There are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy nature during the winter. Many of us like to ski or snowboard; charting lines through tight trees or laying down clean turns on hardpack. Others enjoy the rhythm and physical exertion of cross-country skiing; moving quickly on a snowy track propelled by their own power. Yet one of the most beautiful and contemplative ways of enjoying nature in winter is simply taking a walk through snowy woods.

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Snowshoes are a wonderful way to see the world around you in an unfamiliar setting. Winding trails are buried beneath a blanket of snow, green pines hold a delicate sugary dusting on their boughs, and the tracks of deer, bear and rabbits crisscross your path.

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While snowshoeing is not as exciting as skiing, as technical as ice climbing or as intense of a workout as Nordic skiing, it is one of the most enjoyable winter pursuits because of its simplicity. Buying a new pair of snowshoes can seem complicated, since there are different sizes, features, binding styles and constructions to choose from. This guide will help you determine what pair of snowshoes is right for you, so that you can get outside and start experiencing the beauty of winter!

Types of Snowshoes

Binding Styles

Snowshoe Features to Look For

Snowshoe Sizing

Sizing can be a confusing aspect of the snowshoe buying process. Different brands have different lengths, some offer two sizes while others offer three, and there is often some overlap among sizes. In spite of appearances, finding the proper size is fairly straightforward. Snowshoe length is directly correlated to user weight, so you can find the right size in a particular shoe by looking at the recommended weight ranges on a manufacturer’s size chart.

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Generally, lighter adult snowshoe users who weigh roughly 80-160 lbs need a shoe that is around 21″-23″ long. This size is usually available in women’s models only, with a few exceptions. Men and women who weigh between 120-220 lbs can go with a snowshoe in the 25″-27″ range. This is one of the most common sizes and most women’s and men’s snowshoes come in a 25″, 26″, or 27″ size. Snowshoe users who weigh 160-260 lbs will need a 30″ snowshoe, while those who weigh 180-300 lbs will need a snowshoe between 35″ and 36″ or an MSR snowshoe with flotation tails.

Obviously, there is a great deal of overlap between these size ranges, and if you fall towards the end of one weight range, you are likely in the middle of the weight range for a size up or down. Ideally, you want your weight to fall into the middle of a weight range so that you get the flotation that you need without excessive length under your feet. Also, if you are backpacking on snowshoes, be sure to account for the weight of your pack when choosing a size, since this may push you into a different weight range.

Here is a basic reference chart for snowshoe sizing:

Weight:

Length:

80-160 lbs

21-23 inches

120-200 lbs

25-27 inches

150-260 lbs

30 inches

180-300+

35-36 inches

Source: https://t-tees.com
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