How to Make a Snowshoes Kit

If you live near the great lakes, you probably know all about snowshoes. Traveling by foot without them can be a real ordeal. Snowshoes make winter walking easier, but you still get a full body workout. You'll burn up to 1,000 calories an hour while increasing your aerobic capacity and muscle endurance. To take full advantage of snowshoes, bundle them in a kit that includes boots and poles. If you get the right gear and walk with your feet spread, you'll never be snowbound.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Snowshoes
Boots
Gaiters
Poles
Carry bag

Step 1

Choose the snowshoes. Get a pair that fits properly and is compatible with the snowshoeing you'll be doing. Snowshoes are designed for general recreation, hiking, mountaineering, backcountry use and even running. You can use mountaineering and backcountry snowshoes for hiking and recreation, but you can't go mountaineering with hiking or recreation snowshoes.

The easiest way to get a good fit is to match the manufacturer's weight rating to your body weight, plus any other gear you'll be carrying. You can also find a single snowshoe, out of a pair, that has the same square inch surface area as your body weight. Go up one size if you'll be walking through a lot of powder.

Step 2

Select boots that match the terrain and are slightly oversized. If you can squeeze a finger between the heel of your foot and the heel of the boot, you have the right size. You'll probably be wearing heavy wool socks with a liner, and this space will accommodate them without cutting off circulation.

Make sure your boots are flexible at the ball of your foot, and that the snowshoe straps fit around them. If you can afford it, get insulated boots that have a waterproof Gore-Tex liner.

Step 3

Pick poles. If you'll be mountaineering, get poles with self-arrest heads to stop you from sliding, or ice axes with snow baskets at the end. For all other uses, telescoping aluminum poles with snow baskets are good enough. Make sure the grips and wrist straps are comfortable. Nordic-style straps work better in mountaineering applications.

Tips & Warnings

Many resorts are opening their trails to snowshoeing and even renting the gear. This is a good way to try it out before investing your hard-earned dollars.

Since cold feet are a real hazard in the great outdoors, get the warmest, driest boots you can afford if you're expecting sub-zero temperatures.

Resources

Outside Buyers Guide Winter 2009

Article Written By Dan Eash

Dan Eash began writing professionally in 1989, with articles in LaHabra's "Daily Star Progress" and the "Fullerton College Magazine." Since then, he's created scripts for doctor and dentist offices and published manuals, help files and a training video. His freelance efforts also include a book. Eash has a Fullerton College Associate of Arts in music/recording production and a Nova Institute multimedia production certificate.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...