Good information. I disagree with the choice of snowshoes, though. Modern "decked" shoes are entirely inappropriate for deep powder, where larger traditional designs should be used instead, for better flotation and shedding of powder. The modern shoes seem to have become popular for several reasons. For companies that sell them, they are much cheaper to produce than the traditional designs, but still remain greatly overpriced. Those companies then often sell guided tours on packed trails to beginners, most of whom usually start out using modern shoes. Most snowshoers today are new at the sport and usually stay on packed trails, where the modern shoes will usually work well enough. The modern decked designs are only useful on packed, crusted, icy or shallow snow where you might not require snowshoes at all. My most enjoyable snowshoeing experiences are on deep unpacked powder using much larger traditional design snowshoes. Doing that, I can feel a much greater sense of freedom and adventure over walking along on undersized snowshoes, trapped in the groove of a pre-packed trail.
Thanks for the feedback! I've actually had other commenters mention that traditional snowshoes are more appropriate for deep and powdery snow. And, I totally agree with the fact that different tools are appropriate for different jobs. In hindsight, I wish I would've been more clear about this idea and that different geographic regions receive different qualities of snow hence the need for different types of snowshoes if you live in Canada versus Vermont. Honestly, though, I personally don't know anyone who actually uses traditional snowshoes anymore (other than for decoration above their garages, or whatever). But, that's probably a direct result of living in the Sierra Nevada where we traditionally receive "Sierra Cement." Obviously we do receive deep and powdery snow (as evidenced in this video), but it seldom lasts for very long. Thanks to our relatively warm winter days (temps are usually well above freezing during the day) and colder nights, snow tends to transform and consolidate relatively quickly. So, we often find ourselves either snowshoeing or skiing on crust in the morning and slop by midday (at least toward the beginning and ending of the season). We also have to deal with various icy situations, too. The difference between the south and north faces can be quite extreme. Also, I made this video for the demographic in which you describe (new to the sport, own modern snowshoes, and mostly stay on tracked snow). Obviously, a lot of the techniques in which I demonstrate in this video would be hard to show in packed snow conditions (or probably wouldn't even be relevant). Which, again, is why I showed them in this "extreme" situation. Whether it's right or wrong is not for me to say, but the fact is most beginner snowshoers do tend to buy modern snowshoes. So, that's essentially the audience for which I produced this video. And, by producing the video in these particular conditions I was hoping to underscore the idea that people can actually go out and have a great winter adventure (albeit a heckuva workout) and still be safe in such deep snow with their modern snowshoes. Again, I appreciate your feedback. On that note, do you have a specific type and brand of traditional snowshoe that you would recommend for me here in the Sierra Nevada? I already own enough xc skis to accommodate any condition so I'm not in the market for buying more this season (haha). But if it's in the cards this winter, I'd actually like to buy a pair of traditional snowshoes for myself so that I can go out and walk a little more effortlessly in our deepest snow days!
@@JaredManninen By "traditional snowshoe", I meant a laced shoe with a surface area considerably larger than modern shoes. Many of the Canadians I've seen snowshoeing on UA-cam seem to like wood-framed shoes of whatever size and shape seems appropriate for the conditions. My own shoes are the slightly heavier Magline magnesium-framed shoes laced with plastic coated cable. They don't need much maintenance, if any at all. They are best used on deep fresh powder, but can be used for fun on fresh powder at least 10" deep. They are not good in slushy or icy conditions. The Magline shoes were made in Canada for use by the US and Canadian military during the cold war. They weigh about 2.4 lbs each. Living in Connecticut, I don't get to use them often, but it's great fun when I do. I recently took an athletic woman out with a second duplicate pair, and she loved it. We climbed moderate hills, and covered 2 miles.
@@joepiol5105 Gotcha! I didn't even realize that those old military models were still around. But now that you've pointed them out, I'm going to order a set for myself just for the days that we receive 1+ feet of snow. It looks like there are actually quite a few sets for sale at a reasonable price. Yeah, here in the Sierra Nevada, so much of that snow transforms relatively quickly so, even though a person may find a bunch of soft and deep snow, they're going to also find crusty/icy stuff that necessitates some sort of crampon system. That's probably why everyone I know uses modern snowshoes - for the crampons and the fact that the snow quickly becomes relatively firm. I love the idea of the traditional wooden snowshoes, but I've price-checked them in the past and they're often upwards of about $300. And, they're specific to those deep powder conditions (which are not necessarily the norm here) and require some maintenance. Anyway, thanks for all of the information! Hope you have a great winter :)
@@JaredManninen I've read that a pair of snow shoes with added tails on them (ie MSR's with tails) will give you a good compromise, allowing you to navigate narrow packed trails (w/out tails) and still provided extra floatation in deeper snow (w/tails) when you need to switch it up.
Hey Jason, Thanks! I am familiar with MSR's extended tail options, but have never personally used them. Seems like it would help in deeper snow, then give you the option of downsizing in firm conditions. Pretty interesting design!
Best beginner video with great advanced techniques. Especially appreciated the fall recovery. Using the poles as a base in one hand is going to simplify my powder skiing fall recovery a lot (after all these years of flailing around postholing my arms : )
Hey James, Thanks so much for the nice feedback! I appreciate it :) You're not alone when it comes to occasionally flailing about and postholing up to your shoulder in powder! I still sometimes forget to just unstrap my poles and use them as that anchor-type platform. I most often forget when there are weeks between big snowstorms, probably because at that point I've gotten used to snowshoeing or skiing on stable/firm snow. But there's nothing quite like a brief panic attack after face planting downhill in the deep stuff to keep a person honest and humble. haha! Be safe out there!
I have never snowshoed. I am now more likely to try it if the opportunity shows. Very well done tutorial. Getting up after a fall is definitely the most important thing you demonstrated. I have a lot better perspective of the task, having watched this. Thanks a bunch. Be well............
Thank you so much for the kind feedback. I really appreciate it! And I hope you do get out and snowshoe soon. It is fun, and usually not nearly as much work as I show in the video. haha. That day was definitely a major snowstorm kind of day and, in some respects, a worst case scenario. When the snow is firm and consolidated, snowshoeing is way more easy. Again, thanks for tuning in and for the nice comment :)
Excellent video, thanks! I appreciate the demonstrations. I see you also have a video discussing footwear for snowshoeing, which is just what I wanted some help with. Going to watch that now.
Thank you so much for the kind words, and for watching :) Hopefully you don't find yourself out in the same conditions (as when I filmed this video) too often 😃
@@JaredManninen Yes, hopefully not! We're lucky enough to get a lot of sunny winter days here in Colorado. But the powder's often deep, so these tips from your video are very helpful. The reminder to stay calm and clear the snow before moving too much is important. Thanks!
@@JessicaTPeterson Yeah, you guys get tons of snow out there too! We usually get lots of sun, as well, but there can be times where it just snows and snows... So snowshoeing in deeper snow definitely presents some unique challenges compared to when it's consolidated, and often just keeping your wits about you is the key factor in recovering :)
@@JaredManninen Good thing to be reminded of for sure. Last spring, I had a snowshoe plunge hip deep right beside an old standing, snow-buried tree trunk. That thing was just lurking under there; I had no idea until I went through. It took a while to get a hand down through the icy snow to undo my snowshoe, which was hard to dig out even after I got my foot out of it. It had somehow wedged under part of the wood. That one left a bruise. Beating down that initial feeling of panic/flailing is so important, and I appreciate you emphasizing that. Can't hear it enough.
@@JessicaTPeterson Yikes, that sounds intense! And not something that I want any personal experience with 🙄But you're not the first person to tell me about their tree well mishap. That's one reason whenever people ask me what type of snowshoe I'd recommend, and then I say, "the type that'll allow you to undo your binding with one hand while hanging upside down in the tree well." Of course, they always look at me like I'm crazy, but weird stuff happens out there. And snow is not as predictable as we'd all like to believe!
Read a lot of very helpful information below after watching this awesome video. The only snow I’m exposed to in Boston is on Charles Riverbank. Shallow snow but still very enjoyable to walk on rare snowy weekends.
Thanks for the kind words, Mia 🤗 Yeah, this video has a pretty active and inspiring comment section with lots of useful feedback! I'd say that I wish you had more snow in Boston, but I imagine a lot of snow would cause lots of problems for the city and all of its residents. But I'm glad you have access to at least a little of it along the river ❄️ Thanks again for tuning in, and for the comment!
I have never snowshoed, because I don´t own a pair. Was thinking of buying a pair after todays walk in the woods, preparing to photograph a black grouse . But I don´t know, seems to be heavier to walk in snowshoes than without. I thought the purpose of a snow shoe was to keep your feet on top of the snow. But in the video it looked like they were sinking like crazy and snow fell on top of them, weighing down the foot. Looked like a tough workout. Maybe there is something I don´t understand. Anyway, informative video, for that I give you a thumbs up!
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, the day I filmed this video was a worst case scenario type of thing. In the days leading up to it we received between 2-4 feet of snow. It was super soft and unconsolidated, so it was essentially bottomless. The modern types of snowshoes I wore aren't ideal in so much new snow. But I wanted to demonstrate the techniques in that environment to show that it's possible to move around in such conditions (using technique and a lot of effort!). Showing those same techniques in firm snow doesn't have the same visual impact. Anyway, when the snow is more firm they work just fine. And more firm snow conditions tend the norm. Those big snowstorms come in, but the snow then settles soon thereafter. I will often bring my larger DSLR with me to photograph wildlife when snowshoeing. You just need to be mindful of where your snowshoes are so that you don't trip. Let me know if you have other questions 👍
I appreciate the nice feedback! I tried to be as thorough as possible with this one. And I do find that many snowshoe videos are filmed in pretty ideal conditions, so I thought it might be helpful to show some deep snow situations :) Thanks again for watching, and for the wonderful comments!
Here I was hoping you'd have some kind of magical tricks I had never thought of. But really, this is all pretty much basic common sense stuff most people figure out pretty quick on their own. Not that it's not helpful for a beginner before they start though. I would have pointed out (although it should be obvious from your statement about breaking trail) that snowshoes do not magically allow you to run around on the top of the snow (unless it's crust, which is fun). A lot of people seem to think they let you walk like normal in the snow. No, in reality they just help make it somewhat easier, and give you more traction and stability. You will still have to train your legs to walk in the snow, which uses a whole bunch of different muscles than regular walking (and snowshoes seem to use some unique muscles of their own even compared to slogging through the snow). If you can walk ten miles easy on regular ground, don't expect to be able to do the same with snowshoes. Even if you are walking on a broken trail, you will be much slower and have to stop and rest occasionally (probably should anyway), and you'll find yourself tiring and getting sore long before you would have normally. If you are breaking trail, it can be quite arduous indeed, and doing a mile will take you a good deal of time and will drain your energy rapidly. So be prepared, don't bite off more than you can chew. Ease yourself into it. And don't bother with the snowshoes unless you need them. Every year as soon as we get six inches of snow I see people out wearing snowshoes, like they think it is a special treat to be able to wear them. In reality, you wear snowshoes when you NEED to, because it allows you to walk in deep snow more easily, not because it's actually enjoyable to wear them. It's not like skis. Obviously, snowshoes can be anjoyable, but that's just because they allow you to walk in lovely places you couldn't easily go otherwise. No one wears snowshoes for the hell of it, and there isn't any real pleasure in slogging in snow instead of on solid surface (unless you just really like challenging yourself, obviously). Anyway, you don't nee snowshoes to walk in 6 inches of snow. It's actually just making it harder. As long as your feet can break through to solid ground easily and you aren't wading through snow up to your knees, you don't need the snowshoes. The only good reason I can think to wear snowshoes that early in the season is to get your muscles in tone for the real season later. But I think most of the people I see honestly think they need them. Then you have the types who go and walk on the well-packed trails with snowshoes on, because it's snow. HInt: unless you are actually sinking into the snow, you don't need snowshoes, and they are just making it harder for you. They say an ounce of weight on your feet is equivalent to ten pounds of body weight in terms of making it difficult to walk. Snowshoes are heavier than they seem, and they are bulky and force you to use an abnormal stride. Of course if you WANT to burn as many calories as possible, go for it. But for that matter, you can do the same by putting sandbags on your ankles in the summer, yet most people don't do that. My personal practice is to rig up a strap or cord of some sort that allows me to carry the snowshoes on my back, and I carry them with me in case I need them, but I don't put them on otherwise.
Great feedback, William! I do believe most people can sort themselves out relatively quickly when using snowshoes. But being so close to coastal California and the Bay Area, I work with lots of people who've never actually seen snow firsthand. And you'd be surprised at all of the interesting things I learn about people (i.e. their life experiences being vastly different than mine) after having a brief discussion with them while being on the snow during an xc ski lesson that I'm teaching, for example. So after having worked in the outdoor rec industry here in Tahoe for many years, I've just learned to assume that everyone is starting from Step 1 (until proven otherwise). The information in this video may be redundant for experienced adventurers, but for many people unfamiliar with snowy adventures it gives them a good starting point. I totally agree that using snowshoes when necessary (not just for the fun of it - haha) is the best policy. They are not super fun to wear when conditions are favorable in which to simply walk (over firm snow so long as it's not super icy). I also appreciate your comment about many people believing that snowshoes will allow them to float right over the surface of the snow. Unless it's firm, like you said, you'll be sinking a bit depending on the amount of fresh snow. It's going to be a workout, so be prepared :) I also lash my snowshoes to a backpack and carry until I need to wear them. Sometimes the approach to the snow can be far longer than actually snowshoeing through the snow. But it's no fun to wear them when you don't actually need them. Thanks again for providing such thorough commentary!
Awww.....man! I wished I checked this comment out before I just ordered my 1st pair of snowshoes....probably should have spent the money on an updated pair of xc skis....🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
If it makes you feel any better, I currently own 2 sets of snowshoes, 10 sets of xc skis, and 8 sets of xc ski boots. And that's just the tip of the iceberg 😆 Having some extra gear isn't the worst thing in the world because everything serves its purpose.
Great video, thanks! But...Erm... those snowshoes don't appear to be very effective for you. You don't seem to be getting any floatation... Am I just seeing this wrong, or...? I understand you will sink some, but you seem to be sinking all the way. I've hiked straight on through snow as deep as you were in there (~2') and never had a problem just hoofing it through with boots, so I'm a little confused what your snowshoes add to the experience except additional exertion. I'm actually building my own set of modified bear paws and am trying to soak in all I can about snowshoeing before I take 'em out into the first snows of the season.
Thanks for the feedback! Yeah, the day I filmed this the conditions were challenging to say the least. I believe there were back-to-back storms and no time for the snow to set. So, even though it looks like I'm sinking a lot (which I am) I would've sank way more without. The snow we receive in the Sierra Nevada is often dry and powdery so trying to wade through without snowshoes tends to be exhausting and potentially dangerous. Essentially, that was one of the primary downfalls of the Donner Party once they reached Donner Lake/Pass (Truckee Lake at the time) - the snow was too light, deep, and unconsolidated for them to hike through. I would've been better served with a larger set of modern snowshoes (like a 30 inch) or, even better, a pair of really large traditional snowshoes (which I don't currently own). But on snow so deep having even a smaller set of snowshoes at least will help to provide uniform footing, whereas you could find yourself postholing a lot while only wearing boots. The conditions on this day were definitely a bit extreme, but I thought it might make for some compelling imagery and stimulating conversation, so thanks for adding to it :)
Indeed. It's hard to know just how difficult it is to navigate through deep snow regardless of gear until you experience it first hand. And the Donner Party pretty much had no functional gear to deal with the countless feet of (bottomless) snow they were faced with at the pass. Thanks for the comments 🤗
Went snowshoeing with the wife for the first time. We did not have fun. We both fell, wallowed around in the snow for a while-it was sad-but funny I'm sure, too bad we dont have video. Came home and watched several videos-yours being the best. Went out yesterday and we had a blast!! Thanks so much for your help!!
