SnowShoes - What do I need to know?

[ADKParrotHead]

Mavs00 touched on the snowshoe topic in my thread regarding the summer/winter hiking question.....but I thought I'd drag that thought over here.

I've resolved that I will get snowshoes this winter. Now what to get? I was googling on snowshoes last night and learned a bit about them by looking at different types and reading the write ups and in some case reviews. I searched this site and didn't find a thead discussing snowshoe equipment selection and recommendations. So that's were I'd like this thread to go. I've not snowshoed at all. My Brother-in-law has a pair and clomped around 13th lake. He says it's pretty hard work....but I'll add (using the terms I've learned from this forum :) ) that he wasn't following any specific trail and was busting his own.....that seems like more work as I've read.

As Mav suggested, don't skimp on stuff that your life could depend on. That make sense to me.... So now to the questions...

Plastic or metal ? I see MSR has a plastic set with lifetime warranty.
Heal elevator? (maybe not the right term) Is this feature worth it? Is it sturdy enough? The write up's indicate that this little bar that flips up under your heal and ease the stress on the calf muscles on a steep grade. Interesting....but then is there a reverse feature for a descent? :D
Size? It would seems size matters (we're talking about snowshoes here). However looking at some sites, they didn't have size choice. Some sites did and size seemed based on weight.... crap, I'm 230 lbs right now (going down, but I probably need to consider worst case... I don't lose any more) and add a properly filled winter pack at say 20lbs.....it now looks like I'll be needing the big boys. Right?
Tails? This got confusing.....I understand tails extend off the back. Are they intended to give a bigger pad area for more weight when you have a bigger pack/load or more for front/back balance?
Bindings? What's good, which should I avoid?

That's about all I can think of now....I'm sure everyone will add points I missed.

[chip]

I'm no expert but I think if you are going to buy 1 pair then you have to decide what their primary purpose is. Hiking packed trails in the Dacks to satisfy the snowshoe/skis requirement you can go smaller, like MSR's. Day hikes with no weight ? smaller, tear-drop shape. Multi-day with full pack or breaking trail after 2 feet of snow ? Bigger with more floatation, oval.

:tup: I'm psyched about fall and winter, can't wait. :D

[TFR]

My winter Mantra is "In MSRs we trust". I've done many winter hikes with MSRs, and although I carry 12-pt crampons, I almost never need to put them on, because the MSRs grip so well. I am speaking specifically of the 'Denali Ascent' model. I also own the 8" tail and I bring it and use it when the snow is deep. The short tail seems too short to be useful, IMHO.

The heal lifter seems to work like magic! :D (And they are part of the guarantee, they will replace them if need be)

Mind you I have never tried anything else....

[Joe H.]

Yes, Rik gives great advice. I'll add that I really like the Atlas snowshoes I use. I have a recursor to what is now the 10 series (they do not have the siderails). I follow the weight recommendations for shoe length. I am 160 w/o the pack, and travel both on and off trail.

[Kevin Rooney]

Snowshoes made by the major manufacturers such as MSR, Tubbs, Atlas, etc which are labeled as "Backcountry" or "Expedition" are all good shoes for winter hiking and will perform well. Avoid those which are listed as "Recreational" - they won't perform quite as well on the steeps, have as aggressive a crampon, or be built quite as ruggedly as a 'Backcountry' model.

I personally prefer Tubbs but that's just me. As for sizing - 9x25 works great for the dense snows of the Northeast. FWIW - Tubbs and Atlas are owned by the same company now.

Also - very important to carry an emergency kit for snowshoe repairs. Usually about a dozen or so 18" nylon wire ties are sufficient, along with a jacknife/multitool to snip them off. Also try to carry about 4-6' of 1/2" or 3/4" nylon webbing as well. Have had to use this stuff a few times on my gear as well as my buds. All snowshoes need repairs if you hike alot.

