Snowshoeing Gear Guide

Introduction to the Snowshoeing Gear Guide – Why Snowshoeing?

For those of you who love the outdoors, winter does not mean you have to stay indoors. Though you may think maintaining fitness and staying active during winter can pose a challenge, there are a variety of outdoor activities available, including downhill and cross-country skiing, ice-skating and snowshoeing. One of my favorites is snowshoeing, which gives me cause to share that passion and post this “Snowshoeing Gear Guide”.

Snowshoeing may not be the first winter activity people think of, but it is gaining popularity due to its myriad health benefits, making it an excellent choice for a happier and healthier winter! What is especially exciting about snowshoeing is that if you can walk, you can snowshoe. This makes it a great winter time activity for those that aren’t overly athletic, but still want to stay active.

According to Snowshoe Magazine, here is a quick summary of the health benefits of snowshoeing:

• Improves Cardiovascular Health
  • A low impact aerobic activity that gets your heart pumping.
• A Great Workout for Your Muscles
  • Like walking, snowshoeing predominantly engages your quadriceps (front thigh muscles), hamstrings (back thigh muscles), glutes (buttocks), and calves. The level of muscle activation intensifies with the frequency of inclines, both ascents and descents.
• Helps Improve Mental Health
  • Fight those wintertime blues by getting outside and enjoying the scenery while exercising.
• Burns Calories
  • Snowshoeing is an effective way for individuals to stay in shape and shed calories. Snowshoeing expends a greater number of calories compared to walking at an equivalent pace and duration, making it a favorable option for those focused on weight control. The added weight of snowshoes and winter attire, combined with the resistance offered by the snow, leads to heightened exertion.

Getting Started with Snowshoeing

Before you take a complete plunge into the sport, you may want to try renting a pair of snowshoes to give them a try. Almost any cross-country skiing area will also rent snowshoes as well as may even offer a class. As an alternative, many outdoor sporting goods stores (REI, EMS, Cabela’s, etc.) rent snowshoes as well. You could put some on and even walk around the local park to give it a try.

How to Choose Snowshoes

Once you have decided to commit to snowshoeing, it is time to buy your first pair of snowshoes. You can find all sorts of online guides to help you pick out a snowshoe. However, I have taken it upon myself to write my own guide for my readers. I have done this for two reasons:

• I am an experienced snowshoer, and
• I am budget conscious and will recommend that you buy a snowshoeing package for your first set-up

This guide gives you an introduction to snowshoes, including the different types, how to size them as well as providing additional accessories you will likely need for your first trip to make it a pleasant, rewarding experience. Admittedly, I have thrown in a few of my personal preferences as well.

 

Anatomy of a Snowshoe

As seen in the picture above, snowshoes consist of these basic components:

Snowshoe Frame

Frames for snowshoes are constructed from a range of materials, including wood, plastic, or lightweight aluminum tubing, and they come in various shapes. These variations serve distinct purposes. Oval-shaped shoes provide the best buoyancy, while shoes with tapered tails and asymmetrical designs enable a more natural walking stride.

Decking

Decking is the essential component responsible for forming the surface area of a snowshoe, essentially providing the buoyancy needed for walking on snow. Think back to that vintage pair of snowshoes displayed above the mantle in Uncle Frank’s living room; the webbing made of rawhide stretched across the wooden frame serves as the decking.

Modern iterations of snowshoes, on the other hand, employ solid sheets of durable, lightweight materials such as Hypalon (a resilient, rubbery form of nylon), vinyl, or polyurethane-coated nylon. These materials enhance flotation while minimizing the overall surface area of the snowshoe, making them more efficient for use in various snow conditions.

Binding

Bindings play a crucial role in attaching your boots securely to the snowshoe and ensuring that your feet remain properly aligned for efficient tracking. When your heels aren’t centered or the bindings fail to secure your foot snugly, it can result in your snowshoes not tracking in a straight path or constant adjustments and tightening of the fit. Bindings are essential for optimizing the performance of your snowshoes in the specific conditions you frequently encounter.

