How to Buy Snowshoes

Snowshoeing is an inexpensive, simple way to hike your favorite trails in the winter. The new generation of snowshoes features a model for every need.

Things You'll Need

• Ski Poles
• Snowshoes

Instructions

1. Visit a camping, hiking, or outdoor gear store.

2. Choose a style of snowshoe according to the activities you will be pursuing. There are snowshoes designed for mountaineering, all-around recreation, and running.

3. Select wooden, plastic or aluminum snowshoes. Wooden models are usually the cheapest, plastic snowshoes are the lightest, and aluminum varieties are the most durable.

4. Choose the size of snowshoe according to your weight and the type of snow you will be walking on. Pick a larger snowshoe for dry, powdery snow, or if the combined weight of you and whatever you're packing will be heavy. A smaller snowshoe is best for firm, packed trails, or if the combined weight of you and whatever you're packing will be light.

5. Select a snowshoe with bindings that you can use easily, even with gloves or mittens on.

6. Test several models before buying.

Tips & Warnings

• There is some overlap in snowshoe models - you could run in a good pair of recreational snowshoes or walk something as friendly as a golf course in mountaineering snowshoes. Check with a knowledgeable salesperson.