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 Big pack hiker who sleeps with bears in tent and falls on slippery logs
Langley, BC
Canada
7677 Posts |
Posted - 11/29/2001 : 2:25 PM
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I've been looking around at different snowshoes and I've heard lots of different people comment on different types, brands, etc. One common comment has been you get what you pay for - basically the same analogy to buying any gear. I've more specifically looked at MSR, Tubbs, and Atlas. I'm a rather large guy (270lbs) and with gear top 300. It looks like the Atlas will probably be the best to hold my weight. My question is how important is this? I haven't snowshoe'd before and am curious if our type of snow (especially if you are on a trail) warrants the weight notices?
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 opinionated-stove huggin'-fleece wearin'-arse burnin' hill virgin
Here
Canada
4643 Posts |
Posted - 11/29/2001 : 3:59 PM
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I'm a big guy too and wear a standard 9x30 size of backcountry snowshoe. I have never had too much of a flotation problem, even in the soft fluffy stuff found on Mt. Baker. I try to let someone else break trail in the soft stuff when possible. I wear Redfeather Blackhawks.
Try and find a pair with bindings which will allow you to be able to adjust and fasten the straps with your gloves or mitts on and try to find a pair which will have bindings which will not loosen of freeze up on you. Also examine the traction, good crampons under both toe and heal are a must, preferably in steel and not aluminum.
I'm not impressed with MSR snowshoes because they don't have the best flotation, they have bad traction on the downhills, and they are loud to walk in. I haven't been impressed with some TUBBs models either because of their hinge system and the lack of good lateral traction.
Atlas 1033's are pretty much the benchmark for a good all round backcountry snowshoe.
Yakima (yes, the rack company) has come out with two nice looking snowshoe models.
Northernlites make some really nice light weight snowshoes.
TSL snowshoes, which are sold at TAIGA, look unique, have a nice binding system, but I'm dubious about their traction.
Hope that helps you a little.
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Big pack hiker who sleeps with bears in tent and falls on slippery logs
Langley, BC
Canada
7677 Posts |
Posted - 11/29/2001 : 6:16 PM
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That's great! I appreciate all the info. When I looked over the MSRs they didn't look all that great to me and the extra add-ons seemed like somewhat gimmicky. But I've been told that they've had high rankings in some reviews?
I've seen the Atlas at a few stores now - do you know the best place to buy them (in terms of price)? I've also found a few places that will rent various models (including the Atlas ones that I've been eyeballing). I think I might take them for a test run by renting a set first.
I can't seem to find the correspondence from Atlas, but I posed a similar question to the support department at Tubbs. I've included their reply:
quote:
You certainly could use the snowshoes in the Hiking/Backpacking Series
regardless of the weight on the shoes. The ArcTec decking is extremely durable and will no doubt accommodate larger sizes.
The 9 x 30" shoes wouldn't provide you with as much flotation as the
larger size, however you would have better handling and maneuverability in that size. You may lose anywhere from 1/2 inch to 3 inches, depending on snow conditions.
The 10 x 36" shoes would work for you as well. These are the largest
size we make. The only thing you would find in these shoes is that they are rather large and may get in the way for you.
Between the two, it is more a personal preference as to what you value
more in a snowshoe, flotation vs. maneuverability. Hope this helps to
answer your questions.
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opinionated-stove huggin'-fleece wearin'-arse burnin' hill virgin
Here
Canada
4643 Posts |
Posted - 11/29/2001 : 7:44 PM
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The best prices I have seen for Atlas 1033's are at REI-Outlet.com at the end of the season. They are a tad pricey at MEC and Coast Mountain Sports(~$330). TAIGA has a few Atlas models at reasonable prices. Renting a few different models is definitely the best way to go.
You may want to also check out some Sherpa's. They are less expensive, float well, and climb well. You can get some models at 3Vets or sometimes off of eBay. My hiking bud swears by his Sherpa's.
BTW. I got my Redfeathers off of eBay new for ~$150.
Good luck
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What to buy?