[AlpineSummit]

I haven't read others remarks, actually busy today! - But I have MSR's & like 'em. I bought the tails - waste of money IMHO. They throw the shoes off-balance, the tails just drag and it's a weird feeling. I'd sell 'em for $1.

The ascender bars are very sweet for steep uphill, takes lotsa strain off the legs

The MSR Denali's, or their newer model, have outstanding grip on ice and hardpack snow.

Only real complaint is that they sound like cheap plastic junk when ya walk on hard pack with 'em. And, they ARE cheap too. Very reasonable.

[hawk]

I have a pair of Tubbs 30" snowshoes I have had for four years which have served me well. They have built in Crampons which have handled anything I have had to traverse. I am extremely happy with them and would not hesitate to buy another set once if they have to be replaced.

Just as a note, I don't do peaks. I have had to do some ascents in the process of backpacking, but have not had to traverse slides or rock.

Hawk

[spaddock]

I'm 6'5" 240lbs right now and for peakbagging i absolutely love my MSR Evo Ascents. I do own the tails and I do put them on when there is more powder in the area, at my weight I will sink more without them.

I've hiked about 16 true winter peaks and probably 5 or 6 more in winter conditions and except for one trip to the Santanoni's and one trip up Lyon Mt. I've never had to break trail. Flotation is rarerly an issue since they are so packed out, at least that's been my experience.

Before I bought my Evo's I rented Atlas 10 series or whatever the mountaineering series is and liked them too.

I guess the bottom line is, you use different snowshoes based on the conditions, and of course keeping in mind that conditions can change while on trail. But if you only buy one pair, I wouldn't hesitate in recommending the Evo's.


-Shayne

[adkdremn]

Another vote for MSR's here. I own a pair of the Denali Ascent's with the heel lifter thingy. I tried it once going up Alqonquin, but it seemed like more of a pain to me. Maybe I didn't give it enough of a chance, I don't know.

My hiking partner last year bought a pair of Tubbs and he struggled going up areas I had no problems with. His are more of the recreational type though. I'm sure if you get the right ones they'll work just fine, as others have said.

Keep an eye out for EMS sales. Every once in a while they have some great deals, when I got mine last year I paid under $100 for them! That's a steal, they were actually cheaper than the regular Denali's! I think it was a President's Day sale, but they have similar sales on Black Friday or right after Christmas. I also had a coupon that helped too. You can sign up for their email list and they will occasionally send coupons.

[knuckledragger]

I luv my Tubb Mountain 30's the crampons are sweet and Iget plenty of float. With a full pack i figure I go 220 to 230 So you might want to go with a 36" long.THe mountains also have the wratchet bindings so very good conection. When I bought my first pair of red feathers I made the mistake of getting the *
' wide pair NFG get a 10" wide pair. after post holeing up a back country trail that was packed out buy 3 people in front of me. the 8" was not enough to keep me up. The only problem I have had would be bad for any snoeshoe and that is in spring rotten snow conditions.

[spaddock]

The ascender bar is FANTASTIC, you feel it big time when the going get steep. However, be sure to pop it down when you descend or you'll be jamming your toes up against your boots!

-Shayne

[Eric]

I personally like both MSR and Tubbs, I have both. The Tubbs 30 I have did fail me one time 3years ago while hiking I beleive Gothics. The bear claw style staps broke half way into the hike, I had to have my snow shoe duct taped and strapped down to complete the day. Tubbs gladly fixed my snoe shoes within a week with a different style of straps. The Tubbs 30 are great for breaking trail and for skiing down a packed trail. They are just big and goofy.

I do like my MSR's. They took more time getting used to. The heel lift is something I do not like to use on ascents. Kinda like high heels, not that I ever wore high heels but if I had to guess that is what they must be like.

