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Posted by Alicia on January 21, 2008 at 1:26:48 pm EST
In reply to First time snowshoeing and backpacking posted by WISam on January 20, 2008 at 10:09:30 pm EST

A lot has already been covered well, but here are a few more points:

As already mentioned, your trip sounds rather ambitious to me (50 lbs, off-trail, 4-5 days straight), and especially so for a first time. I like the basecamp idea though, as well as the sled. That way you can hike in a short distance (or no distance) and have the luxury of not carrying a full pack during the day and working on your winter camping skills in a safer way.

Will your companion be an experienced winter backpacker/camper? Have you ever done it? If not, don’t take on too much too soon. Going out with an experienced group or friend is a great way to get into stuff like this.

I second Tom’s recommendation of reading a book (or several) like “Allen & Mike's Really Cool Backcountry Ski Book” or the “AMC Guide to Winter Camping.” While book reading will not give you the direct experience for winter camping, it can provide a lot of valuable info. I’d highly recommend “Freedom of the Hills” for comprehensive info.

Since your snowshoeing experience is limited I highly recommend doing a rental or demo before buying to see what you like about particular models. I know you’re eager to get the gear and get out there, but to make good gear choices you need to know what does and doesn’t work for you and your needs.

If you’ll be doing regular off-trail, steep, heavy-duty hiking and backpacking, you’ll need a backcountry model of snowshoes (http://www.trailspace.com/gear/snowshoes/backcountry/). There are a number of good ones, as mentioned above (I personally really like my MSR Lightning Ascents, which come in men’s and women’s models). But ultimately you have to decide what features you need and prefer in a snowshoe based on how you’ll use it, what bindings you like best, and so on. With my MSR’s I love the heel lifter (excellent when climbing), good traction, and the fact that it comes in a women’s model too.

Trailspace also has a “How to Choose Snowshoes” article at http://www.trailspace.com/gear/guide/snowshoes.html

It’s already been said, but I heartily agree so I’ll repeat it—Start slow and build up from there. You want to have a safe and positive experience outdoors, and there’s less room for error in winter.

I love snowshoeing and winter camping is excellent. So I hope you have a safe and great time with whatever you choose to do. Please let us know how it goes.

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• Re: First time snowshoeing and backpacking - rexim 20:24:02 01/21/2008

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