Snowshoeing is a great way to keep active in the winter. For those who want to spend their winters outside, snowshoes are one of the most economical winter activities. So don’t miss the snowshoes on sale this season.
Snowshoes Canada are inferior in popularity to skis, but at the same time, they have their advantages.
- It’s simple. Unlike skiing, snowshoeing can be learned in two steps: take a step with your left foot and then with your right. And that’s it, you’re an expert.
- It’s comfortable. Snowshoes are light and do not take up much space. They can be fastened to a bag, and you may safely travel by rail, subway, and even minibus because they won’t obstruct anyone’s movement. You don’t need to bring boots because they don’t require particular footwear.
- It’s a budget. Snowshoeing requires only snowshoes, warm shoes and suitable clothing – no ski passes or expensive equipment. And if you already go hiking or skiing, you probably have all the necessary clothes and basic equipment.
- It’s universal. On men’s snowshoes and women’s snowshoes, you can go on weekend excursions into the woods or up into the mountains, add variety to your ski trip, or take part in snowshoeing events.
Choose the right snowshoes.
Snowshoes vary in purpose, design and size. Knowing where you’ll go most frequently and what to look for will help you pick the best pair.
Decide where you will walk.
Will it be day trips in the surrounding forests, long hikes in different terrain, or mountain hikes and backcountry. Snowshoes for walking on flat terrain are structurally simpler than for mountains, more budgetary and lighter. But you can’t go to the mountains with them, so if you are not going to be limited to forests, take a pair of more reliable snowshoes designed specifically for mountainous terrain.
These differ in at least two characteristics: the presence of a lift compensator and a good clutch system. The instep compensator is a metal brace that raises the heel and makes climbing hills easier. And good grip is provided by built-in climbing crampons, spikes on the sides and other elements that prevent slippage – the more there are, the more serious conditions snowshoes are designed for.
Pick the right size.
The size of snowshoes does not depend on the size of the shoe, but on the weight of the user and the type of snow. The more weight with the load, the looser the snow, the more snowshoe area is needed. But you shouldn’t play it safe either – smaller snowshoes are lighter and more maneuverable.
Dress properly.
Snowshoeing attire should be layered, just like for any hike. The theory of layering has previously been covered in great length, so here we will concentrate on the specifics of selecting clothing designed for snowshoeing.
Because they are frightened of freezing, beginners frequently make the mistake of clothing too warmly. They become damp as a result, and during repose, they undress. This is a direct path to colds. It is necessary on the contrary: on the route it is easy to dress, so that at first it is even a little cool, and in halts to warm up.
Here’s what you need for snowshoeing.
- Base layer. This is thermal underwear, light or medium, depending on the temperature outside. Thermal underwear should be designed for high activity.
- Warming layer. Fleece jacket, down sweater or light jacket with synthetic insulation. It is important here not to overdo it and not to wear too warm fleece or puff – you will quickly sweat.
- Protective layer. Breathable jacket and trousers to protect against wind and snow. It can be membrane clothing or softshell. It’s good if the jacket has ventilation zippers under the arms: if it’s hot, you can always unzip them and “ventilate”.
- Layers can be adjusted according to the weather. For near-zero temperatures, thermal underwear and a softshell jacket are enough. In colder, but without severe frosts, the second and third layers can be replaced with a light jacket with synthetic insulation.
