If your snowshoe trail just takes you across the surface of a lake you will fine the traditional wooden snowshoes work fine. However, most winter hikers will be tackling a trail in the wilderness and will require the right snowshoe equipment such as the MSR Denali Classic

What to look for when purchasing your snowshoe equipment.

The Frame
You want a snowshoe frame that is made of aluminum, very hollow and light. While you snowshoe you must frequently lift your feet (higher than when hiking) and this can be tiring with heavy snowshoes after a long day on the trail. The size of your snowshoe equipment will depend on your weight and the type of typical snow conditions during your winter hiking.

Decking
The decking is attached to the frame and is like a floatation device keeping you above the deep snow. Often decking is made of plastic, however consider coated nylon as it is lighter and will last longer.

Crampon
A crampon is a sharp piece of metal underneath the snowshoe that pivots and digs into the snow when climbing a hill permitting an easy ascent, essential on mixed terrain. The placement and size of the crampon needed to be considered depending on the type of conditions where you snowshoe.

Binding
The snowshoe equipment binding attaches to your boot. Two popular types include simple strap which is easy to replace and the snowboard ratchet system. Some snowshoe models also have a raised heel bar which keeps your snowshoe from sliding off, as the binding strap has a habit of doing.

Carrying Bag
Wrap your snowshoes in a storage bag, otherwise the crampons have the potential to slice open and damage car seats.

The prices of snowshoe equipment are based on the strength and lightness of the frame along with the binding and crampon system. What many hikers new do is rent snowshoes for their first few winter hikes to see what equipment works best for them.

Wait; do not head down the trail yet. You also need to pack a pair of expedition or trekking poles to help with your balance.

A winter hike on a pair of snowshoes is a wonderful experience with the right equipment. 

 
MSR Denali Evo Ascent Snowshoe – FREE poles
Price: $199.93
Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes bring modular performance toyour winter backcountry adventures. Based on our proven Denalisnowshoes, they feature the same modular flotation, superior tractionfor go-anywhere reliability and include Televator heel lifters as well as a redesigned deck, binding, and crampon to improve backcountry performance and usability.\n\n* Superior Traction: Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.\n\n* Steep Terrain Performance: Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient.\n\n* Walk Easier: Tapered tip and tail make walking easier and more natural.\n\n* Versatile: Add 6″ Evo flotation tails (sold separately) to meet changing conditions and pack weight.\n\n* Secure Fit: Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe.\nWeight: 4 lbs\n\n***flotation tails sold separately

Brand: MSR

Originally posted 2010-01-05 12:47:59.