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Posted by f_klock on January 20, 2008 at 11:28:46 pm EST
In reply to First time snowshoeing and backpacking posted by WISam on January 20, 2008 at 10:09:30 pm EST

I don't want to be a kill-joy, but is seams to me that your training should have begun some time ago. Just as one should not start out on a multi-day hike in new boots, using new snowshoes for the first time on a multi-day trip may not be the best thing to do.

Due to the short length you described, I must assume that your previous experience on 'shoes did not include a 50# pack. You may want to see what this is like before going. It's slow. Shin-splints are pretty common as well. Poles help with balance. Some old schoolers resist their use, but they work well for balancing while wearing a heavy pack.

If you do decide to go on your trip. Remember to purchase snoshoes that are of the proper weight rating for you AND your 50+ lbs of gear. Longer shoes are better for deeper powder, but they can be heavier than smaller ones. They get annoying on packed trails too.

There are a lot of different types of snowshoes. Heavier treking shoes are usually built better than the lighter racing type. If you sacrifice strength for weight and your shoe breaks back of beyond - you didn't save anything. Make sure you can repair anything that may break on your shoes - frame, decking, bindings, poles etc.

Caution, caution, caution. File an itinerary. Carry cell phone, a map, compass and safety equipment.

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