Hey Bruce! So glad I could be of service :) Yeah, the falling down and getting back up part of playing in snow can sometimes make or break the experience. Even though we all fall and nobody really likes it, at least having the right tools and techniques to expedite the getting up part makes it possible to carry one without a whole lot of extra hassle :) Again, thanks so much for tuning in and for the nice feedback. I really appreciate it. And I hope you have many more fun (and safe!) winter excursions on your snowshoes. Take care!
Thank you for this video; i am interested in learning how to snowshoe, and your video is so instructional with basic skills that are important for beginners like me. The portion on how to handle and conduct oneself in case of falls is one of the most precious part of the video; I thank you so much for your sharing your knowledge and expertise with the rest of us. May your life be long and prosperous! 😊
Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad I could be of service 🤗 It's interesting because the getting up after falling was almost an afterthought when I made that video. But in hindsight, I'm so glad I included it because it has proved to be a valuable aspect of the video. So, again, thanks for watching and for the wonderful feedback ☺️ And I wish for you a long and healthy life, too 🤗
I moved to New England six years ago and every year I've said , "This is the year I learn to snowshoe!" Well, I'm saying it again this winter, and if I actually do I'll be thanking you for the good pointers here. Cheers!
Hey Eric, Thanks so much for the kind words :) And I totally encourage you to give snowshoeing a go this year! It just opens up a whole lot more possibilities for enjoying (surviving?! - haha!) the winter :)
Oh man, I do love a snowy day, especially out in the fields and forests. It is so pleasurable to see the grey sky and air, the muffled silence, the smell of the snow, the sound of the flakes falling, the feel of the flakes brushing your cheeks, the cushy cold softness all around you can just flop down in and roll around. Everything looks so fresh and beautiful and different with a layer of new snow on it, the roads all covered with fresh powder and drifts, with a few tire tracks, maybe some people out for a walk (the back roads anyway, they ruin the main roads by dumping nasty, corrosive salt all over them and turning them into slippery, dangerous salty slush pits that destroy your car and make you slide all over the road). We had one of the nicest snow winters I've seen in years this year, it has been just beautiful. I am so lucky to live in this state, it's just about perfect.
Hey William, Thanks so much for the beautiful comment :) I agree that winter is quite the spectacular season and capable of producing some of the most amazing outdoor experiences. It's become my favorite time of the year. We don't use salt on the roads here at Lake Tahoe, just sand. But I remember growing up in the upper Midwest and having rust on every vehicle we ever owned (due to road salt)!
I use modern 10 x 25 snowshoes (typically too large for my 135 lb. frame + gear but have snowshoed for over 15 years) yet have never found them inadequate for even the deepest or wettest snow. They are lightweight and not so long that I have problems turning easily in them unlike I would have using 30-36" snowshoes. Traditional "beaver tail" snowshoes were mainly used for straight-line trekking while hauling game back to camp but not so good for turning.
That's true that you could just size up a bit with modern snowshoes to achieve a similar float to the more traditional styles of snowshoes. I've just noticed that there are a bunch of traditionalists who don't like the modern snowshoes at all and have commented accordingly on this video. I do agree that traditional snowshoes can be great in deep, dry snow in open terrain, but not very effective on anything that's hard-packed or icy. That's why I will always prefer modern over traditional, because in the Sierra Nevada you're always going to run into the whole gamut of snow conditions. Even yesterday, after we've had multiple feet of relatively dry and cold snow, the snow trapped in the tree boughs melts and then ices up all over the drier stuff. So, having actual crampons on the snowshoes is essential for being able to snowshoe across that icy stuff without a whole lot of slipping. Thanks for watching, and for contributing to the conversation. I appreciate it!
@@JaredManninen you're welcome. Hopefully I did not come over as negative. Having snowshoed for the 15 years plus instructed in cross country skiing and snowshoe programs almost the same time I find beginners especially just want to head out and treat their experience as though they are hiking except just on a wider footprint. Modern snowshoes can be purchased without too much cost allowing them the experience and to see if they may want to stick with it.
That's how I usually see it too, that people generally want a low cost/easy operation to get outside and have an adventure. Modern snowshoes tend to be low cost and provide that opportunity. And, like you said, people can upgrade or purchase some other style of snowshoe if they really get into it.
I was out snowshoeing yesterday for the first time in decades. I fell on my back and realized that I didn’t really know how to get up. Maybe I knew how when I was a kid, but the knowledge was gone. It took two people to help me up. Thanks for the refresher! Now I know how to go about it. I’ll be fully confident next time, and I’m pretty sure I won’t need any help, thanks to you.
Hey Thomas, Thanks for the kind words! And I'm glad I could be of service :) Obviously the snow is quite deep in this video, and on firm and hard-packed snow it's not quite as challenging to get up after falling. But when it is deep, and you do go down, the experience can definitely elicit a bit of a panic-response! Especially if you're by yourself. Glad to hear that you were on an adventure with friends. It's always safer to do so. Getting up on xc skis is similar in that you just need to find a way in which to get your feet directly underneath you. Anyway, thanks again for tuning in and offering such nice feedback. I appreciate it :)
You need 10 x 36!! You can get these in a modern version that have large crampons and heel bar which is very handy on steep incline. I'm 230 and can stay on top deep snow with out sinking in, my favorite shoes on market are Faber Mountain Master 10x36 they got 3 ratchet straps and heel lift, forget them flimsy straps only ratchet straps for me!
I've been holding off on buying something specific for really deep snow. I've gone back and forth on getting something more traditional to one of the older military aluminum traditional style snowshoes. But those Mountain Masters look pretty great! So, thanks for the lead. And thanks for watching. I appreciate it :)
It's my bday on the 18th..I have to go to the city to pick up some gators and im going to look at snowshoes..then I want to do hwy 60 in the lower section of Algonquin park..maybe I'll get lucky abd see some moose on my bday!
Well, then, Happy Early Birthday!!! Sounds like a potentially great birthday gift to yourself -- snowshoes and moose :) I've only seen a moose one time (last fall) and it was totally random in northern Nevada. But it was a very memorable experience to say the least.
Great video…and very hilarious….I thought I might try snowshoeing (never have) and wanted to get some pointers. So what I learned was that I think I won’t try snowshoeing….way too much of a wimp. You may have saved a life….: :-)
Ha Ha! Glad I could provide some comedic relief for you, Lisa 😆 That said, I'd still give snowshoeing a try if I were you. Maybe just avoid going out on Snowpocalypse kind of days (like what I showed in this particular video). Most of the time the snow isn't nearly as deep and, therefore, not so much work to negotiate. Anyway, thanks for tuning in! And I appreciate your humor ☺️
I’m a complete newbie and taking my kids (ages 9-15) out…what kind of safety things do we need to look out for? Avalanches, tree wells…I have a lot to learn!
Hey Jessie, Thanks for tuning in, and reaching out :) Unless you're going out in absolute blizzard conditions (such as in my video) in the mountains, you shouldn't have to worry too much about avalanches or falling into tree wells. Those are definitely risk factors to consider when choosing your route, but if you're not going in super advanced and technical terrain I wouldn't worry too much. Use trekking poles if you have them for additional balance and to help you get up if you fall, but to be safer simply choose safer terrain (i.e. flat terrain and rolling hills versus steep mountainous terrain). Avoid crossing water features unless you're positive that they're frozen. Travel to/through locations in which you're already familiar so that you'll have an easier time navigating, although keep in mind that everything does look different in the winter. So be mindful of your surroundings so that you don't get lost. When in doubt, return via the same route you set out on (i.e. follow your own tracks back to the car). Start with shorter trips (your kids will probably want that anyway) to become familiar with using snowshoes and hiking around during the winter. That's a least a little info to get you started. The most important thing about winter travel, however, is just to be present and mindful when you're out there. Pay attention at all times. Trust your instincts. And don't bite off more than you can chew. Winter travel is a whole other animal, so just know it's a constant learning process to not only be safe but to have fun while you're out there. Let me know if you have other question or want additional clarification. Thanks again for the questions. And have fun out there!
This is the most informative video I've seen, a lot of the videos covered selecting proper gear and the main idea of walking but non of them covered falling and alternative was to get through tricky situations for beginners. thanks!
Thanks so much for watching, and for the meaningful feedback! I really appreciate it :) I do find it interesting that there aren't many (if any?) snowshoeing how-to videos that go into depth about "worst case scenarios." Probably because a lot of people take it for granted that it's a relatively easy activity in which to participate. And, realistically, it is. However, it only takes one fall into deep snow to make a person appreciate how challenging it can be to get back up. Again, thanks for tuning in and for contributing to the conversation :)
Just got my first set of snowshoes for Christmas, and I'm having a blast using them. Thanks a ton for such the super helpful content, looking forward to using the tips my next time out!
Hey Al, Thank you for the kind words :) I really appreciate your feedback! And, I'm so glad to hear that you're getting out and playing in the snow. Snowshoes aren't too complex, but they're super versatile and provide a fantastic way of getting outdoors in the winter. Hope you have a great New Year, and that you have some memorable adventures this winter! Let me know if you ever have any questions :)
Glad I could be of service! And, I hope you stayed 'till the end for my face plant demonstrations :) I've been told it's the highlight of the video. haha!
Thanks for sharing your tips. I started snowshoeing last year 2023, loved it. Heading to Mammoth, CA in 2 weeks for snowshoeing and skiing can't wait. 2024, CA got some great winter storms leaving a lot of snow on our local mountains surrounding Los Angeles County. Winter mountaineering and snowshoeing.
Hey Christy, Glad you enjoyed the video :) And I wish you a great adventure out in Mammoth! It should be incredible, especially thanks to the blizzard the Sierra Nevada experienced this week. I'm looking forward to a solid spring of snowy activities thanks to all of the snow we just received :)
Well said previous comment by Niviatab. This vides is excellent for us beginners learning to deal w/ basic issues such as falling, how to recover from a fall, & minimizing a natural reaction such as "panic". Thank you Jared for sharing, I've watched many of your videos as your my favorite person to learn from. We recently moved to Alaska from the Bay Area (used to downhill in Tahoe/Squaw all the time). I just made the transition to xcountry, thanks to your knowledge & expertise in making an educated gear decision. I can go everyday this coming winter. YAY!! Can hardly wait to get outside. All the best.
Hey Renae, Thanks so much for the kind words :) I'm really glad you've been able to get some inspiration and knowledge from my videos. And that's exciting that you've been making a transition to xc skiing! I'm so grateful that I started exploring it years ago. It really has provided me with a whole new approach to enjoying winter. That's a big move up to Alaska! I hope you have a great time up there. You should be able to play on snow as often as you'd like this winter :) Again, I really appreciate your feedback. Let me know if you ever have any questions. Take care! Jared
My mom and I went snowshoeing for the first time, and we watched this video before heading out on a trail. When she fell my mom used your technique to get back up! Thank you! :)
Great video. Very helpful. Thank you! Is there a limit of how deep you can go? We're expecting 4 feet of snow at our house this week, and I just bought snowshoes today in preparation for snowshoeing down our very long and steep driveway to the road. Maybe skis would be better? Or a sled? Sounds silly, but I'm really trying to figure this out.
Hey Heather, Thanks so much for the kind words, and the question! I hope you do get lots of snow, by the way :) I'm hoping with this inbound snowstorm (here in Tahoe starting today!) that we also get a bunch of fresh snow. That said, modern snowshoes aren't necessarily the best for traveling through multiple feet of fresh powdery snow. They'll be much more effective once the snow begins to set. And, as you can see in this video, it's definitely a workout for me to move around in so much deep snow. Not to say that you shouldn't get out and have some fun in it, but dial back your expectations for how far you're going to travel. Overall, I've found that they make walking around a lot easier in up to about a foot of new snow. More than that is definitely going to be a workout. And if you do get more than that all at once, walking without them would be near impossible. If, like you said, you'll mostly be going down your driveway I suspect that if you make a few trips and pack the snow down your snowshoes will be just fine. That's another standard practice when breaking trail, right? Rotating through people who are in the lead so that the same person isn't constantly making the slog at the front of the pack. This is effectively the same as walking over your own tracks (if you're the only person out there). Often when we get really deep snow here in Tahoe, me and my roommate go out in the yard wearing our snowshoes to walk over the berms that we've created when shoveling the snow (i.e. along the front walkway, driveway...). This makes it a little more manageable to throw more snow over those berms the next time we have to shovel. Skis and sleds can also be fun, but if you want to use those snowshoes go for it. I would also recommend using trekking poles that have wide (snow-oriented) baskets on them for more stability when snowshoeing. In case of a fall, those poles can aid you in standing back up (especially in so much new snow!). Not sure if any of that helps, so let me know if you want other suggestions, have any more questions, or want additional clarification :) Again, thanks so much for tuning in and for contributing to the conversation!
@@JaredManninen , thank you so very much for all of this invaluable advice! Wow! I'm blown away by your generosity. I'll definitely be using these tips. After a huge snowfall, maybe if I can just forge a decent trail by going down the driveway and back once while wearing snow shoes and pulling a weighted sled behind me (tied to my waist), that will "plow" enough of a relatively easy walking trail for me to use after that, with or maybe even without snowshoes. Or maybe I'll just pay to have my driveway plowed 😆 With a multi-day storm like the one that's coming today, I don't want or need daily plowing, but I do like to get out of the house, if only for a nice walk in the neighborhood. Wish me luck! And enjoy our incoming awesome snowstorm! Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge and expertise with me.
@@EFTTappingwithHeatherAmbler I'm glad to be of service :) You're going to have fun with all of that snow! If my schedule permits, I tend to avoid driving anywhere in those types of epic snowstorms. But, I am very fortunate to leave near a lot of open space (namely a CA State Park a couple blocks from my home). So, I can usually just go out and have some adventures from my front door. That is, until the storm passes, the roads get cleared and the snow sets a bit. Then, I'll go and adventure elsewhere. Anway, good luck and thanks for all the feedback!
@@JaredManninen Thankfully, I work from home, which allows me to stay home during storms. I love being out in them, but not while driving--too many sketchy variables, and I don't like to risk an accident unless I really have to drive somewhere. My snowshoes are 26-inchers, but I may get some 30-inchers to allow me to snowshoe in deeper snow. So excited for the storm! It's already started snowing up at my house. Have fun!!! ❄❄❄
I'm watching this video and I am suddenly realizing just how much this will be a very physical activity 😅 I already assumed it would be. My brother and I have been hiking a lot more this past year and wanted to try it out. I've been pushing and suggesting it.. and now I feel like I may regret my decision 😂
Haha - I think you'll be fine :) It's only as strenuous as you want it to be, assuming you're just out for fun. The conditions in which I was snowshoeing in this video are not necessarily the norm by any means. And if it is that deep when you go out, just do what you can and enjoy it out there :) Thanks for tuning in, and for the comment!
Awesome! That's a great group of kids to be out having a winter adventure with! And, I totally understand the rabbit hole situations. I fall down them all the time :)
I'm a ski instructor, learning to snowshoe. I wonder about the use the pole straps while snowshoeing. I rarely use my pole straps while skiing, mainly because in the event of a crash I'd rather lose my poles entirely, rather than risk a significant wrist injury. Anyone else have an opinion about using straps with poles?
Thanks for watching, and thanks for the question :) Pole straps aren't really a necessity when snowshoeing. I probably just use them because I'm a cross-country skier where using them is a requirement (for executing proper diagonal striding technique). Although I do generally unstrap when going downhill on xc skis (to avoid those wrist/thumb injury in the case of a crash). But for just walking around in snowshoes, I wouldn't worry about it. That said, because I'm a cross-country skier I also use pole straps when hiking as they do help to provide a similar forward propulsion benefit as when used in xc skiing. It's so funny because whenever I mention the importance of the use of pole straps when discussing xc ski technique, I say stuff like "unlike Alpine skiing where you don't use the straps..." Then as soon as I say that, someone comments that they're Alpine skiers and use the straps all the time. As far as I knew, nobody used them due to the risk/injury factor when crashing at high speed. I know a bunch of people who stopped using them after wrecking their wrist/thumb. But I still get a lot of people on my channel saying that they use them all the time. I don't know, maybe they're racers? Either way, I can't keep track! haha :)
As an alpine skier I use pole straps all the time (so I don't lose them or have to go back to retrieve a pole that stayed firmly in the snow while I was swiftly meters further down hill). When starting snow shoeing I also use them so I don't have to 'carry' the poles completely by using my hand muscles, it's getting sore after a while, I also like that you can let go of the pole to get something without having to stop going, just let it dangle for a bit.
