Snowshoeing?

[Lynxie]

Crazy Lynxie's got another idea in her head. I know somebody here must participate in this wintertime activity, and I've got some questions about it. Here's the deal. I'm not an active person, and haven't been for quite some time. However, I'm attempting to change that fact and am intriqued by the idea of taking up snowshoeing. I used to always want to try it, but I could really use some info from anyone who's had experience with it.

Firstly, how difficult is it? Would it be possible for someone who's grossly out of shape to handle it, or would I need to be svelt and sporty before I even began?

Secondly, how strict are the weight ranges for each size shoe? For example, if a 25" shoe is rated for 120 to 200 lbs, would the wearer have to necessarily fall within that range? What happens if they're below or above the limits?

How about women's vs. men's shoes? The women's designs I've seen are more tapered at the ends - is this important? If I couldn't find the proper size in a women's snowshoe, would it be too difficult for me to use a men's style?

And lastly, any tips on what to look for in a well-made snowshoe are most welcome. Thanks in advance!

 

[Rattlesnake1775]

Shoeing

I haven't been in a while, but growing up it was a constant source of fun, and a great way to get around. It is not at all hard, and anybody that can walk can do it. What's so strenous about it is moving your weight, plus everything you are wearing (cold weather gear) across the snow, while moving these massive paddles for shoes around, which add their own weight, and are rather duck like.

Most shoes made these days are of rather high quality. The weight rating really tells you what that shoe was designed to support across the snow. If you are to heavy, the shoe will sink, and make forward progress more dificult then it should be. If you are lighter then the rating, it really does not matter, except you could use a smaller shoe. As far as male vs female, I do not think that makes a difference.

Anybody can do it, and I would encourage you to try it this winter if you get the chance. Rent first if you can, and get a feel for it, then invest in the equiptment.

 

[Lynxie]

I haven't been in a while, but growing up it was a constant source of fun, and a great way to get around. It is not at all hard, and anybody that can walk can do it. What's so strenous about it is moving your weight, plus everything you are wearing (cold weather gear) across the snow, while moving these massive paddles for shoes around, which add their own weight, and are rather duck like.

Most shoes made these days are of rather high quality. The weight rating really tells you what that shoe was designed to support across the snow. If you are to heavy, the shoe will sink, and make forward progress more dificult then it should be. If you are lighter then the rating, it really does not matter, except you could use a smaller shoe. As far as male vs female, I do not think that makes a difference.

Anybody can do it, and I would encourage you to try it this winter if you get the chance. Rent first if you can, and get a feel for it, then invest in the equiptment.

Thanks, Rattlesnake. It just dawned on me that I could try renting first, before I shell out the big bucks for cutesy, stylish snowshoes. Waiting to buy might be a good plan anyway, since I'm expecting to lose a decent amount of weight by winter. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Lynxie]

I love finding the answers to my own posts...

Snowshoeing Info!

 

[Straight-8]

Snowshoeing from the great white north

Hi Lynxie:
Snowshoeing is a great winter activity; especially if it results in mulled wine in the hottub later. Like most other outdoor recreation you can make it as easy or as hard as you want. You don't say where you are but avoid steep or long trails at first. Weight ranges on shoes depend a lot on what the snow conditions are like. On typical 'eastern' snow (cement) you can get away with a much smaller shoe. Out west, in the deep powder, you'll sink quite a bit no matter what shoe you are using. Typically, if you are using set-trails you won't need 'full-weight' shoes; but get fairly close so you can go off trail a bit when you get some more experience. Remember to add the weight of the gear you'll be carrying. Women's shoes are generally built a bit narrower (and in prettier colours - no, really!) so that you don't have to waddle quite as much. Use one or two ski poles at first until you feel comfortable without them. Check out the Atlas website - they make really good shoes and have a lot of good info. Enjoy and you'll be svelt in no time!
8

 

[Lynxie]

Hi Lynxie:
Snowshoeing is a great winter activity; especially if it results in mulled wine in the hottub later.

I like your method of thinking. Hottub is now an essential on my list of "snowshoeing supplies" to purchase.

I'm in central MA, and our snow really varies from a dry powder to a heavy, wet, slushy grossness. Hopefully I'll be able to shed enough pounds to get a smaller-size shoe to make it a bit easier to navigate. I'm clumsy enough without giant paddles on my feet.

You're right about the color options, though. In the style I'm looking at, guys can choose from red or blue. Women can choose from turquoise, lavendar, dusky pink, celadon, and cayenne. Fortunately they don't charge extra for the cute colors (like so many other products do).

 

[Rattlesnake1775]

Not sure what your goal overall is, but snowshoeing is a cardio activity, so anything cardio related will help you prepare for it. Obviously we all have our own personal favorite way of raising heart rates, but if you can walk the trails that you intend to snow shoe now, you'll get more used to them, as well as aware of any uneven terrain and such.