Tubbs longer style, great for breaking trail and skiing and great for balance.
MSR, great snow shoe. Once you get used to them you feel like you are just glidding along a trail. 1 other thing with the MSR's, I don't wear high tops due to a left foot problem. With Tubbs I have to wear high topps, MSR's I do not have to. Can't ski very well coming down a packed trail. Also the binddings on the MSR's seem to brake down quicker and may need to be replaced regularly. At least my experience. MSR and Tubbs come with a great campon style. I have crampons and used them once for about 20 minutes and switched back to snoe (w) shoe.
Good luck Parrot Head with your pick.

[Shewolf]

Chiming in with a different snowshoe...

I bought a pair of Northernlites about three years ago on the recommendation of a friend and after getting used to the strange bindings, I haven't looked back. I absolutely love them. The bindings look like they won't hold but they are awesome and are easy to adjust with gloves on.

Check them out here... http://www.northernlites.com/

Call them up and they are extremely helpful and full of information!

[Mavs00]

I'm gonna muddy the water and go another route.

I've never been real crazy about the MSR's. Too noisy for me. I know that sounds silly but the soft "cruch" of winter is a big attraction and that "fake" twang is annoying.

Don't have Tubbs, so I can't comment on them. I now use Atlas 1030's and really enjoy them for both on and off trail use. I'm about 197 +20 (pack weight) and I find the floatation very good and traction is GREAT. Binding are nice as well, although I had an issue during a b-whack in medium snow last year, but overall very nice.

I like em..

Avoid the cheaper 800 series though, unless you're light, I found for my frame the crampons gave to easily in High Peak terrain (they are fine on gentle rollers though and I still have them for that).

[ADKParrotHead]

Sounds like I'd want to consider MSR's, but that noise thing.... I'd have to really consider that. Maybe my thought should be that I don't need the very best shoe right now because I'm probably not going to hike very aggresive peaks to start, so maybe a set of Atlas would be fine.

EMS & Coupons....my wife Loves coupons....Thanks for that tip! :D

One other question.....I saw somewhere "winter gators" advertised. Hype or is there a difference between winter & summer or maybe 3 season gators? Maybe a fleece lining?

[chip]

I've never used MSR's. People love them or they don't. Some people use them instead of a crampon. If the conditions don't require snowshoes, I'd rather wear crampons. I did see some MSR shaped post-holes last winter, but you could add the tail if more floatation is required. I got a pair of Crescent Moon Gold 9's (http://www.crescentmoonsnowshoes.com/) a few years ago new on ebay for about $100. They have been perfect for me for breaking trail carrying little or no weight and for carrying weight on packed trails. I'm about 170lbs so I'd need something bigger if I was carrying weight and breaking trail. Snowshoes are like packs, it's difficult to chose just one.

[Daniel Eagan]

The MSR's are noisy but cheap. Best for following packed trails. I'd get MSR Lightning Ascents in a minute if they were cheaper. Tubbs work well, in my opinion sturdier and easier to use than Atlas. But as the EMS salesman in Lake Placid said, it's hard to justify buying them when they are no longer made in the US. When the company was sold a lot of Vermonters lost their jobs.

Havlicks (http://www.havlicksnowshoe.com/) were mentioned on another forum, and while I haven't used them I am attracted to the idea of buying local.

[Joe H.]

I agree with what Mavs said about the Atlas 800 series. That is the shoe we use for our quiver at school because we get them pretty cheap when they are on sale at REI. They seem to last about three trips with us (about 15 days total) before we start having problems and have to jury-rig repairs in the field.

[spaddock]

Another thing I love about my MSR's is i can run really easily in them. They're my winter running shoes. I love emptying out the tank on a shorter hike and sprinting to the car.


-Shayne

[AlpineSummit]

If I'm not mistaken, don't some models of Atlas S.Shoes have the annoying distinction of tossing little snowballs onto the head of the snowshoer as he walks along?

I'm sure many can do this in different conditions, but I thought that the Atlas were especially adept at it.

[Kevin Rooney]

Chiming in with a different snowshoe...