In the past, all bindings relied on various straps that wrapped over and around your boot to maintain stability. Today, binding designs have evolved, ranging from simple rubber straps to intricate plastic cuffs and ratcheting mechanisms inspired by snowboard binding technology. To determine whether a binding suits your needs, it’s advisable to first rent the snowshoe you’re considering for a trial weekend. This practical testing will provide a clear understanding of what works best for you, especially the easy of putting on and taking off the snowshoe. Of course, if you are a more advanced buyer, you will want to test the performance in varied terrain.

Crampons

Snowshoes crafted for versatile back country use should incorporate metal teeth, known as crampons, that effectively grip snow and ice to provide enhanced footing. These crampons are especially valuable when you’re ascending steep terrain, traversing firm ridges, or crossing frozen, wind-swept ponds.

The simplest systems incorporate toe crampons that protrude beneath the ball of your foot, delivering a secure grip with each step. Additionally, it’s common to find metal teeth positioned under the heel for added stability.

For snowshoes intended for expeditionary adventures and conquering peaks, more comprehensive cleating is essential. These models typically feature both toe and heel crampons, along with an assortment of metal and plastic ridges that extend either along the length or width of the shoe. This robust cleating configuration serves to prevent any sliding on steep or icy approaches. In the case of the most aggressive high-mountain snowshoes, they are equipped with longer, sharper teeth, and in some instances, even spikes located beneath the forefoot to tackle steep and icy terrains with utmost confidence.

Know What Kind of Terrain You Plan to Explore

Snowshoes are designed for 3 types of terrain; flat hilly, and mountainous. The first order of business is to determine in what kind of terrain you intend to travel. Of course, you may be in varied terrain, which we will get to later.

Features I would look for in snowshoes are:

Durable Materials

• I have a preference for aircraft aluminum frames with rubber like decking as it is typically more affordable and quieter.
• The molded plastic decking is also effective and can be more forgiving on ankles in rougher terrain.

Reasonably Priced for the Intended Use

• Snowshoes can be found for $75 to $400. If you are new to snowshoeing, I would recommend an entry level product. If you find you like it, you can buy an advanced pair for more extreme use. Frankly, I have 4 pairs so I always have them available for different uses (including one that stays in my truck to be used at any time).
• Look for a Package Deal – You can’t go wrong buying a snowshoe package, which will include the snowshoes, poles and a carrying bag. These will typically be a more entry level snowshoe, but often a set for even hilly (not extreme) terrain.

 

Snowshoes for Different Terrain

Snowshoes for Flat Terrain

• These snowshoes are the least expensive and with a simplified design. Frankly, you can get a decent snowshoe at this price range, which would be in the $75-$150. Often, you can even find a reasonably priced “package” which includes snowshoes, poles and carrying bag for under $100. I have purchased several of these and use them on anything short of very steep, mountainous terrain.

Snowshoes for Rolling Terrain

• Snowshoes for hilly terrain will be similar to those for flat terrain, but with more aggressive crampons, a better binding system and will sometimes come with a heel lift. If you really anticipate getting into snowshoeing, this might be the shoe to buy as a happy compromise and the most versatility. These snowshoes will run $90-$300 a pair. You can still find some great package deals for around $150-200 with these snowshoes.

Snowshoes for Mountainous Terrain

• With mountain snowshoes, you will definitely be spending more money, from $175 to over $300. I of course would not recommend these for first time snowshoers. In addition, if you are advanced and want to purchase this type of snowshoe, I would recommend undertaking a little bit more research into the features that are important to you and what each available product has to offer. At this price point I would want to find at minimum all of these features:
  • Aggressive toe and heel crampons as well as side rails
  • In addition to crampons, frame rails add traction on a variety of terrain. Frame rails run length-wise along the sides of snowshoes and provide that extra level of grip.

Sizing Snow Shoes

Snowshoes are typically sized for “your weight”, which includes clothing and anything else you are carrying on your back. Below is a table that gives you a good idea of the size you need. If you anticipate snowshoeing on flat, packed terrain, you may size on the lower end of the weight range. However, if you intend to be trekking in varied terrain and deeper snow, you will want more flotation and a slightly larger snowshoe.

The table below gives you an idea of sizing for snowshoes. In addition, the manufacturers will give you the recommended weight ranges for their specific models.