@@sachadee.6104 Thanks for contributing to the conversation, Sacha :) I've also started to use the straps when hiking just for that same reason you mention above (about getting the tips stuck and not having to go back to collect the ski pole - I occasionally experience this in rocky sections of hiking trails). Also, the straps do enable you to push off a little more with your arms giving them a good workout :) Thanks again for commenting!
Hi Jared. Thanks for the video. I am thinking of buying myself a pair of snowshoes, but I have never thought about what I should do if I fall down. Nice review! Best regards from Russia. Mikhail.
Thanks for the kind words, Mikhail! I'm glad you liked the video. Falling down and getting back up is definitely not the first thing on people's minds when snowshoeing, but depending on conditions and the situation a fall could result in a serious matter. Mostly on consolidated (packed) snow it's not a big deal. But when the snow is deep and fluffy it can be challenging. As morbid as it sounds, when people ask me what type of snowshoes they should buy I recommend the kind that they could get out of (i.e. easy to operate bindings) if trapped upside down in a deep tree well. There are a lot of snowshoes with overly complex bindings that I tend to shy away from for that reason. Anyway, some food for thought! Thanks again :)
Hey Seth, Thanks so much for watching, and for the great question! The short answer is that I wouldn't recommend buying snowshoes that aren't designed to bear the weight in question (body and gear weight = approx. 250 lbs). Definitely look for snowshoes that will accommodate that weight range. Otherwise, you won't get nearly as much float in deeper snow and there's a good chance that you'll put excess pressure on the snowshoe components. All of that said, I just did a really quick online search and found that Tubbs brand makes their Wilderness Snowshoe in a 36" length that bears 220-300 lbs. Tubbs is one of the best snowshoe brands on the market and, although 36 inches is pretty long, I wouldn't say that it's an unmanageable length. I'm only 5'6" tall and I use 28" snowshoes pretty easily. And it looks like those snowshoes are currently on sale for $140 (down from $200) at their website. This is the link I found (tubbssnowshoes.com/en-us/p/wilderness-mens-snowshoes-2122) It also looks like MSR makes a snowshoe in your weight range. The MSR Lightning Ascent (220-280 lbs). MSR is also an exceptional brand. Here's the link to an article I just found that features a bunch of different options for snowshoes that'll bear heavier loads (www.snowshoemag.com/four-kinds-of-snowshoes-for-big-people-and-heavy-loads/). I did a quick scan of that article, and it actually is really thorough and appropriate, providing recommendations for modern, traditional, and military-style snowshoes for carrying more weight. Anyway, I always recommend using gear based on the person's size/weight in conjunction with the manufacturers sizing recommendations. So that would be my suggestion to you ... find a set of snowshoes designed to bear that 250 lbs weight range. I think you'd be frustrated if you tried to make something smaller work. Hope that helps. Let me know what you end up deciding on! And thanks again for tuning in, as well as contributing to the conversation :)
@@JaredManninen thank you so much for that detailed reply! I literally just got done with a 7 hour hike to retreive my cameras after a suprise snow dump. It was a hard trip!
@@sethstachlowski5571 No prob, Seth. Glad I could be of service :) And that definitely sounds like one heck of an adventure! Snowshoes aren't necessarily the equivalent of a magic carpet, but they can make hiking through snow a lot more efficient (and enjoyable!). Good luck!
@@sethstachlowski5571 Hey Seth, I just got the notification of your message, but for the life of me I can't find it now. I assumed it was via Instagram, but it's nowhere to be found. I do want to see that video though, so if you could try to send it again that would be awesome. I did read your message in that you bought those snowshoes, so that'll be great for you!
Just getting started with snowshoeing. Really appreciate that you were out in the elements and that you showed some of the mistakes and strategies to overcome them. Just seeing you conquering the circumstances was helpful.
Many thanks, very helpful and excellent instructional video, covered just about everything, and in such deep powder too. Just the right amount of detail and instruction, thank you.
Thank you, Bill, for the kind words :) I definitely swung for the fences in this video, trying to make it a one-stop shopping experience ;) I do admit, however, that my smaller, modern snowshoes were a bit outmatched for the deep powder conditions (as more than one commenter has pointed out). That said, in addition to the demonstrations I wanted to get across the point that even in such intense conditions, with proper technique, a person could have themselves a fun and safe winter adventure. Thanks again, and I hope you have a great winter!
Sounds like an great winter adventure, Darlene! I've been hearing news reports about all of the snow hitting the NE. Glad you were able to make the most of it, and hopefully your home and neighborhood is safe and sound.
Haha, yeah, deep snow like this is a challenge no matter the means of travel :) But I've been out in this type of snow more than once using backcountry xc skis. I run my widest, which are the Fischer S-Bound 112mm with basic 3-pin bindings. Honestly, thought, they're outmatched in snow this deep. But, knowing the score before I even step foot outside (because I can see it and have been watching the storm all day, for example), I just plan to travel a shorter distance and essentially snowshoe with those skis on. If I can find an angle of terrain steep enough, I might be able to glide downhill a little bit. But not too steep, lest I find myself in avalanche terrain. The bottom line is that in conditions such as this I just slog around and enjoy the weather and scenery. In a lot of respects, that's been my experience a lot this winter (2022-23) here in Tahoe. We've had multiple snowstorms/conditions similar to the one presented in this snowshoeing video. And it's just difficult to move around no matter what. But I do love being out in these storms even knowing that I won't be traveling far :)
Yeah, when you're sinking down to your knees it's six of one, half dozen of another. That is, unless, you have a large set of traditional snowshoes like a lot of people recommend for deep and unconsolidated snow. I have yet to buy a set of those, but every big snow year I consider it more and more ☺️
@@JaredManninen I've worn both. Those Traditional snowshoes aren't all what they're cracked up to be. You sink in the snow with Traditional ones just as you do with Modern ones, among other things. I used traditional for 15 years before giving the Modern snowshoe to compare them to what Traditional ones can do. Long story short. Once I went modern, my Traditionals look great hanging on the wall. ;)
Awesome! I get the impression that there are a bunch of diehards in the traditional camp. Which is fine because we all have our preferred gear/systems. But no gear is perfect and everything has its pros/cons. So I try not to get too invested in any one specific piece of gear.
Wow, you know the place gets REAL snow when they are warning you about suffocating in it. I've never even heard that before. Although the method for getting up seems obvious to me. Not sure where I even learned that, it's just what you learn as a you grow up. Of course I've never fallen in 5 feet of snow before either...I will file that as potentially useful information, good to have in mind at least. You never know.
Haha. Yeah Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS) is a real thing, although it's most often associated with avalanche scenarios. The reason a person finds themselves buried in deep snow is irrelevant, however. Panic is often the first thing that a person experiences after falling down and having their face covered in snow and/or realizing that it's going to take some real effort to get back up. Then if they're unable to get up right away (due to being in bottomless powder, for example) fatigue can set in quickly. That's when things can get really challenging. Again, what you or I may take for granted (having grown up in snow country), there are just a lot of people without that same life experience. I'm sure I'd be dead in the water if, for example, I found myself in a South American jungle (as I've had extremely limited jungle experiences in my life). haha!
That's why I prefer a good hardwood walking stick. I CAN put my whole weight on it, and often do, without worrying about breaking it. And it leaves a hand free for a flashlight or compass, whatever.
My wife & I received snowshoes for Christmas, so looked for a video with information before using them the first time. I was telling our friends about my video search, and they informed me their nephew is a guide in Lake Tahoe. Found out they are your Uncle Mike and Aunt Anne. Small world huh? Thanks for all the tips Jared!
That is totally crazy, Craig! Yeah, definitely a small world. Tell them I said "hello" the next time you see them ;) And I'm glad you liked the video. Let me know if you ever have any questions. That said, I'm sure you'll get the hang of your new snowshoes soon as they're pretty straightforward to use in anything but the most extreme of conditions (as I featured in this video - haha!). Take care, and have a prosperous New Year!
Hey Derek, Sorry for my delayed response. It's been a busy summer so far :) As far as traveling downhill with snowshoes goes, as long as the angle of terrain in which you're negotiating isn't more than a 30 degree angle, you should pretty much just be able to walk normally down the hill. In deeper snow, you may experience some shearing/sliding, but as long as you keep your weight over your feet you shouldn't have to worry about falling over. Trekking poles can help a lot in deeper snow when traveling downhill, providing two more points of contact. With firm snow on those same angles of terrain, I always make sure that the cleats/crampons of the snowshoes get some bite into that harder packed snow. If it's pure ice, I will choose a different route to go downhill. Snowshoes are not nearly as effective as a dedicated set of crampons when negotiating icy terrain. If you're traveling in terrain that's more than a 30 degree angle and the snow is favorable (i.e. deep enough for the snowshoes to operate normally), I usually recommend traversing the hillside rather than choosing a straight up or down route. There are occasions that I do choose to go directly uphill in steep terrain as snowshoes make it relatively easy to do that thanks to their free heel and aggressive cleats underfoot. However, going straight downhill in steep and mostly firm terrain is not very safe. Again, if the snow is deep enough you can try to go straight downhill. But if it's at all firm and consolidated, I don't recommend going straight downhill on a steep angle. In those situations I'd recommend choosing an alternate route that allows you to traverse a bit more. I don't know that any of that helps or is clear, so if you want me to clarify anything just let me know. Thanks so much for watching, and for the question!
@@JaredManninen Me too. I was laughing at a friend that had fallen & was rolling back n forth before 3 of us helped😄 I was laughing because I've not fallen yet lol but now I know the proper way to get up if I do😁
@@northernmemaw4036 That's awesome :) It only really takes one or two falls in deep snow to inspire you to learn a more efficient way in which to stand back up!
I went with the snowshoes for the first time this year and it's a pain to walk on others steps, i found myself doing new steps. They were great for creating traction uphill though, i was dragging a sled without much effort.
Glad to hear you got out on some snowshoes for the first time this year, and pulled a sled! Bravo :) And, I agree, Cristian. I often find it's easier to break my own trail in deeper snow rather than walk in the same tracks as other people. Because unless the trail is consistently packed down (in that deeper snow) from a lot of people walking, it can be really uneven to walk on. Take care, and I hope you get the opportunity to keep playing in the snow this winter!
Thank you! I appreciate the kind feedback :) Recovering in deep snow is always a challenge and I think a lot of people underestimate how often it can happen and how tough it is to control your emotions when you realize standing up is not as easy as it looks. You've probably seen that video currently circulating where a skier comes upon a snowboarder who fell upside down in a tree well, and the skier digs the snowboarder. That snowboarder was a dead man if the skier hadn't happened along. That stuff happens, and it's never good! Again, thanks for tuning in and for contributing to the conversation :)
Very helpful instructions. I just bought a couple of pairs for my spouse and I from Costco. We don't have snow yet here in Toronto but because of Covid they are selling like hot cakes. They were only about $100/pair but they are probably OK for novices like us. Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much for the kind words. And glad I could be of service :) I suspect a lot of people will be traveling in the backcountry this winter due to Covid. It's probably a good thing you bought your snowshoes now :) Let me know if you ever have any questions. And, thanks for watching!
@@vishantp Costco at Queensway west of Royal York. But you’re right, I was there again a few days ago and there weren’t any left. You could probably call them and see if they’ll get another shipment or see if you can order online. Good luck.
Enjoy! It really is such a great covid activity. Stay safe and enjoy. I’ve been going shoeing with my binoculars for birding too. It’s been so very calming :)
Thanks for the video. I went a year in this school where we did alot of outdoors trips. During winter, I opted for snowshoes and carried a snowboard on my back, while the others in my group were using skiis(I already had skiis; Telemark skiis, but I didnt like em). I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE EXHAUSTED in my life, than on the two trips I dared use them (^; . First trip had deep and loose snow. Second trip was in the Austrian alps, with 1000+m of elevation. I have never submitted to a mountaintop but I had to lie down, dead a few hundred meters shy of the top, as I couldnt force the rest of my group to wait for me. I guess... Snowshoeing with other snowshoers would be fine though.
Hey Erich, Thanks for the testimony. But, damn, that sounds intense! You bring up a very interesting situation, though. I don't know that I've never considered it consciously, but I wonder what the consensus is for backcountry skiing/riding in mixed company/gear. I can't help but wonder if you were in a company of all snowboarders using snowshoes to ascend, you may have had a much better experience. The reason I say this is because, for example, I travel differently in snowshoes than when I'm using backcountry xc skis. I choose different lines based on the gear that I'm using. Because you were in the minority, you probably didn't have much say in route selection. And all of the other people skinning up were most likely choosing lines that favored their gear. This could all be speculation on my part. But I know when I'm in a mixed group traveling over snow, it's a non-stop compromise the whole tour. And, often, I find myself standing around and waiting quite a bit. This is either because I'm xc skiing with people who only own Alpine touring gear (and just want to get out and travel over snow for a short winter adventure) or I'm xc skiing with people who might not necessarily be in as good of physical shape or have good xc ski technique. Honestly, though, for me these situations are far and few and don't usually last more than an afternoon. Usually just a fun trip with friends. And I go into the adventure knowing what I'm getting myself into. Nothing like the intense situations you described. Anyway, thanks again for your story and the stimulating conversation :) I hope most of that year was fun, though!
Well, believe it or not, wading through that thigh-deep, fresh snow with only boots would've been even harder than traveling with the snowshoes. And even though it's still really deep with those snowshoes, they provide a larger and much more stable platform on which to walk (compared to the small footprint of a boot).
Wow, great tips! I appreciate the examples of getting up from falls & how to use the poles to help you. Just got my snowshoes today & looking forward to using them.
@@brendahappy3454 Hey Brenda! Thanks so much for the kind words, and for watching :) I hope you have some awesome winter adventures this season with your new snowshoes. Let me know if you ever have any questions!
Extremely helpful. Getting ready for PCT 2020 in late March. I have limited snow experience. This helps tremendously. I understand practice is key but when time and terrain do not comply. This is fabulous. Thank you.
Hey Felipe and Oliveoil. Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad you found my snowshoeing video helpful! Congrats on your bid for a 2020 PCT hike! I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail way back in 1999. I don't know that I have it in me to try for the PCT, though :) Anyway, most likely you won't be carrying with you actual snowshoes. I see PCT thru-hikers using full crampons or micro-spikes (and an ice axe) more often for snowy and icy conditions. They're smaller to carry and more nimble and appropriate for steep terrain that's firm and icy. Although, they aren't nearly as helpful as snowshoes in deep, fresh snow. But since you'll be traveling through the mountains during the spring, you'll most likely find yourself dealing with the freeze (at night)/thaw (during the day) cycle that defines springtime in the mountains. I'd recommend reading an article I wrote specifically about this "environment." Please note that even though I use "Lake Tahoe" in the title, the article is essentially about travel through the mountains during spring conditions. tahoetrailguide.com/be-prepared-for-volatile-weather-while-playing-outdoors-at-lake-tahoe-in-the-spring/ All of that said, travel across snow, regardless of means (skis, snowshoes, crampons, etc), is very similar. So the video is helpful just the same. Good luck! And, let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you, Niko, for the kind words. Glad I could be of service :) Let me know if you ever have any questions. I hope you have a lot of snow this winter so that you can get out and put those snowshoes to use!
Thank you for this very inspiring and helpful video. I wish you had also given some tips about clothing. Last week I went for my first snowshoeing attempt.Although I enjoyed it a lot my feet and my hands were frozen. I had my regular winter running gloves on but they weren’t of much help. What kind of gloves are you using?
