Anybody have recommendations for brand / style of snowshoes? I’ve gone snowshoeing in the past, but always with rented or borrowed equipment. I’m looking for a pair of entry level shoes for general tromping through the woods, maybe do some hunting on them; not looking for specialized ones for snow running, extreme slopes or anything like that.
I’ve always had the standard aluminum framed type like this 
But I recently bought the composite deck type like this: 
STP always has extra coupons and what not, so I think that they came to about $80. They seem like they’ll work much better than the old ones.
<<They seem like they’ll work much better than the old ones.>>
How so?
Atlas is the most popular brand, I think they go for about 100-150 bucks. I have some Yukon Jacks that cost me about 80 bucks including the poles. They work fine for general hiking in the woods, but the bindings suck and they are starting to rust after three years (made in China).
If you want to get really high end http://www.northernlites.com/
Also I have a buddy who really likes these. http://www.redfeather.com/
Main thing you want to look for is the bindings, good bindings make a world of a difference.
Edit to add: make sure you get a size that fits your weight, the bigger they are the more annoying the shoe is, so dont get a 200lb shoe if you weigh 130lbs.
I rented some MSR ones a few years back and walked all over Mt Ranier in January. They were a solid piece of hard plastic with steel traction spikes on the bottom. Comfortable, and felt like they would be really difficult to break. Maybe give those a look?
Helpful - thanks. Don’t need the high end stuff, at least at this stage. I’m just looking to have a pair that I can use 6-8 times a year when I want to traipse around in a state/national forest, instead of having to find someone to borrow from or shell out cash to rent them. As I look into this more, I see a bit of a dilemma: I don’t want a huge shoe if I can help it because as you note, it can be annoying. However, one of the places I would expect to use the shoes is in the White Mountain National Forest, which can get some serious snow, which could require a bigger shoe. Anyway, if I do end up getting a pair I suppose I’ll go for something middle of the road in terms of utility, and pay a little extra if it gets me good bindings.
Thanks, will take a look. Found these:
Sounds sort of like what you described. They sound pretty badass from the description of them on the site, maybe more badass than I need. If I could find them at a lower price though, might be worth it.
I rented some MSR ones a few years back and walked all over Mt Ranier in January. They were a solid piece of hard plastic with steel traction spikes on the bottom. Comfortable, and felt like they would be really difficult to break. Maybe give those a look?
Ive had some msr ascent shoes for 5 years. They are fantastic. Definitely not entry level but great if you spend weekends in them.
The deeper the snow and more hilly the terrain you will want poles too. General hiking poles would work.
The hubby and I both have MSRs.
They’re great all purpose snow shoes, easy to get in and out of and have the heel lift feature for climbing.
I am often snowshoeing on mixed terrain (packed, ice, and powder). I think the the design of these will have better bite on packed stuff than the aluminum tubes. Also, some models like this have additional “crampon” features in areas other than the toe. They can also add features, like in this case, a heel lift that can be engaged with a trekking pole.
if you’re doing a lot of really deep fluffy powder, surface area may be more important than grip, but where I am its really the opposite.
Another +1for MSR. I use them at work and they won’t break on a trail. The ascents have a removable tail for deep snow / heavy loads.
Consensus seems to favor MSR. Thanks to all for in the input.