I bought a pair of Northernlites about three years ago on the recommendation of a friend and after getting used to the strange bindings, I haven't looked back. I absolutely love them. The bindings look like they won't hold but they are awesome and are easy to adjust with gloves on.

Check them out here... http://www.northernlites.com/

Call them up and they are extremely helpful and full of information!I have 3 friends who have these as well, two of whom hold the speed record for climbing the Whites in Winter. They got them because they're light and sturdy.

Like Mavs00, I have a biasis against MSR's which is hard to overcome as the EVO Descents is such a popular 'shoe. When MSR's first came out they were truly junk, and I hiked with people who have them. In one instance a friend and I (he had MSRs) were about 10 miles in on a nasty day when one of his broke. There were a few nervous moments, but fortunately the McGiver kit came thru with emergency repairs and we got out OK. But, when Honda's came first came out they were junk too, and look where they are now. So, MSRs have long since fixed the quality issue. I have 2 pairs of Tubbs (bought a 'spare' pair the day before they closed in Stowe and moved to China), and my wife has a pair of Sherpas. The Sherpas were tops in their day, but are now (mostly) defunct.

Don't forget the McGiver kit ...

[ADKJack]

I have tryed several different models by MSR, Atlas,Grivel and Tubbs I did this in-expensively by renting them and trying them out. Different places rent different types of snowshoes. I found this was a great way to compare the features and benefits of each before buying a set. What is very important to me is that they are as comfortable as they are functional. Tubbs top end offer a ratchet type binding that are very easy to work with and hold the boot very steady, a great feature. But for some reason they squeezed my feet in a way that made them annoying after a mile or so, but that is just because it is the way my feet are not the fault of the snowshoe. My point is go out and try some first then make the decision based on the wealthof information you gathered here as well as your own experience.
For what its worth I now own the MSR denali Ascents. I like the removable tails if for no other reason there are times in the peaks that snowshoes are required (8" rule) but not really needed (hardpack snow) so the smaller size is easier to manuever in and I can carry the tails if I need to use them. The televator heel lifter thingies are great and make a big difference on steep asccents. The bindings are are easy to use and adjust but I have had some loosening happen after a mile or two and have had to adjust them more often than I would lik to but overall the snowshoe has performed well.

[Louis]

I loooove my tsl snowshoes... go and check it out... great bindings and traction


http://www.tslsport.com/www/?country=us&lg=en

[Kevin Rooney]

I loooove my tsl snowshoes... go and check it out... great bindings and traction


http://www.tslsport.com/www/?country=us&lg=en Which model do you have, Louis?

[Louis]

I have the 217 rando. when i look on their united states web site... i dont see them... they look a lot like the 325 model...

this is the canadian web site where you can see the 217 model...

http://www.tslsport.com/www/?country=ca&lg=en

[Neil]

I have a pair of Northern Lites and they are light! I wore them up Marshall and Allen and was impressed with how well they gripped. I had to be more careful and attentive on the way down but they did a great job.

But, last January we did the MacIntyre Range and I loaned them to Pete Hickey. The conditions were icy, not crampon icy but definitely MSR icy. Just ask Pete how he liked the Northern Lites. His reply may have a lot of asterisks in it.

I now just wear my MSRs because they aren't that much heavier than the Northern Lites and you don't have to second guess the conditions. With larger groups and rugged terrain I recommend carrying a Northern Lite snowshoe in guise of a McGiver kit. If it's a chilly day I can just imagine manipulating little screw and bolt or fastener thingies or tools while the snot runs out of my nose. Much simpler to pull an entire (one pound) shoe out of one's bag of tricks. You could probably rent or sell it for a large amount of cash to someone with a busted shoe between Seward and Donaldson at 3 on a cold blustery January afternoon.

[knuckledragger]

I'm gonna muddy the water and go another route.

