5 Comments

1. 

   Jeff Kerkove

   December 4, 2007

   Sorry, can’t help you out. All I do is ride a bike.

2. 

   UltraRob

   December 4, 2007

   I’d rather ski than snowshow. I snowshow when I’m going into terrain that isn’t good for skiing or I’m going with people that don’t know how to ski.

   There are basically 3 types of snowshoes. Ones for racing, general recreation and serious backcountry hiking with a big pack. The race ones are lighter but are best for packed snow. The general recreation ones are bigger and heavier but will keep you up better where it’s not packed. The backcountry ones are even bigger and heavier but keep you on top of the snow even with a pack.

   I think the key thing is to figure out what you want to do with them. You want as light as will keep you from sinking too far. That’s a function of how much you weigh and what type of snow conditions you’ll use them in.

   Another thing is to make sure they have a good binding. I have a no name pair and I’m constantly having a shoe slip off. I have a Redfeather pair that almost never come off. I’v also heard a lot of good things about Atlas.

3. 

   Guitar Ted

   December 5, 2007

   I have a pair of Atlas light back packer type snow shoes. (Mostly because I weigh as much as a backpacker with a pack, not because I actually use a backpack!)

   I haven’t had a ton of time on them due to the fact that Iowa hasn’t had enough snow to snowshoe on in seven years! When we did, the Atlas shoes worked fantastic. I would recommend them or Redfeathers.

   Now I have gotten into XC skiing since we usually get about two to three weeks worth of ski-able snow.

   Global warming……whattya gonna do.

4. 

   the original big ring

   December 5, 2007

   Adam, I’m incorporating my snowshoes into my training over the winter. It is an excellent way to build power in the legs. My coach has me doing short, power workouts in the snow. It’s kind of equivalent to doing squats. I keep a steady, sustained effort for about an hour or so, with poles (helps with strengthening the core). Coach has light, running style shoes, I have a pair of Atlas backcountry which are awesome in deep snow (something that there isn’t a shortage of up here!). I alternate my workouts with skate and classic xc skiing to build endurance and core fitness. Two other days are on the trainer working on pedaling technique and fitenss. Lots of variety will make the winter fly by.
   Cheers,
   C.

5. 

   Dave Byers

   December 9, 2007

   I agree with OBR…snowshoeing hard for an hour+ with poles is a great strength workout. Leave the trails and head uphill and you will love it. I have a pair of Atlas backpacking snowshoes that are going strong after 5+ years.