Snowshoe Length is Based on Body (and Gear) Weight

The chart below recommends an appropriate snowshoe length based on the total of your weight and anything you may carry (day pack, clothing, etc.):

Snowshoe Size Weight Range Optimal Range

20-22” Can accommodate 80-160 lbs. Best for 100-140 lbs.

25-26” Can accommodate 120-200 lbs. Best for 140-180 lbs.

30” Can accommodate 180-260 lbs. Best for 200-240 lbs.

35-36” Can accommodate 220-300 lbs. Best for 240-280 lbs.

Additional Information About Snowshoes

The Case for Women’s Snowshoes

Upon first glance at a typical unisex snowshoe, one prominent feature becomes immediately evident: their width. This width serves the essential purpose of distributing weight over a broad surface area, allowing the wearer to glide atop the snow rather than sinking into it.

However, while wider snowshoes offer distinct advantages, they can pose challenges when individuals walk with their feet positioned relatively close together. This particular issue tends to affect women more than men due to inherent anatomical differences.

Women typically possess a greater angle between their hips and knees, which naturally brings their feet closer together during locomotion. Consequently, this narrower step pattern can pose difficulties for women (or anyone who snowshoes with closely spaced feet) when using “standard” or “men’s” snowshoes.

It is not uncommon for novices in snowshoeing, with a narrower gait, to experience problems as their snowshoes come into contact with each other mid-stride. This not only proves vexing throughout a day of snowshoeing but also carries the potential for injury if one were to stumble or fall due to this interference.

If you are a woman or know that you walk with a narrow gait, I encourage you to look into women’s snowshoes, of course sized based upon your weight, not gender.

Snowshoe Bindings

Snowshoe bindings are a critical part of the set-up. This is especially true as you begin to take on more difficult terrain and deeper snow. It is one thing to trek on flat, groomed trails and an entire other when snowshoeing in hilly terrain with a foot or more of fresh powder for extended distances.

For those just beginning to snowshoe, you are looking for a binding that easy to get in and out, which reduces the “hassle” of putting on and taking off the snowshoe. At this stage, you will likely be snowshoeing on flatter, well packed terrain. If you anticipate that you will spend almost all of your time on flat, packed terrain, a fixed binding is best as it allows for a more natural gate as the snowshoe doesn’t drop down when you step. However, if you anticipate venturing into hilly terrain and softer snow, I would recommend a simple full rotation, pivot binding. This helps clear the snow after each step as well as facilitate walking in steeper terrain. Most importantly, look for a secure toe cup and heel strap. Nothing will ruin your snowshoeing experience like a loose, poorly fitting snowshoe.

As you venture into deeper snow and more challenging terrain, you will want to look at more expensive snow shoes and “beefier” bindings. Deeper snows and longer trips mean you will likely be wearing more rugged footwear, which requires a more durable, sophisticated binding to handle a heavier boot as well as be easily adjusted in the field. In addition, you will want a snowshoe with a heel lift that will give your calves a break as you climb steeper terrain.

This article, from Snowshoe Magazine, gives you great insights and more detail into the bindings that are available on the market.

 

Best Snowshoes for 2023

Shopping on Your Own

If you wish to just shop for snowshoes on your own, below is a link to Amazon’s best snowshoes. Otherwise, I suggest you look at my recommendation below. At this time of year, stock and size selection may have diminished.

Amazon’s “Best Snowshoes”

A basic snowshoeing kit like the one above is a great value.

Mike’s Recommendations

Snowshoe Kits

As I have said earlier, if this is your first snowshoe, I highly recommend you consider one of the snowshoeing kits (snowshoes, poles and carrying bag) that I share below:

Retrospec Drifter Snowshoe Bundle With Trekking Poles

• Snowshoes have 6061-T6 alloy frames with tough polyethylene decks to provide superior support on the snow and keep your steps light and controlled
• Dual ratchet bindings are fast, secure and easy to strap in and out of while on the trail
• Full-floating pivot-system toe crampons pivot with your feet and dig in as you climb for excellent traction
• Both toe and heel crampons
• Tackle steep terrain with built-in heel lifters that flip up to relieve calf strain and assist on steep uphill sections
• Adjust the height of the lightweight aluminum trekking poles to suit any size hiker
• Poles have foam grips for comfort, wrist straps for security and different basket attachments to suit various terrain
• Bundle includes a carry bag; Comes in multiple colors and 21”, 25” and 30” sizes.

