Snowshoes Recamendations....the kind you wear not shoot!

[Terrific_tom]

Any one have any recommendations on snowshoes? What to look for? A good pair that doesn't cost an arm and leg but that will get the job done. Thanks in advance.

[DANIEL MARK ZAPOLSKI]

cabelas and dunhams have them on sale $79-119. 9x30's work for me i go
205lbs 10x36 for the bigger boys. i like the aluminum frames with quick clips for your straps. the trail model is what i use and i don't have any real problems other than once in a while a stick going inside the snowshoe and boot i wear. as far as cost goes you can spend hundreds real easy on 1 pair.:D

[MLH]

Try REI. You can rent various types before buying.

If you are using them for hunting note that some make more noise than others. Got out in the middle of nowhere still hunting and I kept seeing deer sneaking away out of range. Then noticed one of my bindings squeaking. Lashed them on my backpack for the rest of the hunt ... in thigh deep snow.

Might try Craig's List for a used pair once you decide on a type. Make sure the decking isn't ripped/torn, though.

Learned to put a black balloon over my gun's muzzle when snowshoeing. I have a tendency to faceplant when my mind wanders. But, I don't have to worry about snow camo after a couple of those.

[yooperkenny]

Any one have any recommendations on snowshoes? What to look for? A good pair that doesn't cost an arm and leg but that will get the job done. Thanks in advance.

Iverson's are top notch and made here in da UP. There available in rawhide or neoprene (less maintenance/more durable). I personally like the traditional wooden shoeshoe appearance vs. the newer types. The style/shape you chose depends on whether you're going to be in deep snow, your weight, and whether you'll need to manuever through thick stuff or will be mainly in open areas. Mine are Michigan style and continue to serve me well since I bought them almost 20 years ago:

http://www.iversons-snowshoes.com/snowshoes.php

[up520]

I'm 6'01 and pushing 240 and I use a 9x30. Got them at Sam's club last year just to see if it was for me and spent under $100.

They have three adjustable buckles and though I wouldn't want to try to sneak up on anything, they work great for outdoor jobs and a drag out after the shot.

I will attend a shoe making course in 2010 at Porcupine Mt. State Park.

Good excersise and the whole family can go for a peaceful winter stroll.:chillin:

[Crowhunter]

Atlas or Tubbs are a good choice ,I have Atlas I have put a lot of miles on them ,I would not coyote in hunt deep snow with out them .Bud

[Huffy]

Any one have any recommendations on snowshoes? What to look for? A good pair that doesn't cost an arm and leg but that will get the job done. Thanks in advance.

This article by REI may help you: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/snowshoes.html

[gilgetter]

Military shoes are hard to beat. they are made of magnesium, and laced with a coverd steel cable. they are a michigan pattern.I first used them in the army.I found some at general jims in clare,for 75 bucks. and that was with bindings.I have two pair of Iversons. great shoes. not near as tuff as the surplus ones.thats my 2 cents

[wadevb1]

I stole a pair of Tubbs of Craigs List last week. With gear I'm over 250 and the 9x30" did me well. I wished I bought a pair years ago. They make yote hunting much easier.

[MLH]

Military shoes are hard to beat. they are made of magnesium, and laced with a coverd steel cable. they are a michigan pattern.I first used them in the army.I found some at general jims in clare,for 75 bucks. and that was with bindings.I have two pair of Iversons. great shoes. not near as tuff as the surplus ones.thats my 2 cents

gilgetter - How is the noise of the military magnesium shoes in comparison to the Iverson's? My aluminum MSRs are just too noisy for still hunting. Most of the noise is coming from the binding and deck. Wood/leather are noticeably quieter.

[anon5709]

I'm 6'01 and pushing 240 and I use a 9x30. Got them at Sam's club last year just to see if it was for me and spent under $100.

They have three adjustable buckles and though I wouldn't want to try to sneak up on anything, they work great for outdoor jobs and a drag out after the shot.

I will attend a shoe making course in 2010 at Porcupine Mt. State Park.

Good excersise and the whole family can go for a peaceful winter stroll.:chillin:


My husband also got a pair at Sams Club toward the end of the season last year. I think he only ended up paying around $50 and they have worked out nicely for him. I know they are selling snowshoes there this year again. Good thing with Sams is you can always buy them and if they end up not fitting you well or you find something you like better, they will return them for you.

[gilgetter]

noticed. I use mine for rabbit hunting, and for getting into a calling stand.down here we dont generaly have enough snow to need snowshoes. this is the first year I have used mine in at least 3 years. so sorry I dont have anything to add on that.

the bindings on my shoes are a heavy cordua. just a toe strap and another that goes around the heel.easy on and off. I will be paying attention from now on.

[junk yard dog]

I have a pair of the old fashion ash and rawhide Bear Paw style with leather bindings. They work well and are quiet in the woods. The Bear Paw design is a little more mobile in heavier brush and woods, but you have to walk a little bow-legged, which can be a little uncomfortable until you get used to it. The leather bindings need more care, they have to be cleaned and oiled/waterproofed regularly or they dry out and crack. I kind of like the traditional materials, but I imagine the modern shoes are lower maintenance and more durable.

[ESOX]

Mountain Research makes some excellent snowshoes. While they don't fit in the pruice range given they have some features that make them worth a look at because you only need one pair to fit changing conditions. I have the Denali Evo Ascents, they have a removeamle 6" tail fin that you can take off when you don't need as much floatation, and it sure makes walking easier. They also have built in crampons and great bindings.
http://www.msrgear.com/snowshoes/

[BFTrout]

i would also suggest iverson's shoes. the company changed hands a year or so ago and some improvments have been done with their neoprene webbing. it is new stuff with ballistic nylon in it (light brown), so it's super strong and about 1/3 as light as the old "red" stuff. throw a pair of "A" frame bindings on there and that's about it. Avoid bob maki bindings. they're quick, but once it's below zero, you'll destroy them trying to get them on.
i own michigan, green mt. bear paw (2), bear paw, and mackinaw style shoes. i usually use my green mts 10x36 (i weigh about 150) for hunting and all around use.
i would avoid Al framed shoes. they're heavier and they are noisy. plus the top canvas loads up with snow.. . .not a big deal in fluff, but with hot snow it's a different story.
another 2 cents into the pot.
BFT

[Doublegun]

Iverson Bear Paw with A-frame bindingsd. Wouldn't own any others. Not "high-tech" but they are the real deal and a Michigan made product. Grouse hunting, rabbit hunting, yote hunting or just walking in the winter woods - I love them

[A-plus]

If I had to choose only one pair for everything, it would be a long, narrow snowshoe with a taller up-turned toe, think they are generally referred to as Alaskans. My favorites are some WWII surplus wood and gut shoes that are 10"x60", even in heavy cover they work well and nothing beats them for long walks in deep powder. I mostly use the current surplus Michigan style with Magnesium frames and cable lacing due to their durablilty and lack of necessary maintenance. My Dad picked up an inexpensive set of the newer, small aluminum frame, neoprene deck style at Sam's last year and they are very convenient, but the foot placement is too far forward for me as the toe keeps digging in. Where I usually walk, the Bearpaw style is of little value to me, not enough floatation, too easy for the flat toe to dig in and get caught on things and too wide to make walking comfortable. Each person has their own favorites for the situations they experience. By the way, I am 5' 6" tall and 185 lbs.