I've never been real crazy about the MSR's. Too noisy for me. I know that sounds silly but the soft "cruch" of winter is a big attraction and that "fake" twang is annoying.

Don't have Tubbs, so I can't comment on them. I now use Atlas 1030's and really enjoy them for both on and off trail use. I'm about 197 +20 (pack weight) and I find the floatation very good and traction is GREAT. Binding are nice as well, although I had an issue during a b-whack in medium snow last year, but overall very nice.

I like em..

Avoid the cheaper 800 series though, unless you're light, I found for my frame the crampons gave to easily in High Peak terrain (they are fine on gentle rollers though and I still have them for that).

The biggest problem I found with every pair of atlas I tried was they were heavey, probably because my first pair were the red feathers.

[Joe H.]

[QUOTE=AlpineSummit]If I'm not mistaken, don't some models of Atlas S.Shoes have the annoying distinction of tossing little snowballs onto the head of the snowshoer as he walks along?QUOTE]

Maybe this is why my world resembles a snow globe as I plod along :) Actually I have never noticed this issue at all with the 10 series I have. And to agree with Mavs - I do believe they are a bit heavier than the ancient Sherpas I used to have.

I'll add also that nothing beat the old wooden shoes I started out in for exhilarating glissades. You could ski them down some pitches.

[Valerie]

Does anyone have the MSR Lightening Ascents?...or know anyone that does?...or heard anthing good/bad about them.

I've been eyeing them for a while but haven't ran into anyone with them. They look like they grip very well.

I own Altlas 1025's right now. I really love them but I don't think that they are going to make it through another winter. Where the platform attaches to the metal from is starting to tear. It also seems that the crampons on them are starting to wear down. :cry:

[randomscooter]

Does anyone have the MSR Lightening Ascents?...or know anyone that does?...or heard anthing good/bad about them.

I've been eyeing them for a while but haven't ran into anyone with them. They look like they grip very well.

I own Altlas 1025's right now. I really love them but I don't think that they are going to make it through another winter. Where the platform attaches to the metal from is starting to tear. It also seems that the crampons on them are starting to wear down. :cry:
JoeCedar and Pinpin both own them and speak very highly of them. Since I weigh in about the same as the two of them combined I'd want more data on the durability of the snowshoe before I sunk any $$ into them, but at least from a performance standpoint Joe and Alain provide me all the endorsements I need.

[billandjudy]

Judy and I both use MSR Lighting Ascents and like them very much. I weigh 215 lbs and use the flotation tails when the snow is untracked and deep but the normal setup is usually fine.

[Louis]

Pinpin both own them and speak very highly of them

it doesn't count, his feet dont actually touch the ground...

[Trek4dm]

I highly recommend MSRs. I have a gray pair with the extra little metal bar to assist in steep ascents (I've used it on occasion and it does help).
Anyway, I used my MSRs for 40+/- High Peaks and several bushwhacks without incident. Then last spring I decided to use my Tubbs on a bushwhack to Wallface Mtn. ...a horrific experience! The idea was that the Tubbs wouldn't accumulate as much of the wet Spring snow...however, it was rather icy much of the way in and did not provide much grip. They weren't any better on the bushwhack part of the trip...no grip. I was terrified...sliding all over...I couldn't keep them on, the kept falling off.
I guess everyone has a personal preference though.
Good luck with your purchase.

[timmus]

One other question.....I saw somewhere "winter gators" advertised. Hype or is there a difference between winter & summer or maybe 3 season gators? Maybe a fleece lining?

I didn't know there was summer and winter gaitors...

IMO, any type of gaitors will work well as keeping the snow out of your boots and pants. Full length/Gore-tex is what I use, and I think it's perfect. I don't pay much (42$ -MEC) because they always get slashed by my crampons points.

[Prino]

I'll second Louis with recommending this make..... they are very well made.
I bought the TSL 325 Escape MSG (Monster Super Grip) on sale at the end of last season. Only tried them once but was very impressed.

