|
|
|
|
 |
When the
white fluffy stuff
finally starts to cover
the ground,
a certain backcountry
tool is often
overlooked: the
snowshoe.
Picture a quiet
sparkling meadow
surrounded by snow-laden
spruces and firs. Don’t
you want to walk through
it and enjoy
its beauty? Sounds
great, but you don’t
want to trudge through
hip-deep snow for a few
smiles. This is where
the snowshoes
come in. Strap these
babies on, walk (or run,
or frolic)
through the meadow,
enjoy the beauty that is
winter, and go
home for some hot
chocolate. Mission
accomplished.
Snowshoes have other
uses as well. They are
great for winter
fitness. If you like to
walk on packed snow,
i.e. ski trails,
snowshoes will give you
the grip you need to go
safely uphill.
If you are a snowboarder
who likes to search out
backcountry
stashes, snowshoes are
an option for you to get
there. They
strap neatly on the back
of your pack when it’s
time to rip the
gnar. If you are a
runner, check out the
small and lightweight
running snowshoes to
keep up your outside
workouts through the
winter. Snowshoes are
also a great option for
long, mellow hut
trips. If the scenery
and the journey are your
inspiration for
the hut trip, and not
the skiing, then
consider using
snowshoes.
When picking the right
snowshoe for you, there
are a few
factors to think about.
Men’s and women’s
snowshoes are
offered in different
lengths. If you are
planning on carrying
a lot of weight, look
into a longer pair of
snowshoes. The
extra length will
distribute the weight
more evenly, which will
increase your
floatation. There are
also optional tails you
can buy for your
snowshoes. These
accessories attach to
the
back of the snowshoes,
making them longer.
Speaking of
accessories, using poles
will help you keep your
balance,
maintain a rhythm, and
increase your cardio
workout as you move
through the snow.
Go out there and have
fun on your snowshoes!
Just one more
thing: if you plan on
carrying your snowshoes
around, or
throwing them in the
back of your car, think
about buying a
carrying case. Getting
jabbed by snowshoe
cleats is no way to
start off your day! |
|
|
|
|