tip dive.
Doug
What if you are the one breaking out the trail?
I can't say I have noticed an appreciable flotation difference between:
Denali Ascents
Denali Ascents + 4" tails
Denali Ascents + 8" tails
LL Bean Tubbs 30" flat-country shoes.
The tails do make the shoes more unwieldy for sure. I compared them last winter over the same loop under the power lines nearby my house. At 6'3" 200# w/o gear, I'm probably not going to get much flotation on any shoe, except maybe a 36" which wouldn't get used much in the Whites as it is way too wide. Even the 30" Atlas shoes are a bit wide - although when you need them is when you're breaking trail which wouldn't be as bad as trying to fit them into a narrow, preexisting track.
Tim
...ps - what's the advantage of tails?
If you don't use real winter boots, you risk trenchfoot or frostbite. Neither is pretty...pps - are hiking boots ok, or are real winter boots necessary?? I imagine they are for a serious / long hike. Where's the 'cut-off'?
I'd check out local flee markets/tag sales/Goodwill Stores for cheap, used gear. If you're lucky you'll find a couple different sizes and styles for under $50. Someone here mentioned finding Yukon Charlies at TJ MAx or Marshalls for like $40. If you can get out on some different sizes and styles you'll have a better idea of what you want/need going forward.BobC:
Not much snow last year near home where I would practice / test runs. But pleanty of snow up north.
I have a pair of Montrail Olympus hiking boots (heavy duty leather hikers, waterproof) that I use in winter for local stuff and day hikes. Overnight or more serious conditions I wear koflach degre's.pps - are hiking boots ok, or are real winter boots necessary?? I imagine they are for a serious / long hike. Where's the 'cut-off'?
BobC:
Not much snow last year near home where I would practice / test runs. But pleanty of snow up north.
ps - what's the advantage of tails?
pps - are hiking boots ok, or are real winter boots necessary?? I imagine they are for a serious / long hike. Where's the 'cut-off'?
What if you are the one breaking out the trail?