[mastergrasshopper]

MSR MSR MSR
I've climbed ribbon slide on N. face of gothics with them.I was 1/2 way up and kept saying hey you think we should put on crampons when we ran into 2 others also with msr's.all 4 summitted in msr's.SE slide on colden I used crampons on headwall but while I was putting them on my friend just went on up with his msr's on ( using ice ax ).The tails are great for winter camping.use tails on way in with full pack then take off and use for stakes on tent and use lighter shoes for day trips out from base camp.For day hikes I never use the tails even when breaking trail all day.they are the only bindings I can put on with full winter mitts at 25 bellow zero.Atlas nylon bindings all day in wet snow next am frozen and unable to use untill I thawed out with small fire.You can ski in them because of the side rails.All snowshoes break but sice they redesigned sleel deck W/o stamped semi circle I haven't had one break.I personelly spoke with their design engineers about 5 years ago on this issue and they listened. A great co.I'm waiting for them to make them out of solid titainium !!!!
mastergrasshopper
PS if you move very fast in new snow they are very quiet,you stay ahead of any noise just ask pin pin.

[joseywalesb]

I myself have tried all 3 as well as the old Catgut's... I used to wear tubbs, those were an excellent snowshoe. My buddy let me borrow his MSR lightning's and I really liked those also. The biggest place I saw a difference was on the icy uphill climbs. people wearing tubbs/msr's/ and Redfeather's all had tougher times than I did. I haven't tried the msr's with the heel lifter, but what I will say to that is because of the spring loaded cramp-ons built into the Atlas shoes and the design of the cramp-ons they gave me a huge amount of traction. I weigh in at around 170 or so year around, and that lifting, hiking, and doing anything I can to stay in shape. I usually carry a 25 or so pound pack which puts me right at the 200 lb mark. I use the atlas 1030's. They weigh about the same as the msr 25's, I think there's .3 lbs difference per pair and I had excellent luck with them. I broke trail up the slides between lower wolfjaw and wolfchin for almost 4 hours and seems to pack snow down pretty well for the rest of the group. I've had these 1030's on about 40 or so hikes now and have nothing but the best to say about it. I'm not 100%, but I think the binding are lifetime. I'd check into this before making any decisions, specially if they are the newer spring loaded ones. Everyone DOES make good snowshoes. If it's lightness you want, go with the Atlas, if it's ruggedness/durability, I think the MSR's stand out. For over all everything, but a litte heavier, I think the tubbs stand out. I can say again that I love my atlas All-terrain's. From bare rock face to ice to deep powdery snow they have been excellent and have held up like a champ for 2 years now.

[joseywalesb]

Does anyone have the MSR Lightening Ascents?...or know anyone that does?...or heard anthing good/bad about them.

I've been eyeing them for a while but haven't ran into anyone with them. They look like they grip very well.

I own Altlas 1025's right now. I really love them but I don't think that they are going to make it through another winter. Where the platform attaches to the metal from is starting to tear. It also seems that the crampons on them are starting to wear down. :cry:

I think atlas will redeck them for like $30. Take your crampons to a bench grinder for a couple seconds Val. That's all they'd do. They can be sharpened...

[Kevin Rooney]

I think atlas will redeck them for like $30. Take your crampons to a bench grinder for a couple seconds Val. That's all they'd do. They can be sharpened...A caveat on using a bench grinder on crampons - if the crampons are steel - always use a hand file and use it SLOWLY so that you don't heat up the steel. Heating it will cause it to lose it temper, and therefore its strength and ability to retain an edge. I don't know that the effects of heating aluminum is - much recollection is that it cannot be tempered. But - I'd still be careful using any motorized tools - the stuff's so soft you could take off too much too fast.

