Snowshoe Score! Need advice now

**mcgyver** · 12-11-2009, 09:13 PM

I just got a heck of a deal ($10) on a set of snowshoes and poles. Brand new with the tags. I have always wanted to get into this "hobby" but could never justify the money. They are rated to 275lbs so I should be good, even with my pack.

Advise needed is... Just what do I need to know before hitting the trail?
I know we have some experts here.

**Ken** · 12-11-2009, 09:21 PM

1. Start off slow. If your not used to them, they can kill your ankles and calves. Try a few laps at your local track or in a park. Adjust the fit as necessary.

2. When you do venture out, turn back before you begin to get tired. Unless you want to spend the next day taking Advil and rubbing Icy-Hot all over your legs.

3. Dress in layers, because you're gonna' heat up pretty quickly. Use a wicking base layer.

4. Keep at it once you start. After a few trips out, you'll feel like your flying over the miles. Them things are a blast! I'll take snowshoes over cross-country skis any day of the week.

**Camp10** · 12-11-2009, 09:25 PM

It's pretty straight forward..make sure the bindings are adjusted right and go. Keep your toes up when you walk and depending on snow conditions you may even drag your heels some. I've never used poles.

**crashdive123** · 12-11-2009, 09:32 PM

Nice score. Wonder if they work in sand?

**wildWoman** · 12-11-2009, 10:45 PM

Nothing you need to know, really...just strap 'em on and you're good to go! Have fun :-)

**mcgyver** · 12-11-2009, 10:49 PM

Thanks for the advice!
Sound's like I'm hearing the voice of experiance here...
"Unless you want to spend the next day taking Advil and rubbing Icy-Hot all over your legs."
It looks like our snow may melt over the weekend

Oh well, Winter is just getting started.

**klkak** · 12-11-2009, 10:54 PM

I have found that the best way to use Snow Shoes is only when you have to get somewhere that a snowmachine can't get to. This practice really cuts down a leg and ankle strain.

**red lake** · 12-12-2009, 11:30 AM

Breaking trail in deep snow is HARD WORK, so be well ventilated and dress in layers.

Don't use them on ski trails...please!

Nothing special to walking in them, but keep in mind it is difficult to back up with them on.

**hunter63** · 12-12-2009, 12:15 PM

All good advice, but I want to add, keep steps short, I find that I take too long of strides, and after a few steps, you kinda get "stuck".
(I do the same with pole climbers)
Oh, be prepared to fall down a lot till you get the stride.
Have fun..................

**Rick** · 12-12-2009, 01:19 PM

McGyver - Snowshoes are extremely dangerous. There is a law in Congress right now to ban them because so many folks have been hurt from them. You should send them to me so I can do a safety check for you. I'm eminently qualified to do that. I have my Snowshoe Health Investigative Technology certificate. If I find that they are defective in any way, and they probable are, then I'll discard them for you. PM me for the address.

**Ken** · 12-12-2009, 01:36 PM

Originally Posted by Rick

McGyver - Snowshoes are extremely dangerous. There is a law in Congress right now to ban them because so many folks have been hurt from them. You should send them to me so I can do a safety check for you. I'm eminently qualified to do that. I have my Snowshoe Health Investigative Technology certificate. If I find that they are defective in any way, and they probable are, then I'll discard them for you. PM me for the address.

Still can't accept the fact that you're only an Administrator and not a member of the Q.C. Department, huh?

**Rick** · 12-12-2009, 01:56 PM

This has nothing to do with Quality Control. This has to do with Wilderness Safety. Quite different. I am very well qualified to head up the wilderness safety department. Aside from the fact I happen to be the Minister of Science (DUH!) I also hold a Wilderness Investigative Safety Expert - Administrative School of Safety degree. So there!

**Ken** · 12-12-2009, 01:59 PM

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**SARKY** · 12-12-2009, 02:01 PM

Depending on the snow conditions and the amount of flotation you get from the shoes, you could be in for hard work or flying across the snow. As to the bindings, don't make them so tight that they cut off circulation to your feet.

**mcgyver** · 12-12-2009, 05:43 PM

Red Lake,
Don't worry about me on the ski trails. I don't even put a footprint on them.
An 87year young friend of mine who loves to cross country ski, taught me better. She about boxed my ears!

Hunter63
"be prepared to fall down a lot till you get the stride."
I'm used to that, it happens all the time!

Rick
I sure do appreciate your concern for my safety.
Laws, Congress, and other people telling whats good for me is the reason I still run every time I get scissors in my hand. Heck, I'm drinking Sassafras tea right now 'cause somebody said it causes cancer.
I'm a wild man, I just can't stop.

**Rick** · 12-12-2009, 06:10 PM

Okay, mister. But if one of those bindings snaps loose, smacks you in the ankle and leaves a great big red mark, don't come cryin' to me.

**cowgirlup** · 12-12-2009, 10:43 PM

What a great deal!!!
I've been keeping an eye out for a pair at a dirt cheap price but no luck so far.

**trax** · 12-13-2009, 05:25 PM

Turf the poles as far as I'm concerned, you don't need them. Make sure the bindings are comfortable,as mentioned earlier. If your snowshoes are rated for 275 pounds I'm pretty sure you'll be ok, it's all about the disbursement of your density over the snow. Get out there and get used to them. You'll develop a stride you're comfortable with. Great find.