Hey Abdollah, Thanks for the kind words :) Glad I could provide some inspiration. I've had a few requests now about clothing when recreating outdoors during the winter. It's on my list of videos to produce. But, in the meantime, the gloves that I used in this video were a pair of mittens with polar fleece liners and a waterproof outer shell made by Outdoor Research. I honestly don't remember the exact model, but it's a pretty utilitarian design so most of the quality outdoor gear manufacturers offer a similar style. Realistically, though, I usually use really lightweight gloves when I'm cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. But, when it's really storming out I tend to lean toward a thicker glove/mitten. The boots I used were a pair of Salomon SnowTrip active winter boots. I feature them in this video about footwear (ua-cam.com/video/ofphgfOdm_s/v-deo.html). Again, I don't believe this style is still on the market but there are a lot of active winter boots available by good outdoor manufacturers. Hopefully I'll be able to carve out time to produce a video regarding winter clothing in the near future. Thanks again for the comment, and let me know if you have any other questions :)
@@JaredManninen Thank you for your prompt and thoughtful reply. I have heard a lot of good things about OR gloves. I think I will get one of their thicker ones although last night when I checked their prices were pretty high. But now that you have referred to them too I think I should squeeze my budget and get them. Thank you again and keep having fun outdoors. I have subscribed your channel and am looking forward to seeing your new video. Cheers.
@@abdollahvakily5801 Thanks again so much! Yeah, OR stuff can be a bit pricey. A lot of times I'll buy gear on the REI Outlet site (at discounted prices) or wait for items to go on sale or to get coupons, that sort of thing. Thanks again!
It will probably shock people who like to buy pricey sport equipment with high dollar logos, but I wear a pair of cheap cotton mechanics gloves under a pair of cheap wool blend mittens with lining, and my hands never get cold. The double layers are good insulation, and the thin gloves allow me to remove the thicker mittens, but still have protection when I need to manipulate objects like the bindings. As long as I can grasp my walking pole with the mittens, that's all I need. I have an even thicker pair of mittens, elk skin with thinsulate lining for when it gets really cold or if it's windy, but I rarely need them. Usually I end up just wearing the gloves alone, since my problem is usually being too warm more than anything. I do use mitten clips to make sure I don't lose the mittens, since that can be very bad news. That's why they originally invented mittens on strings, for men working in severe cold who would literally face frostbite if they lost a mitten. Now people think they are silly things for little kids, but they are actually very useful. Can remove the mittens and just let them hang off my sleeves, without worrying about losing them. Can do the same for the inner gloves, for when I need to remove them. I used to wear boots, but I'v found that heavy socks, sneakers and gaiters work just fine for me so far. I have felt the cold, but I haven't had actual cold feet yet. Nor sure I'd recommend that to others though. I learned last winter, wearing leather moccasins around, that the majority of the warmth in your feet depends on having good socks. The boots are only useful for keeping your feet dry, but they won't keep them warm, unless they are big, thick insulated jobs. Even then socks are important.
Hi Jared, thanks for video demonstration of your skills to use snowshoes. I'm snowshoer since about forty years and one the things you help me is the use of poles, haha! Especialy trying to turn 180 on deep snow is big chalenge on traditional wood shoes. Thanks to share your experience.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Normand Renaud :) Trekking poles can definitely help out with stability by giving you more points of contact, especially in deep snow! I hope you have a great winter, and a lot of opportunity to snowshoe :) Thanks again for the positive feedback!
Haha! Yeah, the series of falls is probably the funnest part of the video ;) Realistically, if you don't plan to travel in such deep snow (as illustrated in this video), snowshoeing is pretty straightforward. Watch this other snowshoe video (ua-cam.com/video/dvWn8NfF_KU/v-deo.html) that I made where I'm on much more stable snow. Also, if you read through some of the other comments for this video you'll see a handful of people who talk about using more traditional snowshoes (big wooden ones or a military style that's still large compared to modern snowshoes) in similarly deep snow. I agree that those larger snowshoes would be more appropriate in really deep snow. But I used the modern version to illustrate the techniques that you can use in this "hazardous" environment. Some of the techniques would be unnecessary on a really firm snowpack. And, most people tend to own modern style snowshoes which is another reason I chose to wear them in these conditions. Anyway, thanks again for watching and for your feedback. I hope you have a great winter!
I was told to do the “ten step snowshoe program” to become an expert. You take ten steps and you’re an expert. We tried it and it’s pretty much true. Skiing is difficult, snowshoeing ain’t.
Wow, what a beautiful forest you have there! Beautiful winter scene. Thinking of of buying snowshoes for Finnish winter. Could be nice things to have on some less walked trails with lots of thigh contours where long skis would be clumsy. Nice tips! I see you have a typical finnish surname. Do you have experiences with our winter time?
Thanks so much for the kind words, Antti 🤗 I grew up in Upper Michigan, which has a high Finnish population. I've met some of my Finnish cousins many years ago, but I haven't actually been to Finland yet. One day, though! I encourage you to get some snowshoes. They obviously don't glide, but can provide access to locations that would be more challenging for long skis. Thanks for watching, and for the nice comment!
@@JaredManninen Thank you Jared for the reply! I will take a deeper look what kind of snowshoe options I have here in Central Finland. I think they would be a great option for really tricky terrain where long forest skis and gliding snowshoes (really short skis with skin based grip area) are too clumsy. And I see! Interesting background you have. I think Minnesota and Michigan were most popular places where Finnish People moved in the U.S.
You're welcome, Antti 👍 I prefer to cross-country ski whenever possible, but snowshoes definitely do have their place when winter adventuring. Yes, I also lived in Minnesota for 8 years growing up ☺️ I assume most Finns who moved to the US many years ago chose to settle in locations similar to Finland. Lake Tahoe (where I've been living got the past 16+ years) isn't quite the same, but in some respects better. Way more snow than Michigan and Minnesota, big mountains, and very few mosquitoes 😆
Great info. I show shoe a lot in deep snow in the winter . What advice do you have for snow shoe length for women such as weight with pack vs no pack. I appreciate your video
Thanks so much for the kind words, Francine. Glad you liked the video :) As far as length/size of snowshoes go, I'd stick to the manufacturer's recommended weight (for the size) when not wearing a pack (but including your standard clothes/gear). That said, most snowshoes do offer a relatively wide range when it comes to how much weight they'll bear. So even if you were to wear a day pack with a couple liters of water, snacks, extra clothes, etc. you'd probably be ok. Unless you're packing bricks or books, that day pack will most likely only weigh between 5-15 extra pounds. If you're talking about a fully loaded backpacking pack for doing some winter camping, you would probably want to consider wearing larger snowshoes so long as the snow required it (i.e. soft and deep snow versus packed and consolidated snow). The bottom line is that snowshoes are designed to help you "float" across the snow. If they're too small in relation to how much weight you're carrying, you'll just sink with every step (in deep, soft snow). But, again, their weight ranges are pretty forgiving, so just having a day pack on shouldn't be too much of a concern. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions!
Hey Eugenia! Thanks for the kind words, and glad I could be of service :) Deep snow definitely presents some challenges, particularly with regard to falling. It can kind feel like you're swimming in snow at that point, which can make people panic a bit (and for good reason!). Anyway, glad you're enjoying the video and I appreciate your comment :)
I've just moved to Canada from a tropical country, and it's my first time navigating snow, let alone snowshoes. Thank you for the helpful information! Surely it'll stop me from flailing about in the snow hopelessly :P
Hey Suchet, Thanks so much for the kind words :) And glad I could be of service! Congrats on the move to a snowy climate. I'm sure it's an adjustment, but when you embrace the winter elements as another way in which to experience nature you'll have a great time. Having spent most of my life in snowy climates, I've known a lot of people (believe it or not) who've tried to avoid the snow and cold at all costs. But they just end up having a somewhat miserable and depressed disposition as a result. The best thing to do to avoid any kind of that seasonal frustration is to embrace the snow! And, it sounds like you're doing just that. So, bravo to you :) Anyway, take care and enjoy your new winter experience!
Welcome to the North! People may complain about the snow, but in fact it's wonderful. I can't imagine living in a place where it's always warm and never snows. I think it'd be boring. And you miss the sublimity of a snowy day, which are just wonderful things to me. We lose a lot of people who move to warmer places because they learn from hollywood and the media that that's what everyone is SUPPOSED to want to do, so it's nice to have people going the opposite way for a change. I mean, we get plenty of people who come to play in the winter and spend money, but it's better to have people willing to move in permanently.
You're welcome! Glad I could be of service :) There are definitely times where getting up after falling in snowshoes can be more challenging than others. Thanks for watching, and for the the kind words :)
My husband and I are going snowshoeing this Friday and so I appreciate your videos very much. I’ve only been snowshoeing once or twice a year but I hope to be going much more in the near future.
@@cherijim94 Very cool, Cheri! I highly encourage you to work snowshoeing into your winter life. Sometimes it can be a process finding locations in which to snowshoe, particularly if the snow is thin. But the more you make it a habit (like keeping the snowshoes in the car to use spontaneously, for example), the less of a production it is and the more likely you are to do it. Again, thanks so much for tuning in and for the kind words :)
Traditional snowshoes are the best, the aluminum ones are not weaved to let snow fall through and the aluminum teeth on the aluminum ones always hold a pocket of snow on the bottom. Further your snowshoes are to small. You should not have had a hard time going up that small hill.
Hey Randy, Although I disagree with your comments, I do appreciate your input and the fact that traditional snowshoes still have a place in the modern world. I've always found traditional snowshoes to be beautiful and elegant, much like I do all hand-crafted tools and technologies. I especially appreciate how they're far more quiet than modern snowshoes (that are made with plastic and metal parts). The fact remains, however, that no matter how much we love one type of snowshoe (technology) over another they are just tools designed to serve us. Every tool comes with its own set of benefits and limitations. You just pick the right tool for the job if you have access to it. And, if you don't, you modify your experience based on the tools at hand and your experience with those tools. So, sure, I agree that at the time I filmed this video (which was after receiving 10 feet of snow in a 14-day time period - February 2019) a larger snowshoe (more surface area) regardless of whether or not it was of the traditional or modern variety would've been beneficial. But the point of the video wasn't about the merits of one style of snowshoe over another. My goal was to demonstrate different universal snowshoe movement and techniques in adverse conditions. And, realistically, most beginner snowshoers own a similar size and style of snowshoe to the ones I was using. So the fact that my snowshoes were slightly outmatched by the volume of snow through which I was traveling only served to illustrate just how important it is to know technique. I live in the Sierra Nevada. The terrain and snow quality is variable. The flat and rolling sections of terra firma that provide an ideal setting for the use of traditional snowshoes are often hemmed in by steep and narrow mountainous aspects. Even at lower elevations in the Lake Tahoe Basin, you'll find many steep sections of which to negotiate. These angles of terrain can be covered in deep, fresh snow. Often, though, they're icy, wind-scoured, or consolidated to the point where a traditional snowshoe would slip and shear. For me, traveling cross-country in snowshoes that don't feature crampons of some form or another would be irresponsible and hazardous. Route selection is clearly a key factor to being safe and maximizing the use of the snowshoes. But I don't only want to travel in easy terrain. So if the snowshoe limits my experience by routinely placing me in danger, of what real use is that tool to me? Again, I appreciate your feedback and perspective. However, debates about the "best" backcountry gear, in my opinion, are the most uninspired, uncreative, and unproductive discussions on the internet. They're always steeped in personal belief and dogma that doesn't take into account the individual, their unique experience, and their budget. Even though everything looks like a nail to a hammer, one tool simply will not serve every one of our purposes.
Jared Manninen This is the best answer to the “modern vs traditional” argument that I have ever heard. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Home of Iverson, traditional snowshoes. If you aren’t sporting a pair of those, even if you are floundering on a side hill, you will be subject to ridicule. Right tool for the job, as you indicated. I will save this, with your permission, to share with some of my narrow minded friends. Thanks again
Good information. I disagree with the choice of snowshoes, though. Modern "decked" shoes are entirely inappropriate for deep powder, where larger traditional designs should be used instead, for better flotation and shedding of powder. The modern shoes seem to have become popular for several reasons. For companies that sell them, they are much cheaper to produce than the traditional designs, but still remain greatly overpriced. Those companies then often sell guided tours on packed trails to beginners, most of whom usually start out using modern shoes. Most snowshoers today are new at the sport and usually stay on packed trails, where the modern shoes will usually work well enough. The modern decked designs are only useful on packed, crusted, icy or shallow snow where you might not require snowshoes at all. My most enjoyable snowshoeing experiences are on deep unpacked powder using much larger traditional design snowshoes. Doing that, I can feel a much greater sense of freedom and adventure over walking along on undersized snowshoes, trapped in the groove of a pre-packed trail.
Thanks for the feedback! I've actually had other commenters mention that traditional snowshoes are more appropriate for deep and powdery snow. And, I totally agree with the fact that different tools are appropriate for different jobs. In hindsight, I wish I would've been more clear about this idea and that different geographic regions receive different qualities of snow hence the need for different types of snowshoes if you live in Canada versus Vermont.
Honestly, though, I personally don't know anyone who actually uses traditional snowshoes anymore (other than for decoration above their garages, or whatever). But, that's probably a direct result of living in the Sierra Nevada where we traditionally receive "Sierra Cement." Obviously we do receive deep and powdery snow (as evidenced in this video), but it seldom lasts for very long. Thanks to our relatively warm winter days (temps are usually well above freezing during the day) and colder nights, snow tends to transform and consolidate relatively quickly. So, we often find ourselves either snowshoeing or skiing on crust in the morning and slop by midday (at least toward the beginning and ending of the season). We also have to deal with various icy situations, too. The difference between the south and north faces can be quite extreme.
Also, I made this video for the demographic in which you describe (new to the sport, own modern snowshoes, and mostly stay on tracked snow). Obviously, a lot of the techniques in which I demonstrate in this video would be hard to show in packed snow conditions (or probably wouldn't even be relevant). Which, again, is why I showed them in this "extreme" situation.
Whether it's right or wrong is not for me to say, but the fact is most beginner snowshoers do tend to buy modern snowshoes. So, that's essentially the audience for which I produced this video. And, by producing the video in these particular conditions I was hoping to underscore the idea that people can actually go out and have a great winter adventure (albeit a heckuva workout) and still be safe in such deep snow with their modern snowshoes.
Again, I appreciate your feedback. On that note, do you have a specific type and brand of traditional snowshoe that you would recommend for me here in the Sierra Nevada? I already own enough xc skis to accommodate any condition so I'm not in the market for buying more this season (haha). But if it's in the cards this winter, I'd actually like to buy a pair of traditional snowshoes for myself so that I can go out and walk a little more effortlessly in our deepest snow days!
@@JaredManninen By "traditional snowshoe", I meant a laced shoe with a surface area considerably larger than modern shoes. Many of the Canadians I've seen snowshoeing on UA-cam seem to like wood-framed shoes of whatever size and shape seems appropriate for the conditions. My own shoes are the slightly heavier Magline magnesium-framed shoes laced with plastic coated cable. They don't need much maintenance, if any at all. They are best used on deep fresh powder, but can be used for fun on fresh powder at least 10" deep. They are not good in slushy or icy conditions. The Magline shoes were made in Canada for use by the US and Canadian military during the cold war. They weigh about 2.4 lbs each. Living in Connecticut, I don't get to use them often, but it's great fun when I do. I recently took an athletic woman out with a second duplicate pair, and she loved it. We climbed moderate hills, and covered 2 miles.
@@joepiol5105 Gotcha! I didn't even realize that those old military models were still around. But now that you've pointed them out, I'm going to order a set for myself just for the days that we receive 1+ feet of snow. It looks like there are actually quite a few sets for sale at a reasonable price.
Yeah, here in the Sierra Nevada, so much of that snow transforms relatively quickly so, even though a person may find a bunch of soft and deep snow, they're going to also find crusty/icy stuff that necessitates some sort of crampon system. That's probably why everyone I know uses modern snowshoes - for the crampons and the fact that the snow quickly becomes relatively firm.