Just an idea...find all the good make out spots now...

 

[Straight-8]

Now, are you going to post some pictures of the 'new you'?

 

[Ezzy]

Now is a great time to buy snowshoes, if you can find a store with the color and size you want in, stock you may be able to take a pair from them for near cost.

Go and make them an offer they can't refuse!

 

[EJFan]

i don't know lynx... i've never even shoed a horse, let alone shoeing snow. i'd have to guess it would be really difficult... 'specially when you consider how tiny the laces must be.

 

[Ezzy]

i don't know lynx... i've never even shoed a horse, let alone shoeing snow. i'd have to guess it would be really difficult... 'specially when you consider how tiny the laces must be.

I have shoed a horse, I was walking across a field and the horse came up to me, I waved my arms and said, "Shoo", and it trotted away.

 

[Guest]

 

[SweetErika]

Crazy Lynxie's got another idea in her head. I know somebody here must participate in this wintertime activity, and I've got some questions about it. Here's the deal. I'm not an active person, and haven't been for quite some time. However, I'm attempting to change that fact and am intriqued by the idea of taking up snowshoeing. I used to always want to try it, but I could really use some info from anyone who's had experience with it.

Firstly, how difficult is it? Would it be possible for someone who's grossly out of shape to handle it, or would I need to be svelt and sporty before I even began?

Secondly, how strict are the weight ranges for each size shoe? For example, if a 25" shoe is rated for 120 to 200 lbs, would the wearer have to necessarily fall within that range? What happens if they're below or above the limits?

How about women's vs. men's shoes? The women's designs I've seen are more tapered at the ends - is this important? If I couldn't find the proper size in a women's snowshoe, would it be too difficult for me to use a men's style?

And lastly, any tips on what to look for in a well-made snowshoe are most welcome. Thanks in advance!

Oooh...lots of great advice I can mooch off of!

We used to snowshoe a few years ago in college with circa-1965 or so shoes that belong to my inlaws. I never knew there was a weight limit, but apparently I did just fine with my mother-in-law's shoes (in her college days she was about 6 inches shorter and WAY lighter than me). I think I also tried my father-in-law's, and they worked just as well.

It's definitely more difficult physically than just walking, but a heck of a lot easier than walking in snow. Perhaps it could be compared to cross-country skiing in terms of physical exertion? But as others have said, just about anyone (including out-of-shapers) can do it. I'm sure the newer shoes make it easier and much more fun though.

 

[southerntierguy]

Thanks, Rattlesnake. It just dawned on me that I could try renting first, before I shell out the big bucks for cutesy, stylish snowshoes. Waiting to buy might be a good plan anyway, since I'm expecting to lose a decent amount of weight by winter. Thanks for the advice!

I'd definitely agree with this idea, renting first will help you evaluate what you need/want as far as equipment goes.

I have snowshoes, and have lived in New York or New England for most of my life. As far as estimating what weight-rating you should consider, it might depend on what you are planning on doing. If, for example, you are doing it mostly for exercise and have local trails you are going to use, and will be going without much added weight/equipment, I'd agree you could probably get away with using equipment rated at a lower weight than what you are at, if you have some you can borrow, etc. We've got a ~20 acre farm whose fence needs to be checked regularly in the winter, and I'd have no problem with a pair of snowshoes that "should" support somewhat less weight than me. But I don't carry much for equipment then, usually just a pair of needle-nose pliers (it is an electric fence).

I've got a collie that likes to occasionally go bounding off in the woods, and I sink significantly if I'm using my father's older snowshoes because someone else needs mine.

 

[Quoll]

Slightly totally off topic

After hearing terms like snowballing, salad tossing, and creampies, I just can't help thinking that snowshoeing should have a sexual meaning, but which one?

 

[Guest]

 

[Quoll]

Upon reading your post, I immediately imagined a guy ejaculating into a women's shoe. Just don't ask me why.

That's better than the image I had, I'm a size 10 so it aint gonna fit anyway.

 

[Lynxie]

That's better than the image I had, I'm a size 10 so it aint gonna fit anyway.

Oh god, I haven't checked on this thread in a few days... and LOOK where it's gone! A few points...

1) Thanks everyone for the advice. I am planning on doing more walking and hiking to get accustomed to the areas in which I'd probably be snowshoeing.

2) I ran this whole idea by my hubby, and he thinks it sounds like a ton of fun. He even knows of a place where we may be able to rent them (the closest REI that rents them is unfortunately over an hour away).

3) As for sexual definitions, I think Scally's definition of "ejaculating into a woman's shoe" seems to fit the best. Quoll... I don't even want to think about yours.