How to Pick the Right Snowshoes

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Imagine trekking through pristine wilderness blanketed by a cover of pure snow. Now make the picture a reality when you buy snowshoes perfectly suited to you and your experience.

Step 1: Define your adventure
Define your snowshoe adventure according to whether you will trek flat, steep, packed, or icy terrain, or participate in competitive events, and consider snowshoe styles based on their intended use.

Step 2: Consider weight
Consider your weight, plus the weight of the gear you will carry, to determine what size snowshoe to buy, keeping in mind that heavier people and lighter snow require larger snowshoes.

Tip
Modern snowshoe frames are made from lightweight aluminum and their surface decking is made from synthetic materials to make trekking easy.

Step 3: Match weight and length
Match your weight to suggested snowshoe lengths, which range in size from 8-by-21-inches for under 140 pounds, up to 10-by-36-inches for weights over 200 pounds.

Step 4: Choose bindings
Choose bindings that secure the snowshoes to your boots, making sure they hold snugly to your style of footwear, especially if you race.

Step 5: Get traction
Get the traction you need by buying a snowshoe with toe cleats for general use, heel cleats for control on descents, and traction bars for navigating rough terrain.

Step 6: Rent
Rent a pair of snowshoes from a resort, park, or retailer before buying to try out the features you're considering.

Step 7: Buy
Buy snowshoes from respected retail outlets, or order a kit online for the satisfaction of making your own snowshoes the time-honored and old-fashioned way.

Did You Know?
Snow leopards of Central Asia have large, furry paws which serve as natural snowshoes.