My thoughts: Great starter system with some advanced features (heel crampon and heel lift). You could grow with this snowshoe.

Cascade Mountain Lightweight Aluminum Frame Snowshoe Trail Kit

• Strong 6063 aluminum frame is lightweight and durable for all snowshoeing conditions; DuraCoat anodized frame for lasting wear and finish; Quick Set and Release binding for easy and snug set up and one pull release
• XPE Ever-Flex decking, durability in the coldest weather conditions; Articulating Stainless Steel Silicone Toe Bar for fluid movement of bindings and crampons; Front and rear deep bite cleat crampons for secure grip on deep snow, packed ice and rocks
• Expedition’s Cascade Mountain are the ultimate snowshoes for intermediate or advanced snow hiking in all terrain; Adjustable and easy off-on; convenient snowshoe kit in a waterproof bag
• Sizes Available for Cascade Mountain Snowshoe Kit: 21 – 8″ x 21″ up to 150 pounds 25 – 8″ x 25″ up to 200 pounds 30 – 9″ x 30″ up to 250 pounds

My thoughts: I like that the binding has a toe pocket, unlike other ratchet systems. Front and rear crampons are a plus. If I were buying a package, this is likely the one I would choose.

Yukon Charlie’s National Park Snowshoe Kit, Includes Snowshoes, Trekking Poles and Travel Bag

• Unisex design for women and men. Kit includes snowshoes, poles with trekking and snow baskets and travel bag
• The Advanced series allows the snowshoe enthusiast access to any terrain the back country has to offer, allowing you to choose your own adventure
• This versatile series utilizes our lightest and strongest frame, making it a premier performer
• With technical features and user-friendly characteristics, this snowshoe is a great trail shoe for less aggressive users who just want the ability and confidence to expand their snowshoe experience
• Fast Fit II “Easy-Pull” binding system allows the user to get in and out of the shoe with just one pull of the strap
• This snowshoe comes in 21, 25, 30 and 36” sizes. NOTE: PRICE varies considerably dependent upon size.

My thoughts: I liked the hinged binding system. Reviewers say the straps are small for the 36” model (you would expect larger boots for the largest frame size)

 

Men’s and Unisex Snowshoes

Atlas Helium-Trail Snowshoes

• Helium Decking – Unique louver design sheds snow to keep them lightweight, while also creating traction.
• Wrapp Stretch Binding – Stretch binding which provides a comfortable and secure fit with a simple and intuitive two-buckle closure allowing for an easy entry and exit.
• Helium Trail Crampon – Gives snowshoers the needed grip for excursions down less extreme trails. The fore-foot alignment of the tempered steel tangs provides stability and ribbing allows the crampon to shed snow more effectively.
• Traction Rails – Run 2/3 length of snowshoe providing stability and control in all conditions, while still allowing tail to flex for natural gate.
• 12 Degree Heel Lift – Provides relief when climbing those long steep hills, and easily stores for flats and descents
• Comes in 23”, 26” and 30” sizes (you can buy a kit as well, but must find the correct size snowshoe)

My thoughts: This is a more advanced snowshoe, with heel lift AND crampons along the entire frame. This is a snowshoe you could grow with and take on steeper terrain.

Tubbs Men’s Flex STP Snowshoe

• Traction rails – the 3D-curved traction rails ensure superior side hill grip in hard-packed and icy conditions. The curved shape helps prevent fore-aft slippage on steeper terrain
• Flex tail – allows the snowshoe to roll more naturally from heel to toe. The flex tail absorbs shock from the heel STRIKE, reducing the amount of stress on joints
• Quick pull binding – an intuitive forefoot strap on the quick pull binding cinches easily and unlocks with one buckle push. The pivoting toe stop allows for speedy adjustments
• This comes in 24” and 28” sizes

My thoughts: The traction rails will help in icy conditions. It would not be my choice as I prefer the aluminum frames to the plastic frame/deck.

