JJD
New member
So, I'm about to buy my first pair of snowshoes but I'm wondering about what type of conditions I'm going to be encountering snowshoeing in the WMNF. Most of the manufacturers break down which shoes are good for different situations, like packed, less than 30", greater than 30", etc.
I really have no idea what I should be looking for. I'm a big guy and with my load I'll probably be tipping the scales at 275-300lbs (or more) on most outings. That rules out a lot of shoes, but I'm really trying to figure out if I can err on the side of a smaller shoe or not. If I go strictly by the shoes that are explicitly rated for 300 lbs. and steep terrain that narrows it down to about 3 models.
For example, Tubbs makes the Altitude 36, which is a 10x36 shoe that's rated to 300 lbs. MSR has the Lightning 30, which is 9x30 that is also rated to 300 lbs. Then again, MSR rates their Denali Ascent (+8" flotation tail) to 300 lbs., with the tail it is 8x30. There are a few more, but you get the idea.
There's a big difference between 10x36 (360 sq. in.) and 8x30 (240 sq. in.), would the Denali Ascents really be enough, or should I play it safe and go with a 10x36 shoe?
I really have no idea what I should be looking for. I'm a big guy and with my load I'll probably be tipping the scales at 275-300lbs (or more) on most outings. That rules out a lot of shoes, but I'm really trying to figure out if I can err on the side of a smaller shoe or not. If I go strictly by the shoes that are explicitly rated for 300 lbs. and steep terrain that narrows it down to about 3 models.
For example, Tubbs makes the Altitude 36, which is a 10x36 shoe that's rated to 300 lbs. MSR has the Lightning 30, which is 9x30 that is also rated to 300 lbs. Then again, MSR rates their Denali Ascent (+8" flotation tail) to 300 lbs., with the tail it is 8x30. There are a few more, but you get the idea.
There's a big difference between 10x36 (360 sq. in.) and 8x30 (240 sq. in.), would the Denali Ascents really be enough, or should I play it safe and go with a 10x36 shoe?