How to Buy Snowshoes

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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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.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Ski Poles
Snowshoes

Step 1

Visit a camping, hiking, or outdoor gear store.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 5

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

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