Use the right snowshoes for the terrain.
There are snowshoes for flat terrain, rolling terrain, and mountain terrain. For the Pacific Northwest, I use snowshoes designed for mountain terrain. How are mountain terrain snowshoes different?
Flat terrain snowshoes provide support but have little traction on the underside. This allows you to go faster on flat terrain but making them a potential high-speed death sled on mountains. Rolling terrain snowshoes have more traction, but only mountain terrain snowshoes have the added traction plus pop-up heel lifts that give your calves a break on steep terrain. Many mountain terrain snowshoes also have removable extensions or flotation “tails.” If you are looking to acquire mountain terrain snowshoes, look for these three basic features:
- Long sidewall traction bars
- Pop-up heel lifts
- Removable extensions
Also, look at how easily you can get them on and off. I prefer a single pre-adjusted strap over the front of the boot, leaving only one strap on the back heel to secure. You may no longer be able to find single-front-strap snowshoes because most have three straps, but you can still pre-adjust them. Some snowshoes are available in different widths based on gender and different lengths for different body weights, such as (22 in/180 pounds, 25 in/220 pounds, 30 in/280 pounds). Get the length suitable for your weight.
Finally, consider the weight of the actual snowshoe. You will most likely have to occasionally carry the snowshoes on your backpack some of the distance. That can add 4lbs (1.8 kg) or more to your pack. Keep this in mind when you are putting your gear in your car: You may arrive at the trailhead and not need to carry the snowshoes for the first few low-elevation miles. This means you need to also have straps that allow you to attach the snowshoes securely to your backpack.
Side Traction
If you are hiking on terrain like the slope shown in this photo (above / Colchuck, slightly off route), you may be crazy, but less so if you have snowshoes designed for mountain terrain. To understand the difference, look on the bottoms (see photo below) and look for long side walls or side rails for traction.
Heel lifts
Snowshoes designed for mountain terrain also have a heel lift. Look at the back of the snowshoe for this feature.
Snowshoe extensions
Snowshoe extensions or flotation tails can also be useful. Personally, I have never needed them and would not want the extra weight. It all depends on your weight and the snow conditions. You will need the flotation tails if you are heavy and you are hiking in deep fresh snow (especially common conditions in fall and early winter). I have seen heavy guys struggle in deep snow even with the extensions. Without tails, they would not have gotten far.
SAFETY TIP
It is not enough to have the right snowshoes. You need to understand different snow conditions and common dangers, such as tree wells. Pick your route carefully, carry the essentials, and before you even head out, check the avalanche forecast.
If you have not used snowshoes before, look around and signup for an expert guided snowshoe trip. These are sometimes offered in National Parks and forests. Some provide snowshoes. You can learn important safety tips and find out if snowshoeing is for you.
Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. I’ll be updating this post periodically for correction, etc.
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