Snowshoe sizing help

[Chattayote]

I'm couped up with all this snow.  I need to get out there and call some coyotes and/or look for some moose sheds.  I live north of Spokane. 

I went to mountain gear today and the guy set me up with some msr Lightning ascent shoes in size 22".

Before I go tromping around I checked the website on sizing.  I weigh 185 without gear.  I imagine 220 or so geared up.  Looks like I'm in the 25 or 30 range.  I won't be following much trails so I probably will be in powder mostly.  Mountain gear doesn't have a 25 but they have a 30 in the warehouse.  Should I run the 30 or go somewhere else?

[jasnt]

I'm couped up with all this snow.  I need to get out there and call some coyotes and/or look for some moose sheds.  I live north of Spokane. 

I went to mountain gear today and the guy set me up with some msr Lightning ascent shoes in size 22".

Before I go tromping around I checked the website on sizing.  I weigh 185 without gear.  I imagine 220 or so geared up.  Looks like I'm in the 25 or 30 range.  I won't be following much trails so I probably will be in powder mostly.  Mountain gear doesn't have a 25 but they have a 30 in the warehouse.  Should I run the 30 or go somewhere else?

those are the same ones I'm looking at. I plan on getting the 30's and the tails but with my gear I'm closer to 300lbs.  With all the powder we have around here this year I'd go for the 30'ers

[Chattayote]

I returned the msr stuff and ordered iversons bear paw.  I want quiet if that is even possible with snow shoes.

[jasnt]

I returned the msr stuff and ordered iversons bear paw.  I want quiet if that is even possible with snow shoes.

did you get a chance to try the first ones?

[Chattayote]

Only in the 22s.  they needed to be 25 or 30.  I can't even comment on the noise.  I ran my wife's cosco 25s Saturday and they get to slapping pretty loud and I felt like I needed more float. 

I'm sure the Lightning ascents are going to be good for you.  You can always run the rails too.  They are pretty wicked looking but I'm all giddy about these wood ones!

[Skyvalhunter]

I weigh about 220 not counting my pack and have the 22 inch Ascents. I purchased the additional 6 inch tails for mine. This allows me to make them shorter depending upon the type of snow I am in. I love mine and have had them for about 3+ years now. I take mine in some pretty steep places and the rear elevators are nice. They do pretty well on the side hill stuff and dig in well. Spent a lot of time in mine over the break and you can't go wrong with the MSR's!! Also get youself a good pair of poles. I have the Black Diamond but prefer non collapsible cross country poles as I have bent the BD's as they weren't ridged enough to get me out of some holes.

[WoodlandShooter]

go one size bigger than what you think you need.

[seth30]

go one size bigger than what you think you need.

  To account for the weight you will have with you, such as your backpack, gun, and anything else you will have on you.  Also imagine if you are successful in harvesting something.. 

[jasnt]

go one size bigger than what you think you need.

  To account for the weight you will have with you, such as your backpack, gun, and anything else you will have on you.  Also imagine if you are successful in harvesting something.. 

that is why I am looking for 300lb rating. I'm about 250 but add my gear and such and it gets close to 300. Add a coyote or cat and it's easy 300. Normally if I get something and I got a ways to the truck I'll just skin it at the closest tree

[WoodlandShooter]

well, I weigh 205, and with my pack, the first pair of 300# shoes I had were not enough. not all shoes are the same.

[WoodlandShooter]

Chattayote,

how far north of Spokane are you? I will be up in the Kettle Falls area at the end of February. How much snow is up there?