snowshoes in deep snow

[lesterl]

Anyone use snowshoes in deep snow and how good do they work?

[went522]

Depends what style and size of shoe. The traditional snow shoe does real well in deeper snow but isn't real good when it comes to the thick woods/stepping over logs, etc, they're to cumbersome. The smaller the shoe the deeper you'll sink in the snow. I used to do a bit of snow shoeing, I liked a midsize shoe, it did well in most situations.

BIRDDOG

[Checkmate]

Birddog is correct. The larger or longer the snow shoe the easier it is to walk in a straight line and harder to turn. Also may be easier to carry weight without sinking as much. I personally used my Alaskan shoes in the early to mid 1970 though the heavy snows at Saint Cloud, MN. I still have them today. I have been looking at obtaining a smaller set for more general use in more modist snows. Your question was regarding the use in deep snow. Yes they make a huge difference in the ability and your energy expended. With out snow shoes I can not imagine trying to traverse a snow field. You would be winded if in good condition in the first 10 minutes. I am now much older and do not plan to try with out the aid of shoes.

A caution with the snow shoes. If you are the one to cut trail be aware there may be hidden voids under the surface. I once fell into a void. The shoes stopped me about 5 feet down in a 9 foot hole. I had help getting out and needed it as I had cracked a rib an hour earlier on the ice. Long story hope you never experience it. Checkmate

[Crankbaiter]

This thread caught my eye this morning because I just put my s shoes in the truck. In truly deep soft snow they are an essetial piece of equipment. One tip on snow shoes, the binding is the most important part.
Atlas makes a good shoe with a aluminum fram and rubber webbing for about 100$.
If you walk the same route with your snowshoes in winter (like on traplines) it only takes a few trips and you will have packed down the snow and made a solid trail and snow shoes wont be neccesary.