Tubbs Wilderness Snowshoes

• Fit Step 2.0 Frame – Provides ample flotation when the snow gets deep
• Cobra Toe Crampon – traction and stability needed on varying terrain
• Also comes with traction side rails
• Heel Lift – 16 degrees
• Quick-Fit Binding – Provides a quick and secure fit with easy-pull straps and roller buckle heel strap
• Comes in 25”, 30”, and 36” sizes

My thoughts: If you prefer the aluminum frame to the Tubbs STP. I think this snowshoe is a great all-around snowshoe for trails and hilly terrain.

 

Snowshoes Kits for Women

Yukon Charlie’s Advanced Women’s Snowshoe Kit with Poles and Bag

• Women’s snowshoe kit with poles and bag; Heavy duty HDPE decking creates maximum flotation and durability you can count on
• Exclusive Rocker V Tail for natural stride whether walking or running; Powder coated crampons on front and rear for superior trail gripping traction
• Fast Fit II easy pull binding designed to optimize the fit to most any winter footwear; Forged steel and ultra strong 6000 aluminum frames
• Snow Motion axle system gives frame additional 30% torsional rigidity for ultimate traction on double fall lines
• The snowshoe comes in a 21″ and 25″ size.

My thoughts: A great starter system, though I would choose the G2 kit below.

G2 Light Weight Snowshoes Kit with Toe Box

• G2 snowshoes use high quality & lightweight HDPE as its deck to provide a nice floatage in snowfield so that users can save their energy and go further.
• Fast ratchet binding is designed for low-temperature environment. It can be fastened easily by lift the one-pull buckle with just one-finger even with gloves.
• The sharp crampons are made of high-quality aluminum, which gives an excellent grip in snowfield or ice.
• We padded soft EVA foam inside of snowshoes to provide a warm and comfortable feeling, protect your feet during cold winter.
• Flex pivot bar and heel lift makes users feel more natural no matter in flat or uphill, enable you to enjoy your winter hiking more.

My thoughts: This is a uni-sex snowshoe, but with a narrower, tapered fit, which should work well for women. I like that the binding has a toe box to improve fit. It includes a pivot bar and heel lift for steeper terrain.

Women’s Snowshoes

Crescent Moon Women’s Trail Snowshoes – Gold 13

• BINDING: The Crescent Moon SPL (Single Pull Loop) binding has been recognized as the best binding year after year by the media, testers and customers alike. The all-foot encompassing binding system is made of a flexible polymer which wraps around your foot and provides excellent support and comfort and will not come out of adjustment. With a simple pull of the loop on top of the binding the entire harness system is tightened – or loosened – with one hand – even with gloves on! The heel mechanism is as simple as ratcheting forward to the perfect setting. It is a quick and easy entry and exit. Features spring-loaded cam and ratchet buckles.
• Platform: Our Tear Drop shaped frame provides outstanding maneuverability without loss of flotation. This unique shape allows you to walk and run naturally without changing your stride or waddling. The frames are made with 6063 aircraft grade aluminum tubing and tig welded for strength. The decking is lightweight, durable, highly abrasion resistant, and quiet, noticeably different from plastic snowshoes.
• Traction: Aggressive 3 crampon stainless steel traction system provides outstanding grip in all terrains, but particularly in hard pack and icy conditions, and on climbs and traverses. Crescent Moon is the only snowshoe to have a toe claw which is important for digging in when climbing hills or mountains and helps with push-off when hiking or running.
• Made in Boulder, CO, USA using environmentally considerate manufacturing processes and components. Our snowshoes are 95% recyclable through our take back program. Limited lifetime warranty.

My thoughts: A great, highly acclaimed women’s beginner to intermediate snowshoe. Note that this is only a 25” frame and that the price varies widely by color. I like that they are American made.

Tubbs Women’s Flex RDG

• Boa Closure System
• Tubbs’ advanced Torsion Deck allows torsional articulation throughout the body of the snowshoe
• The 3D-Curved Traction Rails ensure superior sidehill grip in hard-packed and icy conditions
• ActiveLift heel lift reduces calf fatigue and Achilles tendon strain
• FLEX Tail technology allows the snowshoe to roll more naturally from heel to toe
• Only comes in 22” size. If you want this model, but need something larger, you can purchase the unisex model.

