How to Make a Snowshoe

Walking across heavy snow can be extremely tiring. However, a snowshoe can make crossing a snowy field a lot easier. The large "feet" of the snowshoes allow your weight to be evenly distributed so you won't be sinking into the snow as much and having to fight against it. Making your own snowshoes, whether for fun or for survival purposes, can be time-consuming but will make traversing snowy terrain a lot easier.

Things You'll Need

• Pocketknife
• String or cord
• Small tree branches that bend easily

Instructions

1. Gather materials. You will need tree branches, a knife to cut the branches and something to tie the branches together. The type of branches you use will usually depend on what you have available. Look for trees with branches that bend easily, such as alder. To tie the snowshoe together you will need some string or whatever else you have available, such as 550 paracord or even cloth strips.

2. Bend a branch into a teardrop shape. If the branches are snapping instead of bending and it is very cold outside, you may need to warm the branches up, by a fire for instance, to make them more pliable. Ideally, the snowshoe should be 6 inches longer than your own shoe.

3. Tie the two ends of the teardrop together. Cross the two ends so that one end is over the other to form an "X" shape. Wind your string around the two pieces several times, then wind the string around the two pieces from the opposite side so that the cord completely covers the X. Finally, wrap cord so that it goes directly through the center of the X to secure the teardrop.

4. Add crosspieces to your snowshoe. Start with three main crosspieces. Tie the bigger of the crosspieces to the snowshoe about two-thirds up from the bottom. Tie the other two pieces below the first piece, several inches down. These pieces will hold most of your weight when you are stepping with the snowshoe on. Finally, weave in several smaller branches and tie in place.

5. Make bindings to secure the snowshoe to your shoe. Place the ball of your foot on the large crosspiece on the snowshoe. This position allows you to be able to flex your foot. Tie string from one end of the snowshoe through your shoelaces and down into the other end of the snowshoe.