Snow Shoes
Embark on Exciting Adventures with Snowshoes
Snowshoeing provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the scenic snow-laden landscapes throughout the winter season. This unique footwear helps distribute your weight over a broader area, preventing you from sinking deeply into the snow. Consequently, you can explore areas that would be challenging to reach using ordinary hiking boots, such as open fields, rolling hills or steep inclines. Apart from the joy of exploring nature, it also offers a fantastic fitness routine that is both affordable and hassle-free.
Understanding Snowshoes
Essentially, snowshoes act as extensions for your feet, enhancing the surface area you step on and reducing the likelihood of sinking into the snow. Modern snowshoes have significantly evolved from the early versions crafted with wooden frames and rawhide laces. Nowadays, they are lighter and more robust, with features like crampons (metal spikes) for navigating icy terrains, along with adjustable bindings to secure your feet firmly. So, let your traditional snowshoes adorn the space above your fireplace, and explore our contemporary range.
Choosing the Right Snowshoes
When selecting snowshoes, it's crucial to consider your weight, the snow conditions, and the steepness of the terrain you intend to traverse. Each model specifies a recommended maximum load (weight) that should not be surpassed. This "load" includes your body weight along with all the clothing, boots, and equipment you will carry while snowshoeing.
If you're choosing between several models, the snow conditions might guide your decision. For deep powder snow, snowshoes with a more extensive surface area perform better as they "float" on the snow more effortlessly than smaller ones. In areas with steep terrain, look for models featuring additions like heel lifts and extended toe and heel crampons, designed specifically for mountaineering snowshoes, to aid climbing.
Remember, there is no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing choices. Dress adequately for the weather conditions outside. Check the forecast, wear your cosiest winter boots, and layer appropriately. Carry a backpack that can accommodate an extra layer along with essentials like sunscreen, water, snacks, and a first aid kit. Are you missing some gear? Visit our Apparel Category to explore snow gloves, snow trousers, snow jackets, and more!
You might also be interested in cross country skiing, a sport that often shares pathways with snowshoeing. To learn more, visit our page on Cross Country Skis & Cross Country Skiing Equipment.