I love the idea of the traditional wooden snowshoes, but I've price-checked them in the past and they're often upwards of about $300. And, they're specific to those deep powder conditions (which are not necessarily the norm here) and require some maintenance.
Anyway, thanks for all of the information! Hope you have a great winter :)
@@JaredManninen I've read that a pair of snow shoes with added tails on them (ie MSR's with tails) will give you a good compromise, allowing you to navigate narrow packed trails (w/out tails) and still provided extra floatation in deeper snow (w/tails) when you need to switch it up.
Hey Jason,
Thanks! I am familiar with MSR's extended tail options, but have never personally used them. Seems like it would help in deeper snow, then give you the option of downsizing in firm conditions. Pretty interesting design!
Best beginner video with great advanced techniques. Especially appreciated the fall recovery. Using the poles as a base in one hand is going to simplify my powder skiing fall recovery a lot (after all these years of flailing around postholing my arms : )
Hey James,
Thanks so much for the nice feedback! I appreciate it :)
You're not alone when it comes to occasionally flailing about and postholing up to your shoulder in powder! I still sometimes forget to just unstrap my poles and use them as that anchor-type platform. I most often forget when there are weeks between big snowstorms, probably because at that point I've gotten used to snowshoeing or skiing on stable/firm snow.
But there's nothing quite like a brief panic attack after face planting downhill in the deep stuff to keep a person honest and humble. haha! Be safe out there!
Excellent - thank you for showing all the different falls & how to get up - especially without poles
You're welcome! Glad I could be of service 👍 Thank you for watching 🤗
I have never snowshoed. I am now more likely to try it if the opportunity shows. Very well done tutorial. Getting up after a fall is definitely the most important thing you demonstrated. I have a lot better perspective of the task, having watched this.
Thanks a bunch. Be well............
Thank you so much for the kind feedback. I really appreciate it! And I hope you do get out and snowshoe soon. It is fun, and usually not nearly as much work as I show in the video. haha. That day was definitely a major snowstorm kind of day and, in some respects, a worst case scenario. When the snow is firm and consolidated, snowshoeing is way more easy.
Again, thanks for tuning in and for the nice comment :)
Excellent video, thanks! I appreciate the demonstrations.
I see you also have a video discussing footwear for snowshoeing, which is just what I wanted some help with. Going to watch that now.
Thank you so much for the kind words, and for watching :) Hopefully you don't find yourself out in the same conditions (as when I filmed this video) too often 😃
@@JaredManninen Yes, hopefully not! We're lucky enough to get a lot of sunny winter days here in Colorado. But the powder's often deep, so these tips from your video are very helpful. The reminder to stay calm and clear the snow before moving too much is important. Thanks!
@@JessicaTPeterson Yeah, you guys get tons of snow out there too! We usually get lots of sun, as well, but there can be times where it just snows and snows... So snowshoeing in deeper snow definitely presents some unique challenges compared to when it's consolidated, and often just keeping your wits about you is the key factor in recovering :)
@@JaredManninen Good thing to be reminded of for sure. Last spring, I had a snowshoe plunge hip deep right beside an old standing, snow-buried tree trunk. That thing was just lurking under there; I had no idea until I went through. It took a while to get a hand down through the icy snow to undo my snowshoe, which was hard to dig out even after I got my foot out of it. It had somehow wedged under part of the wood. That one left a bruise.
Beating down that initial feeling of panic/flailing is so important, and I appreciate you emphasizing that. Can't hear it enough.
@@JessicaTPeterson Yikes, that sounds intense! And not something that I want any personal experience with 🙄But you're not the first person to tell me about their tree well mishap. That's one reason whenever people ask me what type of snowshoe I'd recommend, and then I say, "the type that'll allow you to undo your binding with one hand while hanging upside down in the tree well." Of course, they always look at me like I'm crazy, but weird stuff happens out there. And snow is not as predictable as we'd all like to believe!
Read a lot of very helpful information below after watching this awesome video. The only snow I’m exposed to in Boston is on Charles Riverbank. Shallow snow but still very enjoyable to walk on rare snowy weekends.
Thanks for the kind words, Mia 🤗 Yeah, this video has a pretty active and inspiring comment section with lots of useful feedback!
I'd say that I wish you had more snow in Boston, but I imagine a lot of snow would cause lots of problems for the city and all of its residents. But I'm glad you have access to at least a little of it along the river ❄️
Thanks again for tuning in, and for the comment!
Very good content. Thanks
Thank you! I appreciate it :)
I have never snowshoed, because I don´t own a pair. Was thinking of buying a pair after todays walk in the woods, preparing to photograph a black grouse . But I don´t know, seems to be heavier to walk in snowshoes than without. I thought the purpose of a snow shoe was to keep your feet on top of the snow. But in the video it looked like they were sinking like crazy and snow fell on top of them, weighing down the foot. Looked like a tough workout. Maybe there is something I don´t understand. Anyway, informative video, for that I give you a thumbs up!
Thanks for the comment! Yeah, the day I filmed this video was a worst case scenario type of thing. In the days leading up to it we received between 2-4 feet of snow. It was super soft and unconsolidated, so it was essentially bottomless. The modern types of snowshoes I wore aren't ideal in so much new snow. But I wanted to demonstrate the techniques in that environment to show that it's possible to move around in such conditions (using technique and a lot of effort!). Showing those same techniques in firm snow doesn't have the same visual impact. Anyway, when the snow is more firm they work just fine. And more firm snow conditions tend the norm. Those big snowstorms come in, but the snow then settles soon thereafter.
I will often bring my larger DSLR with me to photograph wildlife when snowshoeing. You just need to be mindful of where your snowshoes are so that you don't trip.
Let me know if you have other questions 👍
Another technique for walking backwards is to put your poles in the front of your snowshoes to hold them down and keep them from flipping down.
Clever idea, Lucas! I'm going to have to try that out for myself :)
Thanks for the feedback!
It’s astounding how much better this video is than most of the others on UA-cam. Very information dense and concise. Thanks for posting.
I appreciate the nice feedback! I tried to be as thorough as possible with this one. And I do find that many snowshoe videos are filmed in pretty ideal conditions, so I thought it might be helpful to show some deep snow situations :)
Thanks again for watching, and for the wonderful comments!
Here I was hoping you'd have some kind of magical tricks I had never thought of. But really, this is all pretty much basic common sense stuff most people figure out pretty quick on their own. Not that it's not helpful for a beginner before they start though. I would have pointed out (although it should be obvious from your statement about breaking trail) that snowshoes do not magically allow you to run around on the top of the snow (unless it's crust, which is fun). A lot of people seem to think they let you walk like normal in the snow. No, in reality they just help make it somewhat easier, and give you more traction and stability. You will still have to train your legs to walk in the snow, which uses a whole bunch of different muscles than regular walking (and snowshoes seem to use some unique muscles of their own even compared to slogging through the snow). If you can walk ten miles easy on regular ground, don't expect to be able to do the same with snowshoes. Even if you are walking on a broken trail, you will be much slower and have to stop and rest occasionally (probably should anyway), and you'll find yourself tiring and getting sore long before you would have normally. If you are breaking trail, it can be quite arduous indeed, and doing a mile will take you a good deal of time and will drain your energy rapidly. So be prepared, don't bite off more than you can chew. Ease yourself into it. And don't bother with the snowshoes unless you need them. Every year as soon as we get six inches of snow I see people out wearing snowshoes, like they think it is a special treat to be able to wear them. In reality, you wear snowshoes when you NEED to, because it allows you to walk in deep snow more easily, not because it's actually enjoyable to wear them. It's not like skis. Obviously, snowshoes can be anjoyable, but that's just because they allow you to walk in lovely places you couldn't easily go otherwise. No one wears snowshoes for the hell of it, and there isn't any real pleasure in slogging in snow instead of on solid surface (unless you just really like challenging yourself, obviously). Anyway, you don't nee snowshoes to walk in 6 inches of snow. It's actually just making it harder. As long as your feet can break through to solid ground easily and you aren't wading through snow up to your knees, you don't need the snowshoes. The only good reason I can think to wear snowshoes that early in the season is to get your muscles in tone for the real season later. But I think most of the people I see honestly think they need them. Then you have the types who go and walk on the well-packed trails with snowshoes on, because it's snow. HInt: unless you are actually sinking into the snow, you don't need snowshoes, and they are just making it harder for you. They say an ounce of weight on your feet is equivalent to ten pounds of body weight in terms of making it difficult to walk. Snowshoes are heavier than they seem, and they are bulky and force you to use an abnormal stride. Of course if you WANT to burn as many calories as possible, go for it. But for that matter, you can do the same by putting sandbags on your ankles in the summer, yet most people don't do that. My personal practice is to rig up a strap or cord of some sort that allows me to carry the snowshoes on my back, and I carry them with me in case I need them, but I don't put them on otherwise.
Great feedback, William!
I do believe most people can sort themselves out relatively quickly when using snowshoes. But being so close to coastal California and the Bay Area, I work with lots of people who've never actually seen snow firsthand. And you'd be surprised at all of the interesting things I learn about people (i.e. their life experiences being vastly different than mine) after having a brief discussion with them while being on the snow during an xc ski lesson that I'm teaching, for example. So after having worked in the outdoor rec industry here in Tahoe for many years, I've just learned to assume that everyone is starting from Step 1 (until proven otherwise). The information in this video may be redundant for experienced adventurers, but for many people unfamiliar with snowy adventures it gives them a good starting point.
I totally agree that using snowshoes when necessary (not just for the fun of it - haha) is the best policy. They are not super fun to wear when conditions are favorable in which to simply walk (over firm snow so long as it's not super icy). I also appreciate your comment about many people believing that snowshoes will allow them to float right over the surface of the snow. Unless it's firm, like you said, you'll be sinking a bit depending on the amount of fresh snow. It's going to be a workout, so be prepared :)
I also lash my snowshoes to a backpack and carry until I need to wear them. Sometimes the approach to the snow can be far longer than actually snowshoeing through the snow. But it's no fun to wear them when you don't actually need them.
Thanks again for providing such thorough commentary!
Awww.....man! I wished I checked this comment out before I just ordered my 1st pair of snowshoes....probably should have spent the money on an updated pair of xc skis....🤦🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
If it makes you feel any better, I currently own 2 sets of snowshoes, 10 sets of xc skis, and 8 sets of xc ski boots. And that's just the tip of the iceberg 😆 Having some extra gear isn't the worst thing in the world because everything serves its purpose.
Great video, thanks! But...Erm... those snowshoes don't appear to be very effective for you. You don't seem to be getting any floatation... Am I just seeing this wrong, or...? I understand you will sink some, but you seem to be sinking all the way. I've hiked straight on through snow as deep as you were in there (~2') and never had a problem just hoofing it through with boots, so I'm a little confused what your snowshoes add to the experience except additional exertion.
I'm actually building my own set of modified bear paws and am trying to soak in all I can about snowshoeing before I take 'em out into the first snows of the season.
Thanks for the feedback! Yeah, the day I filmed this the conditions were challenging to say the least. I believe there were back-to-back storms and no time for the snow to set. So, even though it looks like I'm sinking a lot (which I am) I would've sank way more without. The snow we receive in the Sierra Nevada is often dry and powdery so trying to wade through without snowshoes tends to be exhausting and potentially dangerous. Essentially, that was one of the primary downfalls of the Donner Party once they reached Donner Lake/Pass (Truckee Lake at the time) - the snow was too light, deep, and unconsolidated for them to hike through. I would've been better served with a larger set of modern snowshoes (like a 30 inch) or, even better, a pair of really large traditional snowshoes (which I don't currently own). But on snow so deep having even a smaller set of snowshoes at least will help to provide uniform footing, whereas you could find yourself postholing a lot while only wearing boots. The conditions on this day were definitely a bit extreme, but I thought it might make for some compelling imagery and stimulating conversation, so thanks for adding to it :)
The Donner Party - what a challenging story. Was out that way last year and the mountains were amazing. Thanks for the tips!
Indeed. It's hard to know just how difficult it is to navigate through deep snow regardless of gear until you experience it first hand. And the Donner Party pretty much had no functional gear to deal with the countless feet of (bottomless) snow they were faced with at the pass. Thanks for the comments 🤗
Went snowshoeing with the wife for the first time. We did not have fun. We both fell, wallowed around in the snow for a while-it was sad-but funny I'm sure, too bad we dont have video. Came home and watched several videos-yours being the best. Went out yesterday and we had a blast!! Thanks so much for your help!!
Hey Bruce!
So glad I could be of service :) Yeah, the falling down and getting back up part of playing in snow can sometimes make or break the experience. Even though we all fall and nobody really likes it, at least having the right tools and techniques to expedite the getting up part makes it possible to carry one without a whole lot of extra hassle :)
Again, thanks so much for tuning in and for the nice feedback. I really appreciate it. And I hope you have many more fun (and safe!) winter excursions on your snowshoes. Take care!
Full marks for hucking yourself into the powder snow several times.
Haha! Thanks for watching, and glad you appreciate the full send :)
Thank you for this video; i am interested in learning how to snowshoe, and your video is so instructional with basic skills that are important for beginners like me. The portion on how to handle and conduct oneself in case of falls is one of the most precious part of the video; I thank you so much for your sharing your knowledge and expertise with the rest of us. May your life be long and prosperous! 😊
Thank you for the kind words. I'm glad I could be of service 🤗
It's interesting because the getting up after falling was almost an afterthought when I made that video. But in hindsight, I'm so glad I included it because it has proved to be a valuable aspect of the video.
So, again, thanks for watching and for the wonderful feedback ☺️
And I wish for you a long and healthy life, too 🤗
I moved to New England six years ago and every year I've said , "This is the year I learn to snowshoe!" Well, I'm saying it again this winter, and if I actually do I'll be thanking you for the good pointers here. Cheers!
Hey Eric,
Thanks so much for the kind words :) And I totally encourage you to give snowshoeing a go this year! It just opens up a whole lot more possibilities for enjoying (surviving?! - haha!) the winter :)
I live in New England too did you end up trying it out? Trying to figure out the best snowshoe for our type of snow
Oh man, I do love a snowy day, especially out in the fields and forests. It is so pleasurable to see the grey sky and air, the muffled silence, the smell of the snow, the sound of the flakes falling, the feel of the flakes brushing your cheeks, the cushy cold softness all around you can just flop down in and roll around. Everything looks so fresh and beautiful and different with a layer of new snow on it, the roads all covered with fresh powder and drifts, with a few tire tracks, maybe some people out for a walk (the back roads anyway, they ruin the main roads by dumping nasty, corrosive salt all over them and turning them into slippery, dangerous salty slush pits that destroy your car and make you slide all over the road). We had one of the nicest snow winters I've seen in years this year, it has been just beautiful. I am so lucky to live in this state, it's just about perfect.
Hey William,
Thanks so much for the beautiful comment :)
I agree that winter is quite the spectacular season and capable of producing some of the most amazing outdoor experiences. It's become my favorite time of the year.
We don't use salt on the roads here at Lake Tahoe, just sand. But I remember growing up in the upper Midwest and having rust on every vehicle we ever owned (due to road salt)!
I use modern 10 x 25 snowshoes (typically too large for my 135 lb. frame + gear but have snowshoed for over 15 years) yet have never found them inadequate for even the deepest or wettest snow. They are lightweight and not so long that I have problems turning easily in them unlike I would have using 30-36" snowshoes. Traditional "beaver tail" snowshoes were mainly used for straight-line trekking while hauling game back to camp but not so good for turning.
That's true that you could just size up a bit with modern snowshoes to achieve a similar float to the more traditional styles of snowshoes. I've just noticed that there are a bunch of traditionalists who don't like the modern snowshoes at all and have commented accordingly on this video. I do agree that traditional snowshoes can be great in deep, dry snow in open terrain, but not very effective on anything that's hard-packed or icy.
