How to Choose Leather Snowshoes

While a plethora of smaller, lighter aluminum snowshoes have become available over the last couple of decades, a large group of snowshoeing enthusiasts still prefers traditional wood and leather models. When navigating off-trail through deep snow, many traditionalists feel that wood-framed snowshoes "float" better, meaning they don't sink as deeply into fluffy powder. Additionally, leather and wood models don't develop the squeaky hinges that some metal snowshoes are prone to. Snowshoes are relatively inexpensive, but it's worth the effort to find a high-quality pair. With care, well-made snowshoes will last a lifetime.

Instructions

1. Select an appropriate shape based on the type of snowshoeing you expect to do most often. Wood and leather snowshoes come in several shapes, each of which has its own advantages. The four most common shapes are the Michigan, Alaskan, Ojibwa, and Bear Paw. Other snowshoe styles are mostly modified versions of these four.

   Michigan snowshoes are the classic tennis racket shape, and are meant for travel over open ground. The tail extending from the back helps keep the snowshoes tracking in a line. Michigan snowshoes can carry a heavy load, but are more difficult to make turns in.

   Alaskan snowshoes are the longest style, up to 7 feet in length. The long, narrow shape is amenable to high speed travel and floats well on dry powder, but also makes turning more difficult.

   Ojibwa snowshoes were developed to traverse difficult terrain at high speeds. Both ends of the Ojibwa snowshoe come to a point. This style lends itself to speed and agility, but is less suited for bearing heavy loads.

   The oval, tailless Bear Paw-style snowshoes are the predecessor to most of the aluminum models available today. Short and versatile, Bear Paw snowshoes are small enough for hikes through the dense forests of eastern Canada, where the style was developed, but still wide enough for a heavy load. The lack of a tail makes the Bear Paw style the easiest to make turns.

2. Choose the appropriate snowshoe size based on the weight you'll be carrying. Heavier loads require longer snowshoes. Most snowshoes are rated in terms of the total pounds they can support, so if you're planning on backcountry camping or carrying a heavy pack, factor that into your weight requirement.

3. Look for high-quality materials. Good snowshoes are woven with full-grain rather than split-grain leather, because full-grain leather is stronger and less likely to absorb moisture. For the frame, white ash is the wood of choice for its strength and flexibility. Choose a simple strap system that's easy to put on--some of the older bindings can be frustratingly complicated. Bindings should be rugged, with wide straps and thick toe holders.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchasing a used pair of snowshoes is not recommended. If you select a used pair, it's important to inspect them thoroughly for damage. Check for cracks or chips in the frames, and for signs of wear and stress on the leather.

References

• "Snowshoe Magazine"; A Look Back--An Overview of Traditional Snowshoe Design in Canada; Craig Gillespie; October 2004
• "New York Magazine"; Gimme That Old Snowshoe; Rinker Buck; January 1980