Snow shoes

[TradLife406]

I've had a couple people tell me where I drew my elk permit the snow can get bad.
Kind of thinking a pair of snow shoes would be handy to keep in the truck if nothing else.

There any suggestions?

I see the MSR ones on campfire sometimes. Any other info for a newbie?

 

[justinspicher]

I’m an MSR snow shoe fan. If your planning on elk hunting in Colorado I can loan you a pair.

 

[yfarm]

Had never used snowshoes, had a pair I bought for wading in mud bottom bays for redfish. Went out after a heavy snowfall in the upper midwest, water content was medium, was in hilly terrain that was steep. Spent about an hour, expended more energy than my normal 3-4 mile/ 7 min mile daily run. This was fresh, unbroken snow. My attire was what I wore running in the winter, can’t imagine carrying a rifle, pack and wearing usual hunting clothing. Was drenched in that one hour.

 

[BBob]

Forum search anyone?

Thread 'Snowshoe Recommendations'

Jan 21, 2022

Hi. I'm looking into trying some snowshoes. I camp and hunt at and above treeline and have had a couple of rough years trying to get around in the snow. Any recommendations on a lightweight pair? Weight capacity will be 200-220 lbs.

• Huntingpreacher
• Replies: 20
• Forum: Footwear

Thread 'Snow shoes'

Dec 29, 2022

Been doing some research on a set of snow shoes. Looking at getting the msr lightning. Amy thoughts other than them. Thanks

• horngobbler

 

[go_deep]

I use Red Feather snowshoes for my trap line. I do anywhere from 5-14 miles a day a few times a week about 4 months out of the year, with a pack, gun, catches, bait, extra traps, and random stuff.
I wouldn't ever dream of doing this without snow shoes.
If you do bring snow shoes, bring a small kids sled with a good rope, you could put a lot of elk on one and haul it out that way too.

 

[6mm Remington]

Hard to go wrong with MSR snowshoes!!!

Lightning™ Ascent MSR Snowshoes - Ultimate Snowshoe | MSR®

MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes represent the pinnacle of ultralight and aggressive all-terrain performance, with uncompromised foot control and comfort.

cascadedesigns.com

 

[mtwarden]

I’ve got four pairs of snowshoes from small to large, all are MSR. They have very good bindings and aggressive frames and crampons.

 

[COJoe]

If you are off of a trail, perhaps hiking out of a blowdown area with snow or heavy dark timber, how would they do? Would they bend or twist? That's my concern because of the area I will be hunting in 4th season. Or are they made more for snow covered slopes and trails?

 

[TradLife406]

Forum search anyone?

Thread 'Snowshoe Recommendations'

Jan 21, 2022

Hi. I'm looking into trying some snowshoes. I camp and hunt at and above treeline and have had a couple of rough years trying to get around in the snow. Any recommendations on a lightweight pair? Weight capacity will be 200-220 lbs.

• Huntingpreacher
• Replies: 20
• Forum: Footwear

Thread 'Snow shoes'

Dec 29, 2022

Been doing some research on a set of snow shoes. Looking at getting the msr lightning. Amy thoughts other than them. Thanks

• horngobbler

lol I'll search and scroll but who knows what's changed in the past couple of years.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ross]

MSR shoes are almost indestructible and designed for off trail routes. They are aggressive in design with the added traction on the frames and step plate, along with very good bindings. I hate snowshoe season, but a necessary evil to get around come winter in the backcountry. Been running either the lightnings or Evo ascents for decades with only one strap needing replacement.

 

[BBob]

lol I'll search and scroll but who knows what's changed in the past couple of years.

Seeing what's posted in this thread, nothings changed. MSR all the way

 

[mtnbound]

I've had a couple people tell me where I drew my elk permit the snow can get bad.
Kind of thinking a pair of snow shoes would be handy to keep in the truck if nothing else.

There any suggestions?

I see the MSR ones on campfire sometimes. Any other info for a newbie?

Avoid the tube style, I have found them to slide, especially going downhill, and they don't bite very well on side hills. The MSR Evo and Lightning models feature good edges and crossbars for enhanced traction. Buy the tail extensions to get maximum flotation. Another option, which requires some practice and can be more efficient, is Skishoeing.

 

[mtwarden]

Obviously tougher to get through blowdown with snowshoes than without, but if the snow is deep enough to warrant snowshoes, it doesn't matter-—you need snowshoes. As said multiple times above, MSR—just pick the right length for your weight (and weight of your pack), type of snow (powder vs harder packed) and you're good to go.

Either the EVO Ascents or Lightning would be my choice (I have both) and purchase the optional tails—if you guess wrong on the type of snow you encounter, having the ability to add some length helps. Both models have the heel lift which I originally thought was a little gimmicky, but having used them in steep terrain—no gimmick, they work. If you're not in steep terrain, probably could forego that feature.

 

[GotDraw?]

I've had a couple people tell me where I drew my elk permit the snow can get bad.
Kind of thinking a pair of snow shoes would be handy to keep in the truck if nothing else.

There any suggestions?

I see the MSR ones on campfire sometimes. Any other info for a newbie?

I have 25" MSR Lightning Ascents w/o the tail add-ons. They are amazing in steep technical terrain.

I highly recommend getting 30" because winter packs can be heavy w/elk meat + gear. Adding tails to my 25" will add more floatation, but only to the back end of the snowshoe... changes your floation center of gravity.

You'll want floatation at the front if the snow is deep/soft.

JL

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I’ve been beating on a pair of atlas montagnes for 7 years but I’m going to switch to MSR ones.

 

[Dogone]

Msr always. I had a pair of cheap tube types , lasted maybe 50 miles. Besides the msr I have long and narrow wood and rawhide ones. Execellent for open country .