That's why I will always prefer modern over traditional, because in the Sierra Nevada you're always going to run into the whole gamut of snow conditions. Even yesterday, after we've had multiple feet of relatively dry and cold snow, the snow trapped in the tree boughs melts and then ices up all over the drier stuff. So, having actual crampons on the snowshoes is essential for being able to snowshoe across that icy stuff without a whole lot of slipping.
Thanks for watching, and for contributing to the conversation. I appreciate it!
@@JaredManninen you're welcome. Hopefully I did not come over as negative. Having snowshoed for the 15 years plus instructed in cross country skiing and snowshoe programs almost the same time I find beginners especially just want to head out and treat their experience as though they are hiking except just on a wider footprint. Modern snowshoes can be purchased without too much cost allowing them the experience and to see if they may want to stick with it.
That's how I usually see it too, that people generally want a low cost/easy operation to get outside and have an adventure. Modern snowshoes tend to be low cost and provide that opportunity. And, like you said, people can upgrade or purchase some other style of snowshoe if they really get into it.
I was out snowshoeing yesterday for the first time in decades. I fell on my back and realized that I didn’t really know how to get up. Maybe I knew how when I was a kid, but the knowledge was gone. It took two people to help me up. Thanks for the refresher! Now I know how to go about it. I’ll be fully confident next time, and I’m pretty sure I won’t need any help, thanks to you.
Hey Thomas,
Thanks for the kind words! And I'm glad I could be of service :)
Obviously the snow is quite deep in this video, and on firm and hard-packed snow it's not quite as challenging to get up after falling. But when it is deep, and you do go down, the experience can definitely elicit a bit of a panic-response! Especially if you're by yourself. Glad to hear that you were on an adventure with friends. It's always safer to do so. Getting up on xc skis is similar in that you just need to find a way in which to get your feet directly underneath you.
Anyway, thanks again for tuning in and offering such nice feedback. I appreciate it :)
You need 10 x 36!! You can get these in a modern version that have large crampons and heel bar which is very handy on steep incline. I'm 230 and can stay on top deep snow with out sinking in, my favorite shoes on market are Faber Mountain Master 10x36 they got 3 ratchet straps and heel lift, forget them flimsy straps only ratchet straps for me!
I've been holding off on buying something specific for really deep snow. I've gone back and forth on getting something more traditional to one of the older military aluminum traditional style snowshoes. But those Mountain Masters look pretty great! So, thanks for the lead. And thanks for watching. I appreciate it :)
It's my bday on the 18th..I have to go to the city to pick up some gators and im going to look at snowshoes..then I want to do hwy 60 in the lower section of Algonquin park..maybe I'll get lucky abd see some moose on my bday!
Well, then, Happy Early Birthday!!! Sounds like a potentially great birthday gift to yourself -- snowshoes and moose :)
I've only seen a moose one time (last fall) and it was totally random in northern Nevada. But it was a very memorable experience to say the least.
Great video…and very hilarious….I thought I might try snowshoeing (never have) and wanted to get some pointers. So what I learned was that I think I won’t try snowshoeing….way too much of a wimp. You may have saved a life….: :-)
Ha Ha! Glad I could provide some comedic relief for you, Lisa 😆
That said, I'd still give snowshoeing a try if I were you. Maybe just avoid going out on Snowpocalypse kind of days (like what I showed in this particular video). Most of the time the snow isn't nearly as deep and, therefore, not so much work to negotiate.
Anyway, thanks for tuning in! And I appreciate your humor ☺️
I’m a complete newbie and taking my kids (ages 9-15) out…what kind of safety things do we need to look out for? Avalanches, tree wells…I have a lot to learn!
Hey Jessie,
Thanks for tuning in, and reaching out :)
Unless you're going out in absolute blizzard conditions (such as in my video) in the mountains, you shouldn't have to worry too much about avalanches or falling into tree wells. Those are definitely risk factors to consider when choosing your route, but if you're not going in super advanced and technical terrain I wouldn't worry too much. Use trekking poles if you have them for additional balance and to help you get up if you fall, but to be safer simply choose safer terrain (i.e. flat terrain and rolling hills versus steep mountainous terrain). Avoid crossing water features unless you're positive that they're frozen. Travel to/through locations in which you're already familiar so that you'll have an easier time navigating, although keep in mind that everything does look different in the winter. So be mindful of your surroundings so that you don't get lost. When in doubt, return via the same route you set out on (i.e. follow your own tracks back to the car). Start with shorter trips (your kids will probably want that anyway) to become familiar with using snowshoes and hiking around during the winter.
That's a least a little info to get you started. The most important thing about winter travel, however, is just to be present and mindful when you're out there. Pay attention at all times. Trust your instincts. And don't bite off more than you can chew. Winter travel is a whole other animal, so just know it's a constant learning process to not only be safe but to have fun while you're out there.
Let me know if you have other question or want additional clarification. Thanks again for the questions. And have fun out there!
This is the most informative video I've seen, a lot of the videos covered selecting proper gear and the main idea of walking but non of them covered falling and alternative was to get through tricky situations for beginners. thanks!
Thanks so much for watching, and for the meaningful feedback! I really appreciate it :)
I do find it interesting that there aren't many (if any?) snowshoeing how-to videos that go into depth about "worst case scenarios." Probably because a lot of people take it for granted that it's a relatively easy activity in which to participate. And, realistically, it is. However, it only takes one fall into deep snow to make a person appreciate how challenging it can be to get back up.
Again, thanks for tuning in and for contributing to the conversation :)
Just got my first set of snowshoes for Christmas, and I'm having a blast using them. Thanks a ton for such the super helpful content, looking forward to using the tips my next time out!
Hey Al,
Thank you for the kind words :) I really appreciate your feedback!
And, I'm so glad to hear that you're getting out and playing in the snow. Snowshoes aren't too complex, but they're super versatile and provide a fantastic way of getting outdoors in the winter.
Hope you have a great New Year, and that you have some memorable adventures this winter! Let me know if you ever have any questions :)
I’ve got a client who wants to train to snowshoe! This was super helpful! Thank you! ❄️
Thanks so much for your kind words! And glad I could be of service :)
This was very helpful. Thank you!
Glad I could be of service! And, I hope you stayed 'till the end for my face plant demonstrations :) I've been told it's the highlight of the video. haha!
This is the most helpful snowshoeing video that I have come across. Thank you!
I appreciate the kind words. Thanks for watching, and glad I could be of service :)
Thank you for the amazing video!!! Very informative!!!
Hey Julio! Thanks so much for watching, and for the kind words. I appreciate it :)
Thanks for sharing your tips. I started snowshoeing last year 2023, loved it. Heading to Mammoth, CA in 2 weeks for snowshoeing and skiing can't wait. 2024, CA got some great winter storms leaving a lot of snow on our local mountains surrounding Los Angeles County. Winter mountaineering and snowshoeing.
Hey Christy,
Glad you enjoyed the video :) And I wish you a great adventure out in Mammoth! It should be incredible, especially thanks to the blizzard the Sierra Nevada experienced this week. I'm looking forward to a solid spring of snowy activities thanks to all of the snow we just received :)
@@JaredManninen have fun
@@christyph3382Will do :)
Excellent pointers - thank you so much.
Thank you for the kind words! I appreciate it :) And I hope you have a great winter!
Well said previous comment by Niviatab. This vides is excellent for us beginners learning to deal w/ basic issues such as falling, how to recover from a fall, & minimizing a natural reaction such as "panic". Thank you Jared for sharing, I've watched many of your videos as your my favorite person to learn from. We recently moved to Alaska from the Bay Area (used to downhill in Tahoe/Squaw all the time).
I just made the transition to xcountry, thanks to your knowledge & expertise in making an educated gear decision. I can go everyday this coming winter. YAY!! Can hardly wait to get outside.
All the best.
Hey Renae,
Thanks so much for the kind words :) I'm really glad you've been able to get some inspiration and knowledge from my videos. And that's exciting that you've been making a transition to xc skiing! I'm so grateful that I started exploring it years ago. It really has provided me with a whole new approach to enjoying winter.
That's a big move up to Alaska! I hope you have a great time up there. You should be able to play on snow as often as you'd like this winter :)
Again, I really appreciate your feedback. Let me know if you ever have any questions.
Take care!
Jared
Great video for a newbie like me. New subscriber
Thanks so much for the kind words, and for subscribing! I appreciate it :)
Extremely helpful. Thank you!
You're welcome! And thank you for the kind words :)
My mom and I went snowshoeing for the first time, and we watched this video before heading out on a trail. When she fell my mom used your technique to get back up! Thank you! :)
That is very cool :) Glad to hear the snowshoeing tips came in handy!
POV you’re from Howies gym class
I have no idea who Howie is or what you mean, but thanks for the comment 😂😂😂
First rule of snowshoes. Love it
Glad you liked it, Paul! It was an epic day out there :)
This is great! Im going to require any one or group I snowshoe with to watch this. Lifesaver for sure.
Thanks so much for the positive feedback! I appreciate the kind words, as well as the recommendation to your fellow snowshoers :)
Great video. Very helpful. Thank you! Is there a limit of how deep you can go? We're expecting 4 feet of snow at our house this week, and I just bought snowshoes today in preparation for snowshoeing down our very long and steep driveway to the road. Maybe skis would be better? Or a sled? Sounds silly, but I'm really trying to figure this out.
Hey Heather,
Thanks so much for the kind words, and the question!
I hope you do get lots of snow, by the way :) I'm hoping with this inbound snowstorm (here in Tahoe starting today!) that we also get a bunch of fresh snow.
That said, modern snowshoes aren't necessarily the best for traveling through multiple feet of fresh powdery snow. They'll be much more effective once the snow begins to set. And, as you can see in this video, it's definitely a workout for me to move around in so much deep snow. Not to say that you shouldn't get out and have some fun in it, but dial back your expectations for how far you're going to travel. Overall, I've found that they make walking around a lot easier in up to about a foot of new snow. More than that is definitely going to be a workout. And if you do get more than that all at once, walking without them would be near impossible.
If, like you said, you'll mostly be going down your driveway I suspect that if you make a few trips and pack the snow down your snowshoes will be just fine. That's another standard practice when breaking trail, right? Rotating through people who are in the lead so that the same person isn't constantly making the slog at the front of the pack. This is effectively the same as walking over your own tracks (if you're the only person out there). Often when we get really deep snow here in Tahoe, me and my roommate go out in the yard wearing our snowshoes to walk over the berms that we've created when shoveling the snow (i.e. along the front walkway, driveway...). This makes it a little more manageable to throw more snow over those berms the next time we have to shovel.
Skis and sleds can also be fun, but if you want to use those snowshoes go for it. I would also recommend using trekking poles that have wide (snow-oriented) baskets on them for more stability when snowshoeing. In case of a fall, those poles can aid you in standing back up (especially in so much new snow!).
Not sure if any of that helps, so let me know if you want other suggestions, have any more questions, or want additional clarification :)
Again, thanks so much for tuning in and for contributing to the conversation!
@@JaredManninen , thank you so very much for all of this invaluable advice! Wow! I'm blown away by your generosity. I'll definitely be using these tips. After a huge snowfall, maybe if I can just forge a decent trail by going down the driveway and back once while wearing snow shoes and pulling a weighted sled behind me (tied to my waist), that will "plow" enough of a relatively easy walking trail for me to use after that, with or maybe even without snowshoes. Or maybe I'll just pay to have my driveway plowed 😆 With a multi-day storm like the one that's coming today, I don't want or need daily plowing, but I do like to get out of the house, if only for a nice walk in the neighborhood. Wish me luck! And enjoy our incoming awesome snowstorm! Thanks again for taking the time to share your knowledge and expertise with me.
@@EFTTappingwithHeatherAmbler I'm glad to be of service :) You're going to have fun with all of that snow! If my schedule permits, I tend to avoid driving anywhere in those types of epic snowstorms. But, I am very fortunate to leave near a lot of open space (namely a CA State Park a couple blocks from my home). So, I can usually just go out and have some adventures from my front door. That is, until the storm passes, the roads get cleared and the snow sets a bit. Then, I'll go and adventure elsewhere.
Anway, good luck and thanks for all the feedback!
@@JaredManninen Thankfully, I work from home, which allows me to stay home during storms. I love being out in them, but not while driving--too many sketchy variables, and I don't like to risk an accident unless I really have to drive somewhere. My snowshoes are 26-inchers, but I may get some 30-inchers to allow me to snowshoe in deeper snow. So excited for the storm! It's already started snowing up at my house. Have fun!!! ❄❄❄
@@EFTTappingwithHeatherAmbler Fantastic all around. Good luck with the fresh snow :)
Great instruction! Thank you!
Thanks for the kind words! I appreciate it :)
Thanks for taking all those dives for our education! This a really nice basic guide video.
Ha Ha! Glad I could be of service 😁 Thanks for watching, and for the kind words.
I'm watching this video and I am suddenly realizing just how much this will be a very physical activity 😅 I already assumed it would be. My brother and I have been hiking a lot more this past year and wanted to try it out. I've been pushing and suggesting it.. and now I feel like I may regret my decision 😂
Haha - I think you'll be fine :) It's only as strenuous as you want it to be, assuming you're just out for fun. The conditions in which I was snowshoeing in this video are not necessarily the norm by any means. And if it is that deep when you go out, just do what you can and enjoy it out there :)
Thanks for tuning in, and for the comment!
Great video! Many Thanks
Thank you very much :)
Cant wait to go snowshoeing for Boy Scouts soon. Going down this whole hiking/snowshoeing rabbit hole of UA-cam.
Awesome! That's a great group of kids to be out having a winter adventure with! And, I totally understand the rabbit hole situations. I fall down them all the time :)
Hey buds, watched a ton of these vids looking for stuff to help new people. Glad I found yours. It really helps
Thanks so much for the kind words! I appreciate it :)
I'm a ski instructor, learning to snowshoe. I wonder about the use the pole straps while snowshoeing. I rarely use my pole straps while skiing, mainly because in the event of a crash I'd rather lose my poles entirely, rather than risk a significant wrist injury. Anyone else have an opinion about using straps with poles?
Thanks for watching, and thanks for the question :)
Pole straps aren't really a necessity when snowshoeing. I probably just use them because I'm a cross-country skier where using them is a requirement (for executing proper diagonal striding technique). Although I do generally unstrap when going downhill on xc skis (to avoid those wrist/thumb injury in the case of a crash). But for just walking around in snowshoes, I wouldn't worry about it.
That said, because I'm a cross-country skier I also use pole straps when hiking as they do help to provide a similar forward propulsion benefit as when used in xc skiing.
It's so funny because whenever I mention the importance of the use of pole straps when discussing xc ski technique, I say stuff like "unlike Alpine skiing where you don't use the straps..." Then as soon as I say that, someone comments that they're Alpine skiers and use the straps all the time. As far as I knew, nobody used them due to the risk/injury factor when crashing at high speed. I know a bunch of people who stopped using them after wrecking their wrist/thumb. But I still get a lot of people on my channel saying that they use them all the time. I don't know, maybe they're racers? Either way, I can't keep track! haha :)
As an alpine skier I use pole straps all the time (so I don't lose them or have to go back to retrieve a pole that stayed firmly in the snow while I was swiftly meters further down hill). When starting snow shoeing I also use them so I don't have to 'carry' the poles completely by using my hand muscles, it's getting sore after a while, I also like that you can let go of the pole to get something without having to stop going, just let it dangle for a bit.
@@sachadee.6104 Thanks for contributing to the conversation, Sacha :) I've also started to use the straps when hiking just for that same reason you mention above (about getting the tips stuck and not having to go back to collect the ski pole - I occasionally experience this in rocky sections of hiking trails). Also, the straps do enable you to push off a little more with your arms giving them a good workout :) Thanks again for commenting!
Hi Jared. Thanks for the video. I am thinking of buying myself a pair of snowshoes, but I have never thought about what I should do if I fall down. Nice review!
Best regards from Russia.
Mikhail.
