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Posted by Tom D on January 23, 2008 at 2:10:46 am EST
In reply to First time snowshoeing and backpacking posted by WISam on January 20, 2008 at 10:09:30 pm EST

WISam, I'm no expert snowshoer,but really,snowshoeing on flat or slight rolling terrain is not much more than walking with really big things on your feet. It is a bit awkward and yes, walking through soft snow is tiring, but it is walking, plain and simple. Anyone who tries to make it seem more complicated than that is kidding themselves.

First time I used mine, I put them on, figured out how to turn around and take a few steps without stepping on my own feet and off I went. In soft snow, it's more about balance than anything and remembering to pick up your feet high enough to clear the snow-that does get tiring.

Sleds-you can buy one or make one from a kid's sled. There are few websites that have plans, sell complete sleds and components. Ed at http://www.skipulk.com is a good source for parts. Since you already have one, why not use it?

I made mine from a blue sled I got at Sports Authority, plus some bits and pieces from Home Depot-eyebolts, links, pvc pipe, end caps and glue. I use two biners to attach the poles to my hipbelt loops. Total cost about $25. I had the biners already. You can spend way more for a fancy sled with stainless marine fittings and a cover, but for casual use, something like mine is fine.

If you get ambitious, you can add fins on the bottom or put what look like catamaran daggerboards on the side to control slipsliding. I haven't done that yet, but have seen pictures of how to do it.

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