Snowshoes

[Chris I]

I am planning on purchasing a pair of snowshoes over the summer so I can hopefully find a good price. I have no idea how sizing or anything works.

Im 6'2 265lbs.

Any info would be greatly appreciated

[Buckethead]

Well, its a good time of year to find deals on snowshoes.....

The first thing you need to consider is what you are going to use them for. If you are just out for a walk, you will probably want something different than someone climbing on weekends.

For sizing, bigger snowshoes generally support more weight or "float" higher in the snow. Most manufacturers list weight limits for their shoes. If you are close to a max on a shoe, select the next size up.

While I was writing this, I did a google search and found this page. There's enough info here to get you started:

http://www.esnowshoes.com/snowshoe_research_selecting_snowshoes.php

Personally I have used and like Tubbs as recreation shoes, and my MSR Denali's for hiking.

[uberTurtle]

My experiences......

Rented Tubbs recreational snowshoes a few years ago - after 14 miles (almost got Marcy), my brother-in-law and I were cursing the designers of the bindings. This year we both bought Atlas - I got the 1230 for Christmas and he picked up the 1030 before our last trip. The 1230 has a heel lift for the ups and more aggressive crampons. Both served us well on Cascade, Porter, Algonquin and Wright. Above the treeline on Algonquin, we could have used crampons, but we had enough grip with the Atlas. Next year, crampons are on the shopping list, though. The bindings on the Atlas are great - no issues at all in two days, 15 miles and 4 peaks.

[johnstp]

I'm similarly sized and love my 36" Tubbs Elevations. And the bindings rock. I've never had a problem with them.

[redhawk]

I'm 6', 205 pounds and I have tubbs 30" shoes.

Love em and never a problem with the bindings either.

At 265 pounds, you definitely need the 36" shoes.

[Chris I]

I'm 6', 205 pounds and I have tubbs 30" shoes.

Love em and never a problem with the bindings either.

At 265 pounds, you definitely need the 36" shoes.

is that a fat joke?!

[Kevin]

is that a fat joke?!

Only if the shoe fits...



Good advice thus far. Some points to make - the Atlas shoes have a tendency to get snow stuck under the boot and binding. So you have to stop and sometimes even remove the boot from the binding to get the snow out. Val and others have reported issues so it's not an isolated thing.

I've seen Tubbs fail a few times, same issue each time. It's led me to avoid them and not recommend them. Each time the people were very far from the trailhead and had a LONG walk out with only one working shoe.

All snow shoes have varying issues. I can only speak from experience in saying that so far the MSR Denalis and my latest pair of msr lightning ascents have been the best shoes. They make MSRs with slightly aggressive built-in crampons in larger sizes. MSRs are not without problems, the Denalis are made from a rigid plastic molded shell that has been known to snap, though the reports of this seem to be limited to a possible bad batch. The lightning ascents are a more contemporary style snow shoe with a metal frame and very good traction/teeth for moutnain climbing.

I wouldn't recommend a flatlander shoe if you think you may want to climb a mountain in them. Even at a slight incline regular snow shoes just won't provide much (if any) traction. Step, slip, step slip. Repeat this 1,000 times and you'll be done before you're halfway up.

One thing to consider is whether you expect to be breaking trail in the shoes or walking on an established trail. Even at 265lbs you could wear a 26" climbing shoe, so long as you're aware that you won't be able to step off the trail and not sink 4 feet. I own several pair and won't be selling the 'extras' because they each serve a purpose.

[Chris I]

I will deffinatly be using the shoes for climbing. again thanks for the info and keep it coming

[kwc]

some Atlas snowshoes on sale ...

http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/Search_Results_Endeca_New.asp?Ntt=sale&N=1183&Nr=AND%28649%29&D=sale&Nu=p%5Frollup&Ns=p%5Fpopular%7C0%7C%7Cp%5Fname%7C0&Ntk=s%5Fsearch

we used Atlas snowshoes in Rocky Mtn Park last week and I was very pleased with them ... snow was soft in a few spots and I didn't have any trouble with any snow getting between my boot and the binding (as Kevin described), but then it might be a different story in loose unconsolidated snow.

[eddogg12]

Kevin brings up a good point.....

One thing to consider is whether you expect to be breaking trail in the shoes or walking on an established trail. Even at 265lbs you could wear a 26" climbing shoe, so long as you're aware that you won't be able to step off the trail and not sink 4 feet

Judging only by weight, you'll probably be into 36" shoe. However, If the trail is packed out which alot of the time it is, you may want to be looking at a smaller shoe. If the trail is packed out so hard as you could almost walk on it without snowshoes, really a 36" shoe is only going to weigh you down. go with something smaller. On the other hand, breaking fresh trail your going to want to float the best you can. a bigger shoe promotes that, and helps ya stomp down that fresh sugar. The MSR's are nice in that with the flotation tail option you have a "hybrid" snowshoe to accomodate a number of different conditions.

[poconoron]

some Atlas snowshoes on sale ...

http://www.mountaingear.com/pages/product/Search_Results_Endeca_New.asp?Ntt=sale&N=1183&Nr=AND%28649%29&D=sale&Nu=p%5Frollup&Ns=p%5Fpopular%7C0%7C%7Cp%5Fname%7C0&Ntk=s%5Fsearch

we used Atlas snowshoes in Rocky Mtn Park last week and I was very pleased with them ... snow was soft in a few spots and I didn't have any trouble with any snow getting between my boot and the binding (as Kevin described), but then it might be a different story in loose unconsolidated snow.

I'll also put in a plug for Atlas- had my Atlas 7 Series (for level to rolling terrain) for a few years now and they have lived up to my expectations.

[JJW]

Chris I wrote: I am planning on purchasing a pair of snowshoes over the summer so I can hopefully find a good price. I have no idea how sizing or anything works.
Im 6'2 265lbs.
Any info would be greatly appreciated

The 36" snowshoes are you!
We have Atlas, Tubbs, Yakima, Redfeather and some other brands too.
For me, the biggest factor is bindings, and that they fit/work with your boots.
The next is crampons, I like aggressive aluminum or stainless steel under the balls of my feet and a slightly less aggressive crampon under my heels.
The decking durability is next factor.

I like to push USA made products:
Havlick Snow Shoes and Bindings [Located in Mayfield NY. (big sale, free shipping)]
MSR Snowshoes
Redfeather
CresentMoon
Northern Lights

Good Luck!

[redhawk]

is that a fat joke?!

Actually I was giving you the skinny...................

[ken999]

Chris- I've been pretty happy with my set of Northern Lites. I've got the Tundra's.

http://www.northernlites.com/tundra.php

[hikercop45]

I'm a BIG guy ( 6'2 - 295) - I have 36 inch Atlas and they keep my huge butt floating above the snow - this should be good timing to go in search of snow shoes - good luck