[joseywalesb]

A caveat on using a bench grinder on crampons - if the crampons are steel - always use a hand file and use it SLOWLY so that you don't heat up the steel. Heating it will cause it to lose it temper, and therefore its strength and ability to retain an edge. I don't know that the effects of heating aluminum is - much recollection is that it cannot be tempered. But - I'd still be careful using any motorized tools - the stuff's so soft you could take off too much too fast.
Well, since we're on the topic of metallurgy. Actually, most aluminum is tempered. I.e. 7075 t-3 aluminum is tempered and uses different compositions compared to a 6061/6063 or even say a 2011/2024, t-?? is the temper. FYI 7075 t-3 is 1/2 the weight of steel and 5 times as strong, now this is generally speaking of the differences of say a 1018/1020 carbon steel. It gets very complicated from there. Most of these snowshoes use a stainless, i.e. 303/304 316 or the 400 series. With a grinder, you would absolutely not get it hot enough to make the metal lose it's temper unless you were holding it there for a lengthy period of time, i.e. you'd have to reach the 800 to 1500 degree mark which would cause what is called "intergranular corrosion". A file would probably be the most accurate way to go but time consuming as all get out as I'm sure it's one of the harder Stainless's. Best bet would be to grind and have a bucket of water nearby cooling it off at many intervals, or a file if that makes you feel better. Either way, they can be sharpened, don't throw them out or replace them. That's my only point, lol... Food for thought...

[mastergrasshopper]

[QUote)
I now just wear my MSRs because they aren't that much heavier than the Northern Lites and you don't have to second guess the conditions. With larger groups and rugged terrain I recommend carrying a Northern Lite snowshoe in guise of a McGiver kit. If it's a chilly day I can just imagine manipulating little screw and bolt or fastener thingies or tools while the snot runs out of my nose. Much simpler to pull an entire (one pound) shoe out of one's bag of tricks. You could probably rent or sell it for a large amount of cash to someone with a busted shoe between Seward and Donaldson at 3 on a cold blustery January afternoon.[/QUOTE]

I'm setting up a franchise business selling/renting Northern lites.I will be setting up little stands up in the sewards,santas,and dix range this winter and need some people to run them.You can share in the vast profits I anticipate generating.Great rewards just imagine hiking up to hough/ dix coll every day at dawn with that days supplies,getting the woodburning stove going and sitting back to relax and pull in the big money.

Mastergrasshopper

[joseywalesb]

I'm setting up a franchise business selling/renting Northern lites.I will be setting up little stands up in the sewards,santas,and dix range this winter and need some people to run them.You can share in the vast profits I anticipate generating.Great rewards just imagine hiking up to hough/ dix coll every day at dawn with that days supplies,getting the woodburning stove going and sitting back to relax and pull in the big money.

Mastergrasshopper

I want to reap in the profits with you... Which mountain can I apply for first??? :D

[Valerie]

Thanks to all who advised.

I bought myself a pair of the MSR lightening ascents at Hermits Hut (http://store.hermitshut.com/snowshoes.html). I got a great price. I'm happy I bought them when I did. The price went up $20 since last week!

Another reason I wanted to get a new pair is because I'm starting to think that there is some difference in men's vs women's snowshoes. I fequently find myself stepping on my snowshoes and hope the narrower womens snowshoes will prevent this. (My old snowshoes are men's)

I will probably call atlas about repairing my old shoes and keep them as a backup and for friends to use.

[adkdremn]

Can somebody let ADKParrotHead know if these shoes will work for him?
www.steepandcheap.com
Certainly a good deal on a good shoe, but I don't know much about them and how they'll work the the ADK's.

[slamdog]

I have a pair of the MSR's which are fine on packed trails, or minimal fresh snow. I also have a pair of 10x36 Redfeathers. Being 240 lbs before I put on a stitch of clothing, I need the Redfeathers when the snow is real deep and unpacked so I stay reasonably close to the surface! Only problem with the 10x36's is going into a nice deep spruce trap, and then trying to get them out!