Snow Shoes

[sivart]

Forgive my ignorance. After a long hike in 8" deep snow, has me wondering how much do snow shoes really help? Never tried them. Don't have access to try them. So I'll have to go on hearsay.

 

[Legend]

Most snowshoes sold never get used in conditions that require them. But when you have 4 feet of powder they can be pretty fun and absolutely necessary.

The number of snowshoe tracks down groomed trails is hilarious.

 

[huntsman22]

Most of the snowshoes sold, are only good on groomed trails......

 

[carsonkeys]

I don't think snowshoes would do much in 8" of snow. However, to be completely transparent, I wouldn't know because I wouldn't waste the time for only 8" of snow. You'll sink about that much in snowshoes anyways.

Good (i.e. BIG) snowshoes shine in snow conditions as described above, IME.

 

[Huntin Fool]

Snow shoes are great in deep snow, but can suck if it’s warmer out and the snow sticks to them. 8” isn’t deep enough to need snow shoes

 

[TaperPin]

It’s hard to have the correct snowshoes - unless it’s deep powder then you definitely need the big ones.

I usually buy someone the little guys first. It keeps you from post holing in otherwise solid snow, and it’s all you need for most well used trails. Still, most days any kind of trail is solid enough to not need them.

When I was really into them there’s no substitute for three pairs in different sizes. You’ll have the big guys on in deep snow feeling like king of the mountain and some telemark guys with climbing skins will blow by you going up and ski by you going down. lol

 

[dwhite0622]

I’ve seen these ski-shoes popping up in more late winter/deep snow style hunts. I have no experience with them whatsoever, but I’m intrigued for late rifle season out west when post-holing slows everything down.

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[go_deep]

I run a trapline off snowshoes, guessing I do around 50 miles a year on mine with a loaded pack, they're priceless. 36" shoes will keep you a float above a lot of stuff!
8" of the right kind of snow you might not need them, but in the same turn in the right snow you would benefit from them. For example, if there's a crust on top, with snowshoes you'll float right across it, I'd still use them in powder, but I wouldn't use them in wet snow at that depth.

 

[justinspicher]

I try to use my snowshoes whenever there is snow on the ground. Most of the time I am dragging a sled and even in 8” of snow it’s better than wearing a pack.

I had a set of Hok Altai skis and a set of BD Guide skis and didn’t care for either of them. I always went back to snow shoes.

I have five pairs of snow shoes, all of them are MSR models and they all get used differently.