My thoughts: A great all-around snowshoe that is good for flat and hilly terrain. It gets great reviews.

Tubbs WayFinder W Snowshoe

• Frame and Decking: Fit-Step 2.0 Frame, Soft-Tec Decking
• Articulation: Rotating Toe Cord
• Control: CustomWrap 2.0 Binding
• Traction: Recreational Toe and Heel Crampons
• Comes in 21” and 25” sizes

My thoughts: This snowshoe is Tubb’s top shoe in the Trail category (flat to hilly terrain). It is comparable to the Tubbs Flex RDG, but an aluminum frame. Both get great reviews for an all-around snowshoe you can grow with.

Snowshoe Kits for the Grandchildren

What could be more fun than going snowshoeing with the grandchildren?! If this sounds like a great Christmas gift idea, for those children that are at least 80 pounds in weight, I recommend you buy them adult snowshoes (they will quickly grow into them). For the little tykes, you can shop for children’s snowshoe kits below:

Amazon’s Best Snowshoes for Children

 

Accessories for Snowshoeing

Footwear for Snowshoeing

Any water resistant, warm piece of footwear can work for snowshoeing. If conditions aren’t just downright arctic, I prefer a good waterproof hiking boot with warm wool socks. As the temperature drops, I move up to a lighter insulated boot. Note, because you will be walking continually, your feet will tend to stay warm as long as they stay dry and have some sort of insulation (this could be wool socks). I will emphasize that the larger and heavier the boot, not only will they create more effort, but they become more difficult to buckle into the snowshoes. This means I would not recommend the typical winter Pac-Boot like Sorel, etc.

What to look for in a snowshoeing boot:

• Waterproof
• Good ankle support, without being too stiff
• Preferably a textured heel which will help the heel strap stay in place
• Height of boot cuff; I’d recommend at least mid-height
• Lightweight, which will make your trip more pleasant and less tiring

Recommendations for Lightweight Winter Hiking Boots:

Men’s Boots

Non-Insulated

• Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus Ii Suede Waterproof Hiking Boot
  • I have owned this model and really like these boots
• Timberland Men’s White Ledge Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot

Insulated

• Columbia Men’s Bugaboot III Snow Boot
  • I have owned several winter boots and this is by far my favorite

Women’s Boots

Non-Insulated

• Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Lightweight Waterproof Shoe Hiking Boot
  • Owning the men’s version, this is my choice.
• Timberland Women’s White Ledge Mid Ankle Boot

Insulated

• Columbia Bugaboot Iii Boot – Women’s

Snow Gaiters

Even with waterproof boots, I highly recommend you include a pair of gaiters on your snowshoeing equipment list. They will ensure you don’t get snow entering your boots, which will soak your socks and make for an unpleasant trip. I recommend one of two lengths of gaiters:

• Mid-Length – These are fine if you are on packed trails and are not walking through deep snows.
• Full-Length – These will rise to below the knee and further protect you from deep snows soaking your socks.

Here are the features to look for in gaiters:

• Waterproof and durable material
• Preferably a strap that goes under your boot sole to secure the gaiter to the boot. A hook for the laces in addition to the strap is nice touch, but not necessary. I would choose the strap over the hook system
• A watertight enclosure. Most gaiters use a Velcro closure system. Some have a “waterproof” zipper enclosure

Snow Gaiters available at Amazon

Trekking Poles

Whereas some people don’t use trekking poles while snowshoeing, I recommend them, especially as the terrain becomes more varied. The only time I would not use poles is if I were wearing a “running” pair of snowshoes for winter time jogging. Be sure to purchase trekking poles with the winter basket attachment.

Trekking Poles available at Amazon

Other Resources

• Optimal Retirement Living’s Guide to Cross-Country (and Snowshoeing) Resorts
• 10 Amazing Places to Snowshoe in North America
• The 26 Best Snowshoeing Trails in the U.S.
• How To Choose the Best Trail: Tips for Learning When You Need Snowshoes
• Hiking and Walking Shoes

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