Thanks for the kind words, Mikhail! I'm glad you liked the video. Falling down and getting back up is definitely not the first thing on people's minds when snowshoeing, but depending on conditions and the situation a fall could result in a serious matter. Mostly on consolidated (packed) snow it's not a big deal. But when the snow is deep and fluffy it can be challenging. As morbid as it sounds, when people ask me what type of snowshoes they should buy I recommend the kind that they could get out of (i.e. easy to operate bindings) if trapped upside down in a deep tree well. There are a lot of snowshoes with overly complex bindings that I tend to shy away from for that reason. Anyway, some food for thought! Thanks again :)
What happens if you exceed the weight of the snowshoes? Im 225lbs and carry more than 25lbs of gear. Only seeing up to 250lbs on amazon.
Hey Seth,
Thanks so much for watching, and for the great question!
The short answer is that I wouldn't recommend buying snowshoes that aren't designed to bear the weight in question (body and gear weight = approx. 250 lbs). Definitely look for snowshoes that will accommodate that weight range. Otherwise, you won't get nearly as much float in deeper snow and there's a good chance that you'll put excess pressure on the snowshoe components.
All of that said, I just did a really quick online search and found that Tubbs brand makes their Wilderness Snowshoe in a 36" length that bears 220-300 lbs. Tubbs is one of the best snowshoe brands on the market and, although 36 inches is pretty long, I wouldn't say that it's an unmanageable length. I'm only 5'6" tall and I use 28" snowshoes pretty easily. And it looks like those snowshoes are currently on sale for $140 (down from $200) at their website. This is the link I found (tubbssnowshoes.com/en-us/p/wilderness-mens-snowshoes-2122)
It also looks like MSR makes a snowshoe in your weight range. The MSR
Lightning Ascent (220-280 lbs). MSR is also an exceptional brand.
Here's the link to an article I just found that features a bunch of different options for snowshoes that'll bear heavier loads (www.snowshoemag.com/four-kinds-of-snowshoes-for-big-people-and-heavy-loads/). I did a quick scan of that article, and it actually is really thorough and appropriate, providing recommendations for modern, traditional, and military-style snowshoes for carrying more weight.
Anyway, I always recommend using gear based on the person's size/weight in conjunction with the manufacturers sizing recommendations. So that would be my suggestion to you ... find a set of snowshoes designed to bear that 250 lbs weight range. I think you'd be frustrated if you tried to make something smaller work.
Hope that helps. Let me know what you end up deciding on!
And thanks again for tuning in, as well as contributing to the conversation :)
@@JaredManninen thank you so much for that detailed reply! I literally just got done with a 7 hour hike to retreive my cameras after a suprise snow dump. It was a hard trip!
@@sethstachlowski5571 No prob, Seth. Glad I could be of service :)
And that definitely sounds like one heck of an adventure! Snowshoes aren't necessarily the equivalent of a magic carpet, but they can make hiking through snow a lot more efficient (and enjoyable!). Good luck!
@@sethstachlowski5571 Hey Seth, I just got the notification of your message, but for the life of me I can't find it now. I assumed it was via Instagram, but it's nowhere to be found. I do want to see that video though, so if you could try to send it again that would be awesome. I did read your message in that you bought those snowshoes, so that'll be great for you!
@@JaredManninen I resent it. I beleive it will be under message requests in FB messenger
great post! Thanks for info!!
You're welcome, Lisa! Glad I could be of service :)
Just getting started with snowshoeing. Really appreciate that you were out in the elements and that you showed some of the mistakes and strategies to overcome them. Just seeing you conquering the circumstances was helpful.
You're welcome, Lynn! Thanks so much for watching, and for the kind words :)
This was definitely an epic day, but lots of fun!
This is by far the most in depth vid on how to snowshoe properly.
Thanks so much for the nice feedback 🤗 I tried to produce a one-stop shop kind of video about snowshoeing 👍
Many thanks, very helpful and excellent instructional video, covered just about everything, and in such deep powder too. Just the right amount of detail and instruction, thank you.
Thank you, Bill, for the kind words :)
I definitely swung for the fences in this video, trying to make it a one-stop shopping experience ;) I do admit, however, that my smaller, modern snowshoes were a bit outmatched for the deep powder conditions (as more than one commenter has pointed out). That said, in addition to the demonstrations I wanted to get across the point that even in such intense conditions, with proper technique, a person could have themselves a fun and safe winter adventure. Thanks again, and I hope you have a great winter!
Went snowshoeing in over a foot of powder today 12/17/20 in MA great information thanks for taking the time to make the video
Sounds like an great winter adventure, Darlene! I've been hearing news reports about all of the snow hitting the NE. Glad you were able to make the most of it, and hopefully your home and neighborhood is safe and sound.
I know the video is about snowshoeing but could you even XC ski in snow that deep? If so, which skis would you use?
Haha, yeah, deep snow like this is a challenge no matter the means of travel :)
But I've been out in this type of snow more than once using backcountry xc skis. I run my widest, which are the Fischer S-Bound 112mm with basic 3-pin bindings. Honestly, thought, they're outmatched in snow this deep. But, knowing the score before I even step foot outside (because I can see it and have been watching the storm all day, for example), I just plan to travel a shorter distance and essentially snowshoe with those skis on. If I can find an angle of terrain steep enough, I might be able to glide downhill a little bit. But not too steep, lest I find myself in avalanche terrain. The bottom line is that in conditions such as this I just slog around and enjoy the weather and scenery.
In a lot of respects, that's been my experience a lot this winter (2022-23) here in Tahoe. We've had multiple snowstorms/conditions similar to the one presented in this snowshoeing video. And it's just difficult to move around no matter what. But I do love being out in these storms even knowing that I won't be traveling far :)
@@JaredManninen That deep, I guess it's time to just get out the snowshoes.
Yeah, when you're sinking down to your knees it's six of one, half dozen of another. That is, unless, you have a large set of traditional snowshoes like a lot of people recommend for deep and unconsolidated snow. I have yet to buy a set of those, but every big snow year I consider it more and more ☺️
@@JaredManninen I've worn both. Those Traditional snowshoes aren't all what they're cracked up to be. You sink in the snow with Traditional ones just as you do with Modern ones, among other things. I used traditional for 15 years before giving the Modern snowshoe to compare them to what Traditional ones can do. Long story short. Once I went modern, my Traditionals look great hanging on the wall. ;)
Awesome! I get the impression that there are a bunch of diehards in the traditional camp. Which is fine because we all have our preferred gear/systems. But no gear is perfect and everything has its pros/cons. So I try not to get too invested in any one specific piece of gear.
One of the best videos I've seen on the topic. Thank you!
Thank you so much :) It was a very fun video to make in that crazy snowstorm!
Wow, you know the place gets REAL snow when they are warning you about suffocating in it. I've never even heard that before. Although the method for getting up seems obvious to me. Not sure where I even learned that, it's just what you learn as a you grow up. Of course I've never fallen in 5 feet of snow before either...I will file that as potentially useful information, good to have in mind at least. You never know.
Haha. Yeah Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS) is a real thing, although it's most often associated with avalanche scenarios. The reason a person finds themselves buried in deep snow is irrelevant, however. Panic is often the first thing that a person experiences after falling down and having their face covered in snow and/or realizing that it's going to take some real effort to get back up. Then if they're unable to get up right away (due to being in bottomless powder, for example) fatigue can set in quickly. That's when things can get really challenging.
Again, what you or I may take for granted (having grown up in snow country), there are just a lot of people without that same life experience. I'm sure I'd be dead in the water if, for example, I found myself in a South American jungle (as I've had extremely limited jungle experiences in my life). haha!
That was really helpful, thank you so much Jared :) I live in Switzerland and am a snowshoe beginner so this made me feel better prepared 👣❄️
Excellent! Thanks so much for the kind words, and glad I could be of service 🤗 Enjoy the winter ❄❄❄
That's why I prefer a good hardwood walking stick. I CAN put my whole weight on it, and often do, without worrying about breaking it. And it leaves a hand free for a flashlight or compass, whatever.
Thanks again for all the valuable comments, William :)
My wife & I received snowshoes for Christmas, so looked for a video with information before using them the first time. I was telling our friends about my video search, and they informed me their nephew is a guide in Lake Tahoe. Found out they are your Uncle Mike and Aunt Anne. Small world huh? Thanks for all the tips Jared!
That is totally crazy, Craig! Yeah, definitely a small world. Tell them I said "hello" the next time you see them ;)
And I'm glad you liked the video. Let me know if you ever have any questions. That said, I'm sure you'll get the hang of your new snowshoes soon as they're pretty straightforward to use in anything but the most extreme of conditions (as I featured in this video - haha!).
Take care, and have a prosperous New Year!
How about downhill?
Hey Derek,
Sorry for my delayed response. It's been a busy summer so far :)
As far as traveling downhill with snowshoes goes, as long as the angle of terrain in which you're negotiating isn't more than a 30 degree angle, you should pretty much just be able to walk normally down the hill. In deeper snow, you may experience some shearing/sliding, but as long as you keep your weight over your feet you shouldn't have to worry about falling over. Trekking poles can help a lot in deeper snow when traveling downhill, providing two more points of contact. With firm snow on those same angles of terrain, I always make sure that the cleats/crampons of the snowshoes get some bite into that harder packed snow. If it's pure ice, I will choose a different route to go downhill. Snowshoes are not nearly as effective as a dedicated set of crampons when negotiating icy terrain.
If you're traveling in terrain that's more than a 30 degree angle and the snow is favorable (i.e. deep enough for the snowshoes to operate normally), I usually recommend traversing the hillside rather than choosing a straight up or down route. There are occasions that I do choose to go directly uphill in steep terrain as snowshoes make it relatively easy to do that thanks to their free heel and aggressive cleats underfoot. However, going straight downhill in steep and mostly firm terrain is not very safe. Again, if the snow is deep enough you can try to go straight downhill. But if it's at all firm and consolidated, I don't recommend going straight downhill on a steep angle. In those situations I'd recommend choosing an alternate route that allows you to traverse a bit more.
I don't know that any of that helps or is clear, so if you want me to clarify anything just let me know.
Thanks so much for watching, and for the question!
Thank you for your entire video😁❤ Great job on getting up so quickly too!
Thank you so much for the kind words :) Glad I could be of service!
@@JaredManninen Me too. I was laughing at a friend that had fallen & was rolling back n forth before 3 of us helped😄 I was laughing because I've not fallen yet lol but now I know the proper way to get up if I do😁
@@northernmemaw4036 That's awesome :) It only really takes one or two falls in deep snow to inspire you to learn a more efficient way in which to stand back up!
@@JaredManninen 😄 Yes, & it really is so much fun.
Awesome!
Thank you :)
that's a work out
That it was! haha 😆
I went with the snowshoes for the first time this year and it's a pain to walk on others steps, i found myself doing new steps. They were great for creating traction uphill though, i was dragging a sled without much effort.
Glad to hear you got out on some snowshoes for the first time this year, and pulled a sled! Bravo :)
And, I agree, Cristian. I often find it's easier to break my own trail in deeper snow rather than walk in the same tracks as other people. Because unless the trail is consistently packed down (in that deeper snow) from a lot of people walking, it can be really uneven to walk on.
Take care, and I hope you get the opportunity to keep playing in the snow this winter!
Best beginner video that i have seen. Well done. Getting up from a fall is super important. Thank you!
Thank you! I appreciate the kind feedback :)
Recovering in deep snow is always a challenge and I think a lot of people underestimate how often it can happen and how tough it is to control your emotions when you realize standing up is not as easy as it looks. You've probably seen that video currently circulating where a skier comes upon a snowboarder who fell upside down in a tree well, and the skier digs the snowboarder. That snowboarder was a dead man if the skier hadn't happened along. That stuff happens, and it's never good!
Again, thanks for tuning in and for contributing to the conversation :)
I'll be going snowshoeing for the first time in a few weeks, great information!
Excellent, Mari 🙌 Glad you found my video helpful!
Thank you for a great video! Advice on pole use when getting up is very helpful! Stay Safe!
Thank you for the kind words! Glad I could be of service :)
And, yes, using poles to get up is definitely helpful!
Very helpful instructions. I just bought a couple of pairs for my spouse and I from Costco. We don't have snow yet here in Toronto but because of Covid they are selling like hot cakes. They were only about $100/pair but they are probably OK for novices like us. Thanks for the video.
Thanks so much for the kind words. And glad I could be of service :)
I suspect a lot of people will be traveling in the backcountry this winter due to Covid. It's probably a good thing you bought your snowshoes now :)
Let me know if you ever have any questions. And, thanks for watching!
Cheers.
@cowslip which Costco did you buy it from in Toronto? I went last week here in Woodbridge Costco but couldn't find them.
@@vishantp Costco at Queensway west of Royal York. But you’re right, I was there again a few days ago and there weren’t any left. You could probably call them and see if they’ll get another shipment or see if you can order online. Good luck.
Enjoy! It really is such a great covid activity. Stay safe and enjoy. I’ve been going shoeing with my binoculars for birding too. It’s been so very calming :)
Great video! Very informative. Thanks for sharing with us.
Thanks so much for the kind words :) I'm glad you liked it!
Thanks for the video. I went a year in this school where we did alot of outdoors trips. During winter, I opted for snowshoes and carried a snowboard on my back, while the others in my group were using skiis(I already had skiis; Telemark skiis, but I didnt like em). I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE EXHAUSTED in my life, than on the two trips I dared use them (^; . First trip had deep and loose snow. Second trip was in the Austrian alps, with 1000+m of elevation. I have never submitted to a mountaintop but I had to lie down, dead a few hundred meters shy of the top, as I couldnt force the rest of my group to wait for me. I guess... Snowshoeing with other snowshoers would be fine though.
Hey Erich,
Thanks for the testimony. But, damn, that sounds intense! You bring up a very interesting situation, though. I don't know that I've never considered it consciously, but I wonder what the consensus is for backcountry skiing/riding in mixed company/gear. I can't help but wonder if you were in a company of all snowboarders using snowshoes to ascend, you may have had a much better experience. The reason I say this is because, for example, I travel differently in snowshoes than when I'm using backcountry xc skis. I choose different lines based on the gear that I'm using. Because you were in the minority, you probably didn't have much say in route selection. And all of the other people skinning up were most likely choosing lines that favored their gear.
This could all be speculation on my part. But I know when I'm in a mixed group traveling over snow, it's a non-stop compromise the whole tour. And, often, I find myself standing around and waiting quite a bit. This is either because I'm xc skiing with people who only own Alpine touring gear (and just want to get out and travel over snow for a short winter adventure) or I'm xc skiing with people who might not necessarily be in as good of physical shape or have good xc ski technique. Honestly, though, for me these situations are far and few and don't usually last more than an afternoon. Usually just a fun trip with friends. And I go into the adventure knowing what I'm getting myself into. Nothing like the intense situations you described.
Anyway, thanks again for your story and the stimulating conversation :) I hope most of that year was fun, though!
How is this better than just wearing boots?
Well, believe it or not, wading through that thigh-deep, fresh snow with only boots would've been even harder than traveling with the snowshoes. And even though it's still really deep with those snowshoes, they provide a larger and much more stable platform on which to walk (compared to the small footprint of a boot).
@@JaredManninen thanks. Us Californians don't understand these things.
No problem! Walking through bottomless snow can only fully be understood/appreciated through firsthand experience ❄️❄️❄️
Thank you sir. Very instructive
You're welcome! Thank you for the kind words :)
Wow, great tips! I appreciate the examples of getting up from falls & how to use the poles to help you. Just got my snowshoes today & looking forward to using them.
@@brendahappy3454 Hey Brenda! Thanks so much for the kind words, and for watching :) I hope you have some awesome winter adventures this season with your new snowshoes. Let me know if you ever have any questions!
Great video!
Thanks, Rob! I appreciate it :)
Extremely helpful. Getting ready for PCT 2020 in late March. I have limited snow experience. This helps tremendously. I understand practice is key but when time and terrain do not comply. This is fabulous. Thank you.
