snowshoes....anyone knowledgible

[tonytony]

sense i'm going to be up in the mountain everyday pretty much i figured i'd get some snowshoes, hike and hopefully lose some weight since i'm a fatass and all. I want it to be able to fit my snowboard boots and allow me to hike without slipping on my ass, nothing too fancy. Anyone out there experienced with this type of stuff?

[Fidhle007]

Tubbs makes some nice snowshoes, in a few different sizes and styles. Most outdoorsy/ski-ish shops carry them and the prices aren't usually too bad. My advice, is don't go too big (they usually have a weight chart on the tag) because they're just a bitch to walk in then. Mine are 36" I think, which is great in deep snow or if I'm carrying a pack but for most applications 32" would have also worked. Let me know if you need any more tips, I used to work in the outdoor industry so maybe I can be of help.

[tonytony]

i was looking at tubbs on rei.com, specifically the tubbs sojourn 30, the 25 is rated max weight at 200lbs plus i'll be carrying gear also. the sojourn 30 is only 10bucks more and is max rated at 250lbs, which should be good to stay afloat. The only major requirement is it has to fit snowboard boots, i have the 32 tm2 which are narrower than most boots, it should make it easier to fit in the snowshoes right? tahnks

[Fidhle007]

Yeah, those should fit without any trouble. The strap system is very adjustable and easy to get in and out of. 30" is a great size too, not to bulky but it should keep you fairly well afloat. REI is a great company too, my family has been members since the dawn of time and having worked at EMS I now do ALL my shopping at REI... Have fun with it!

[browntown]

the guys at rei are usually really helpful with this kind of things, and I bet you a nickel they have a clinic on the subject this time of year.

[Fidhle007]

We were helpful at EMS too, but the company sucks and I hate them now. :D

[Fidhle007]

I agree though, go to a clinic if they have one, that way you'll really be able to make an informed decision. Although in my opinion there really isn't that much varience in snowshoe design.

[AndrewBird]

My parents fix snow shoes all the time. Or should I say, they have people bring in snow shoes hoping to have them fixed. Most of the problems are rivets in the straps that hold the foot bed to the outer frame. Most snow shoes have plastic strapping and the rivets rip right through. The problem is, anything done to try and fix it (like sewing the strap or reinforcing with leather) will only cause it to rip further as it just perforates the plastic even more.

My suggestion is to try and find a set without plastic. This is hard however as most are going to this style. I would look for something with either leather or nylon straps.

[tonytony]

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47584872&parent_category_rn=0&vcat=REI_SSHP_SNOWSHOE_LD

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48072445&parent_category_rn=40004287&vcat=REI_SSHP_SNOWSHOE_LD

these are the two i'm looking at right now, i know absolutely nothing about snowshoes. but they are the lowest priced ones on the website. I'll check out rei on tuesday and see what i come out with.

http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=47669831&parent_category_rn=40004287&vcat=REI_SSHP_SNOWSHOE_LD

and these which the bindings expand to accomodate snowboard and ski boots, but i'm not interested in paying that much

[AndrewBird]

The second one you posted look a lot better quality, but you see where the plastic raps around the frame and then is held with a rivet? That is where they break.

The one in the first link is a great example of the other place they break. That black plastic piece that wraps up around the sides that the straps connect to rips easily. The problem is, you are pulling on the straps to get them tight and they just rip right out.

I don't know what good snow shoes are, but I do know what bad ones are. lol Don't really know if that helps.

If anything, I would go old school and get some like these:

http://www.orssnowshoesdirect.com/ors-ss-images/tubbs_products/tubbs-traditional-wooden-snowshoes-lg.jpg

Nylon straps and a wood frame. Not going to rip anything there.

G.I. Joe's was selling a pair like those. They were among the cheaper ones too.

Another thing to consider is what weight they are rated for. Using a pair that are small and made for 150 lbs when you weigh 240 isn't going to do you any good. ;)

Edit: Here's a good read:

http://woodlakestore.com/index.cfm?pageid=80

[Fidhle007]

I have the Tubbs Adventure 30, much like the second ones you posted, and they are great. They're plastic in places but Siliconized Nylon where it counts. Plus, REI will always take shit back if it fails prematurely.

That said, the MSRs are some of the best on the market, stiff, lightweight and extremely functional. If memory serves me correctly they will also pack better then the Tubbs, something you'd want to consider on the ride back down. You can also get tail extenders for deep snow, due to the one-piece design versatility.

Old school is cool, but for pure functionality I'd go with either Tubbs or MSR. Both are great, MSR as just a little more "Techy" if you know what I mean.