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Over the last two weeks we looked at how to use snowshoes and when to use the various types of traction devices. So, let's carry on with the theme, today we will jump back to snowshoes, and figure out what size you're going to need. There is quite a bit to consider when choosing your size for the right amount of floatation.
The size of snowshoe you need depends on your body weight, the weight of your gear, snow type, and whether you snowshoe on broken-out trails or travel cross-country, on fresh powder. But if you are about to buy a new pair of snowshoes, don’t take manufacturer’s size recommendations as gospel. Their snowshoe fit guides tend to put you into a snowshoe that is too big and much heavier than you need. The last thing you want is to carry more weight in winter than necessary, or get stuck with a giant pair of snowshoes that are impossible to maneuver with. I’ve done this myself, and it’s money down the drain. Generally, the larger the snowshoe, the more flotation and decking surface area it will provide. If you plan on snowshoeing on powder and breaking trail more than 80% of the time, then I’d recommend you get a larger snowshoe with a lot of flotation. However, if you plan on snowshoeing on broken-out trails or a mix of snow and icy, rocky terrain then I recommend that you downsize a level. You don’t need the flotation, and you’ll find it difficult to maneuver with 30″ snowshoes on narrow, trench-like trails.
Snowshoes for Rocky Terrain
Let me give you a real-world example. I live in rocky New England. I mainly hike on mountain trails under tree cover, with moderate snow levels. I avoid snowshoeing on trails that are not broken out and mainly hike on older, crusty snow or a dusting of powder. I weigh 180 lbs and carry a 20-30 lb pack on winter day hikes and backpacking trips. At one point, I used 30″ Atlas Snowshoes and then 30″ Northern Lite ultralight snowshoes. Both proved too large for practical use because they were too wide to fit in the narrow trench of a broken-out trail and they were difficult to turn around in while wearing. Using them was downright unpleasant, so I downsized to 25″ MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes. That has proven to be a good switch. If you add my weight and gear weight together, it comes to 210 lbs on the high end when I’m backpacking and 200 lbs on the low when I’m day tripping. That puts me into the 30″ Lightning Ascent if I were to follow the MSR fit guide, which doesn’t work for New England snowshoeing.
Conclusion
Most fit guides from snowshoe manufacturers tend to put you into a snowshoe size designed for powdery snow requiring a high degree of flotation. If you plan on snowshoeing on packed trails, consider downsizing to a shorter and narrower snowshoe than the one recommended for your combined body and gear weight. If in doubt, ask around. Post a question about sizing on an online forum or Facebook group with local hikers that are familiar with the terrain in your area. They can give you the advice you need to purchase the right size snowshoe for your needs.
Written by Philip Werner of Section Hiker, published on September 30, 2021
Edited by Lenny Burch of Niagara Adventure Club for Canada.N.A.C. NEWS
(Sunday, November 20, 2022)
Good Morning Lenny,
I want to talk to you guys about BILL 23. A few years back, Doug Ford passed a bill taking ownership and control of our conservation areas away from Conservation Authorities. They still manage the areas, but the province controls them. Immediately afterwards, many devolopers purchased these protected lands. Many of these developers also happen to be Doug Ford's campaign contributors. Now, Doug Ford is proposing BILL 23, a Bill that would allow said developers to develop the land. The bill also requires all Conservation Authorities to report all lands within the conservation areas that is able to be developed. Therefore creating a large report of all the conservation land that can be sold and developed in the future. If BILL 23 passes, we can say good bye to many of our hiking trails, many of our conservation areas, many wildlife reserves, the many animals that live in and use these lands while migrating. This would be an ecological disaster for Ontario, and it needs to be stopped. If you would like to help stop BILL 23, I've included a few links below. THE FACTS THE TORONTO STAR - They recently bought Greenbelt land that was undevelopable. Now the Ford government is poised to remove protections — and these developers stand to profit ONTARIO NATURE - BILL 23 - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW MOBILIZAZATION AGAINST BILL 23 50 By 30 REGION of WATERLOO - STOP BILL 23 PETITIONS CHANGE.ORG - STOP MORE, BAD HOUSING BILL 23 in ONTARIO ECOLOGY OTTAWA - STOP BILL 23 Please take a few moments to read some of the information here, and if you agree, please sign the petitions. We must protect our lands from Provincial greed.
As for club news;
Next Friday we have Indoor Rock Climbing at Climber's Rock in Burlington. Even if you have never climbed before, you are able to join us and climb the lower walls without any special training. Climbing is great fun, great exercise and a great way to challenge yourself and push those limits. We have 3 more day hikes and 3 more climbing days for 2022, then we move into the 2023 season! Be sure to get your 2023 Seasons Passes now. The sale of Season's Passes is a major part of what keeps this club operating, so please consider purchasing one for yourself or gift one to a friend. NAC Season Passes make a great Christmas gift! Your Season Pass comes with many discounts and benefits making it an incredible value.
Get your 2023 Season Pass
That's all the news for this week. As always, stay safe, and happy hiking!
Lenny Burch