Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => All Other Gear => Topic started by: jdb on February 12, 2017, 03:28:43 PM

Title: Snowshoes
Post by: jdb on February 12, 2017, 03:28:43 PM: What kind and size does everyone use? I have a set from Costco that seem to work fine but I'm about 20 lbs over their weight limit. I'm looking at possibly buying a new set hopefully from cabelas.any input is appreciated.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: jackelope on February 12, 2017, 03:47:39 PM: I have a pair of the MSR Denali's and I use the extensions all the time. I'm 6'4" and 225#. They work fine.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: biggfish on February 12, 2017, 04:13:13 PM: I've used msr with with the tails I'm 400 lbs and I didn't sink in at all. With the tails I was still 100 over capacity add they worked great.

Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: JLS on February 12, 2017, 04:30:08 PM: It partly depends on what kind of snow conditions you want to use them in, and what kind of terrain. If you're doing more trail/hardback, then weight ratings aren't nearly as important. If you're doing off trail stuff and could be in deep snow without a substantial base, then weight rating becomes very important. Also, steep terrain will be tougher if you're significantly over your weight rating.

I have MSR's and use the tails on them. I'm 210 pounds without a pack, so usually 225 or more real weight. They do pretty well in deep/soft snow.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: Naches Sportsman on February 12, 2017, 05:21:26 PM: I have a 22" pair of tubbs, and a 30" and 36" pair of atlas. I haven't demod msr shoes yet.

These 10x30's are my go to since I bought them last spring. I've put around 250 miles on them and they've held up so far. I really like putting the bar up going up hills as it helps tremendously. I've used these on groomed trails such as snowmobile trails, in the spring time up on trails, and in powder. The only downside for me is really deep powder. That's where I like the 36" shoes.

For the crust in the hills right now and in the spring when the snow is solid, I like 22" shoes as I move faster and can get in and out of the trees more efficiently.

I'd say look at msr's with the adjustable tails of you are only looking to buy 1 pair. I know a few people who have them and really like them, especially when heading out into the wilderness to do surveys.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: farmin4u_98948 on February 12, 2017, 06:29:28 PM: I use the 30 inch Tubbs Mountaineers. Have used them lots and they are still in good shape. Not cheap but you often get what you pay for
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: Skyvalhunter on February 12, 2017, 07:31:01 PM: 2nd MSR's I have the lightning ascent, great snowshoes and I use them a lot.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: KFhunter on February 12, 2017, 07:38:28 PM: MSR's all the way

I got a whole pile of snowshoes of the same type/style as tubbs, they're no good for climbing over logs or sidehilling. Got tired of my shoe's skiing on me, MSR's stay put.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: runamuk on February 12, 2017, 08:27:43 PM: MSR various styles are what we used at work, and had for rentals. My coworkers who were into snowshoeing also both had MSR Denali I believe.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: j_h_nimrod on February 12, 2017, 09:30:06 PM: At our field camp we used Atlas, Tubbs, Cabelas, and Redfeather for years before we switched over to MSR and never looked back! The General shoe was the standard Denali and Denali Ascent. I opted for the Evo Ascent for my personal shoes. Bought the long tails but rarely ever used them even though I am ~100lbs over recommended weight even before I put on a pack. MSR has the most versatile binding and best duild that I found. We never broke a pair even though we used then 3-5 months a year with some crushing loads.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: TommyH on February 13, 2017, 12:50:55 AM: I'm pretty happy with the pair of atlas I have. Identical to naches sportsmans. The flip up bar is great when climbing hills.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: Duckslayer89 on February 13, 2017, 01:24:55 AM: Quote from: j_h_nimrod on February 12, 2017, 09:30:06 PM
At our field camp we used Atlas, Tubbs, Cabelas, and Redfeather for years before we switched over to MSR and never looked back! The General shoe was the standard Denali and Denali Ascent. I opted for the Evo Ascent for my personal shoes. Bought the long tails but rarely ever used them even though I am ~100lbs over recommended weight even before I put on a pack. MSR has the most versatile binding and best duild that I found. We never broke a pair even though we used then 3-5 months a year with some crushing loads.

I was looking at the Lightning ascent, do you have any opinions on them? I've never snow shoed this will be my first pair I can't decide which ones but I know I want MSR
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: wamuledeer on February 13, 2017, 10:01:38 AM: Another recommendation for the MSR's plus tails. Work great.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: j_h_nimrod on February 14, 2017, 12:18:18 PM: Quote from: Duckslayer89 on February 13, 2017, 01:24:55 AM
Quote from: j_h_nimrod on February 12, 2017, 09:30:06 PM
At our field camp we used Atlas, Tubbs, Cabelas, and Redfeather for years before we switched over to MSR and never looked back! The General shoe was the standard Denali and Denali Ascent. I opted for the Evo Ascent for my personal shoes. Bought the long tails but rarely ever used them even though I am ~100lbs over recommended weight even before I put on a pack. MSR has the most versatile binding and best duild that I found. We never broke a pair even though we used then 3-5 months a year with some crushing loads.

I was looking at the Lightning ascent, do you have any opinions on them? I've never snow shoed this will be my first pair I can't decide which ones but I know I want MSR

We had one guy run them for a couple years with no problems whatsoever. I was a bit skeptical at first because of how they flexed and twisted when we first handled them. After two seasons they were still doing great though. They were narrower and longer than the Denalis, seemed to float great, and really dug in well on heavily crusted snow.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: 4T on February 16, 2017, 08:14:28 PM: I got a pair of the lightning ascent this year after using a cheap pair last year. Flotation isn't much different, but the difference in traction when ascending and decending is not even close. The televators are very handy to have when going up steep hills. It's just like walking up stairs. My others I was constantly slipping. Also I was kinda leary of the straps for your feet, but it is a solid fit. Once you buckle in your boot will not flop around at all and there is no way that they can loosen. Trekking poles are also a must.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: Rob on February 17, 2017, 06:22:03 AM: Another vote for MSR. The tubular models are fine for flat country, but if you are climbing or side Hilling the MSRS are better. Tubular will work, but slip more.

I am sure everyone knows this, but the weight limits are not related to the ability of the Snowshoe to handle your weight, but rather how much floatation they provide. That will actually vary by snow type more than anything. I have moved to very small shoes as they are easier to plunge step downhill with. They sink a tiny bit more, but the trade off was worth it to me.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: Duckslayer89 on February 17, 2017, 06:49:56 AM: So you guys think the Evo 22" would be enough for a 200 pound guy plus a day pack for out hiking around in Washington snow? I kind of like the one piece hard plastic design? Also lightning ascent 25"vs 30"? To many choices
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: Rob on February 17, 2017, 10:18:53 AM: I weigh 195 and when carrying a 20-25 pound pack, the MSR lightening Ascents in 22 inch have not let me down.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: Rob on February 17, 2017, 10:24:36 AM: Also, if the snow is very powdery, then I move to the 25 inch MSR's

Conditions change so much that it is hard to say what the best is...

If I could only have one pair, I would go with the 25 inchers. decent for the deep post holing stuff, but maybe a bit more than needed for the harder stuff.
Title: Re: Snowshoes
Post by: couesbitten on February 17, 2017, 10:30:27 AM: Girlfriend and I both use MSR snowshoes, they're bombproof!