Hey Felipe and Oliveoil. Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad you found my snowshoeing video helpful!
Congrats on your bid for a 2020 PCT hike! I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail way back in 1999. I don't know that I have it in me to try for the PCT, though :)
Anyway, most likely you won't be carrying with you actual snowshoes. I see PCT thru-hikers using full crampons or micro-spikes (and an ice axe) more often for snowy and icy conditions. They're smaller to carry and more nimble and appropriate for steep terrain that's firm and icy. Although, they aren't nearly as helpful as snowshoes in deep, fresh snow. But since you'll be traveling through the mountains during the spring, you'll most likely find yourself dealing with the freeze (at night)/thaw (during the day) cycle that defines springtime in the mountains. I'd recommend reading an article I wrote specifically about this "environment." Please note that even though I use "Lake Tahoe" in the title, the article is essentially about travel through the mountains during spring conditions.
tahoetrailguide.com/be-prepared-for-volatile-weather-while-playing-outdoors-at-lake-tahoe-in-the-spring/
All of that said, travel across snow, regardless of means (skis, snowshoes, crampons, etc), is very similar. So the video is helpful just the same.
Good luck! And, let me know if you have any other questions.
Thank you! I have never used snowshoes before and this was very helpful!
You're welcome! Thanks for watching, and the kind words :)
thank you!!
You're welcome 🤗
2 thumbs up
Thank you! I appreciate it 🤗
I live in Canada and i want to get into snowshoeing
thanks for your video very helpful man
Thank you, Niko, for the kind words. Glad I could be of service :)
Let me know if you ever have any questions. I hope you have a lot of snow this winter so that you can get out and put those snowshoes to use!
Thank you for this very inspiring and helpful video. I wish you had also given some tips about clothing. Last week I went for my first snowshoeing attempt.Although I enjoyed it a lot my feet and my hands were frozen. I had my regular winter running gloves on but they weren’t of much help. What kind of gloves are you using?
Hey Abdollah,
Thanks for the kind words :) Glad I could provide some inspiration.
I've had a few requests now about clothing when recreating outdoors during the winter. It's on my list of videos to produce. But, in the meantime, the gloves that I used in this video were a pair of mittens with polar fleece liners and a waterproof outer shell made by Outdoor Research. I honestly don't remember the exact model, but it's a pretty utilitarian design so most of the quality outdoor gear manufacturers offer a similar style. Realistically, though, I usually use really lightweight gloves when I'm cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. But, when it's really storming out I tend to lean toward a thicker glove/mitten.
The boots I used were a pair of Salomon SnowTrip active winter boots. I feature them in this video about footwear (ua-cam.com/video/ofphgfOdm_s/v-deo.html). Again, I don't believe this style is still on the market but there are a lot of active winter boots available by good outdoor manufacturers.
Hopefully I'll be able to carve out time to produce a video regarding winter clothing in the near future.
Thanks again for the comment, and let me know if you have any other questions :)
@@JaredManninen Thank you for your prompt and thoughtful reply. I have heard a lot of good things about OR gloves. I think I will get one of their thicker ones although last night when I checked their prices were pretty high. But now that you have referred to them too I think I should squeeze my budget and get them. Thank you again and keep having fun outdoors. I have subscribed your channel and am looking forward to seeing your new video. Cheers.
@@abdollahvakily5801 Thanks again so much! Yeah, OR stuff can be a bit pricey. A lot of times I'll buy gear on the REI Outlet site (at discounted prices) or wait for items to go on sale or to get coupons, that sort of thing. Thanks again!
It will probably shock people who like to buy pricey sport equipment with high dollar logos, but I wear a pair of cheap cotton mechanics gloves under a pair of cheap wool blend mittens with lining, and my hands never get cold. The double layers are good insulation, and the thin gloves allow me to remove the thicker mittens, but still have protection when I need to manipulate objects like the bindings. As long as I can grasp my walking pole with the mittens, that's all I need. I have an even thicker pair of mittens, elk skin with thinsulate lining for when it gets really cold or if it's windy, but I rarely need them. Usually I end up just wearing the gloves alone, since my problem is usually being too warm more than anything. I do use mitten clips to make sure I don't lose the mittens, since that can be very bad news. That's why they originally invented mittens on strings, for men working in severe cold who would literally face frostbite if they lost a mitten. Now people think they are silly things for little kids, but they are actually very useful. Can remove the mittens and just let them hang off my sleeves, without worrying about losing them. Can do the same for the inner gloves, for when I need to remove them. I used to wear boots, but I'v found that heavy socks, sneakers and gaiters work just fine for me so far. I have felt the cold, but I haven't had actual cold feet yet. Nor sure I'd recommend that to others though. I learned last winter, wearing leather moccasins around, that the majority of the warmth in your feet depends on having good socks. The boots are only useful for keeping your feet dry, but they won't keep them warm, unless they are big, thick insulated jobs. Even then socks are important.
Thanks for a good, informative video. 👍
Thank you for the kinds words! I'm glad I could be of service :)
well done
Thank you 🤗
Learned a lot by watching your video. I never went snowshoeing before. All great to know. Thank you very much. Will watch more of your stuff.
Thanks so much, Tom. And glad I could be of service :)
I'll try to keep publishing videos all winter, so I appreciate you tuning in!
This video was very helpful in demonstrating some basic techniques. I feel better prepared for my second time snowshoeing. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful, Linda! And I hope you have a great time out there :)
Hi Jared, thanks for video demonstration of your skills to use snowshoes. I'm snowshoer since about forty years and one the things you help me is the use of poles, haha! Especialy trying to turn 180 on deep snow is big chalenge on traditional wood shoes. Thanks to share your experience.
Thank you so much for the kind words, Normand Renaud :)
Trekking poles can definitely help out with stability by giving you more points of contact, especially in deep snow!
I hope you have a great winter, and a lot of opportunity to snowshoe :) Thanks again for the positive feedback!
Dude straight up doing pistols in the deep snow as if it was nothing. Looks like the kind of person you'd want to go touring with!
Thanks for the props, Squeeeez :) I don't always workout, but when I do I make sure it's during the most variable and extreme conditions. Hahah! ;)
Thanks so much for this video. It was very informative.
Thanks for the kind words! Glad you enjoyed it :)
Thanks
You're welcome! Thanks for watching 🤗
The get up technique was particularly helpful! Great video thanks!
Thank you for the kind words, Derek! And, glad I could be of service :) Hope you have some great adventures this winter.
I love your 'falling'! I thought snow shoeing was going to be easy!! But after seeing this, it looks a little harder than I thought!
Haha! Yeah, the series of falls is probably the funnest part of the video ;)
Realistically, if you don't plan to travel in such deep snow (as illustrated in this video), snowshoeing is pretty straightforward. Watch this other snowshoe video (ua-cam.com/video/dvWn8NfF_KU/v-deo.html) that I made where I'm on much more stable snow.
Also, if you read through some of the other comments for this video you'll see a handful of people who talk about using more traditional snowshoes (big wooden ones or a military style that's still large compared to modern snowshoes) in similarly deep snow. I agree that those larger snowshoes would be more appropriate in really deep snow. But I used the modern version to illustrate the techniques that you can use in this "hazardous" environment. Some of the techniques would be unnecessary on a really firm snowpack. And, most people tend to own modern style snowshoes which is another reason I chose to wear them in these conditions.
Anyway, thanks again for watching and for your feedback. I hope you have a great winter!
Thanks for demo... It was very helpful to me...
You're welcome! Thank you for the comment 🤗
I was told to do the “ten step snowshoe program” to become an expert. You take ten steps and you’re an expert. We tried it and it’s pretty much true. Skiing is difficult, snowshoeing ain’t.
Haha! That's awesome! For many people it is that easy :)
@@JaredManninen
👍
Wow, what a beautiful forest you have there! Beautiful winter scene.
Thinking of of buying snowshoes for Finnish winter. Could be nice things to have on some less walked trails with lots of thigh contours where long skis would be clumsy.
Nice tips!
I see you have a typical finnish surname. Do you have experiences with our winter time?
Thanks so much for the kind words, Antti 🤗
I grew up in Upper Michigan, which has a high Finnish population. I've met some of my Finnish cousins many years ago, but I haven't actually been to Finland yet. One day, though!
I encourage you to get some snowshoes. They obviously don't glide, but can provide access to locations that would be more challenging for long skis.
Thanks for watching, and for the nice comment!
@@JaredManninen Thank you Jared for the reply! I will take a deeper look what kind of snowshoe options I have here in Central Finland.
I think they would be a great option for really tricky terrain where long forest skis and gliding snowshoes (really short skis with skin based grip area) are too clumsy.
And I see! Interesting background you have. I think Minnesota and Michigan were most popular places where Finnish People moved in the U.S.
You're welcome, Antti 👍
I prefer to cross-country ski whenever possible, but snowshoes definitely do have their place when winter adventuring.
Yes, I also lived in Minnesota for 8 years growing up ☺️ I assume most Finns who moved to the US many years ago chose to settle in locations similar to Finland. Lake Tahoe (where I've been living got the past 16+ years) isn't quite the same, but in some respects better. Way more snow than Michigan and Minnesota, big mountains, and very few mosquitoes 😆
Great info. I show shoe a lot in deep snow in the winter . What advice do you have for snow shoe length for women such as weight with pack vs no pack. I appreciate your video
Thanks so much for the kind words, Francine. Glad you liked the video :)
As far as length/size of snowshoes go, I'd stick to the manufacturer's recommended weight (for the size) when not wearing a pack (but including your standard clothes/gear). That said, most snowshoes do offer a relatively wide range when it comes to how much weight they'll bear. So even if you were to wear a day pack with a couple liters of water, snacks, extra clothes, etc. you'd probably be ok. Unless you're packing bricks or books, that day pack will most likely only weigh between 5-15 extra pounds.
If you're talking about a fully loaded backpacking pack for doing some winter camping, you would probably want to consider wearing larger snowshoes so long as the snow required it (i.e. soft and deep snow versus packed and consolidated snow).
The bottom line is that snowshoes are designed to help you "float" across the snow. If they're too small in relation to how much weight you're carrying, you'll just sink with every step (in deep, soft snow). But, again, their weight ranges are pretty forgiving, so just having a day pack on shouldn't be too much of a concern.
Hope that helps. Let me know if you have other questions!
Wow, thank you! I'm a novice snow shoer and had no idea how to get up if I fell in deep snow. Now I do thank you to this video. I'm enjoying it a lot.
Hey Eugenia!
Thanks for the kind words, and glad I could be of service :) Deep snow definitely presents some challenges, particularly with regard to falling. It can kind feel like you're swimming in snow at that point, which can make people panic a bit (and for good reason!). Anyway, glad you're enjoying the video and I appreciate your comment :)
Great tips. Thanks. Greetings from Switzerland 🇨🇭
Thank you for the kind words, Patricia :) I appreciate you watching, and thanks for the greetings :)
I've just moved to Canada from a tropical country, and it's my first time navigating snow, let alone snowshoes. Thank you for the helpful information! Surely it'll stop me from flailing about in the snow hopelessly :P
Hey Suchet,
Thanks so much for the kind words :) And glad I could be of service!
Congrats on the move to a snowy climate. I'm sure it's an adjustment, but when you embrace the winter elements as another way in which to experience nature you'll have a great time. Having spent most of my life in snowy climates, I've known a lot of people (believe it or not) who've tried to avoid the snow and cold at all costs. But they just end up having a somewhat miserable and depressed disposition as a result. The best thing to do to avoid any kind of that seasonal frustration is to embrace the snow! And, it sounds like you're doing just that. So, bravo to you :)
Anyway, take care and enjoy your new winter experience!
Welcome to the North! People may complain about the snow, but in fact it's wonderful. I can't imagine living in a place where it's always warm and never snows. I think it'd be boring. And you miss the sublimity of a snowy day, which are just wonderful things to me. We lose a lot of people who move to warmer places because they learn from hollywood and the media that that's what everyone is SUPPOSED to want to do, so it's nice to have people going the opposite way for a change. I mean, we get plenty of people who come to play in the winter and spend money, but it's better to have people willing to move in permanently.
Have not been snowshoeing in quite a while but will be going on a trip where I plan on using them a lot. Good review, well done, thanks.
Thanks so much for the positive feedbac, Zorbawon! I appreciate you watching :) And, I hope you have a fun trip!
Thank you for showing the fall recovery. I had a hard time getting up after my fall. I was exhausted just trying to get up. 😊
You're welcome! Glad I could be of service :) There are definitely times where getting up after falling in snowshoes can be more challenging than others. Thanks for watching, and for the the kind words :)
My husband and I are going snowshoeing this Friday and so I appreciate your videos very much. I’ve only been snowshoeing once or twice a year but I hope to be going much more in the near future.
@@cherijim94 Very cool, Cheri! I highly encourage you to work snowshoeing into your winter life. Sometimes it can be a process finding locations in which to snowshoe, particularly if the snow is thin. But the more you make it a habit (like keeping the snowshoes in the car to use spontaneously, for example), the less of a production it is and the more likely you are to do it.
Again, thanks so much for tuning in and for the kind words :)
Helpful information, thanks for posting.
You're welcome! Thanks for watching 👍
Traditional snowshoes are the best, the aluminum ones are not weaved to let snow fall through and the aluminum teeth on the aluminum ones always hold a pocket of snow on the bottom. Further your snowshoes are to small. You should not have had a hard time going up that small hill.
Hey Randy,
Although I disagree with your comments, I do appreciate your input and the fact that traditional snowshoes still have a place in the modern world. I've always found traditional snowshoes to be beautiful and elegant, much like I do all hand-crafted tools and technologies. I especially appreciate how they're far more quiet than modern snowshoes (that are made with plastic and metal parts).
The fact remains, however, that no matter how much we love one type of snowshoe (technology) over another they are just tools designed to serve us. Every tool comes with its own set of benefits and limitations. You just pick the right tool for the job if you have access to it. And, if you don't, you modify your experience based on the tools at hand and your experience with those tools.
So, sure, I agree that at the time I filmed this video (which was after receiving 10 feet of snow in a 14-day time period - February 2019) a larger snowshoe (more surface area) regardless of whether or not it was of the traditional or modern variety would've been beneficial. But the point of the video wasn't about the merits of one style of snowshoe over another.
My goal was to demonstrate different universal snowshoe movement and techniques in adverse conditions. And, realistically, most beginner snowshoers own a similar size and style of snowshoe to the ones I was using. So the fact that my snowshoes were slightly outmatched by the volume of snow through which I was traveling only served to illustrate just how important it is to know technique.
I live in the Sierra Nevada. The terrain and snow quality is variable. The flat and rolling sections of terra firma that provide an ideal setting for the use of traditional snowshoes are often hemmed in by steep and narrow mountainous aspects. Even at lower elevations in the Lake Tahoe Basin, you'll find many steep sections of which to negotiate. These angles of terrain can be covered in deep, fresh snow. Often, though, they're icy, wind-scoured, or consolidated to the point where a traditional snowshoe would slip and shear. For me, traveling cross-country in snowshoes that don't feature crampons of some form or another would be irresponsible and hazardous.
Route selection is clearly a key factor to being safe and maximizing the use of the snowshoes. But I don't only want to travel in easy terrain. So if the snowshoe limits my experience by routinely placing me in danger, of what real use is that tool to me?
Again, I appreciate your feedback and perspective. However, debates about the "best" backcountry gear, in my opinion, are the most uninspired, uncreative, and unproductive discussions on the internet. They're always steeped in personal belief and dogma that doesn't take into account the individual, their unique experience, and their budget.
Even though everything looks like a nail to a hammer, one tool simply will not serve every one of our purposes.
Jared Manninen
This is the best answer to the “modern vs traditional” argument that I have ever heard. I live in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Home of Iverson, traditional snowshoes. If you aren’t sporting a pair of those, even if you are floundering on a side hill, you will be subject to ridicule. Right tool for the job, as you indicated. I will save this, with your permission, to share with some of my narrow minded friends. Thanks again