Snowshoes

Snowshoes allow us to explore some really fun places in the winter for snowshoes hikes, snow camping and snowpacking.

Snowshoe Types

There are different types of snowshoes for different type of uses

• Hiking/Recreational Snowshoes 

• Technical Snowshoes 

• Running/Fitness Snowshoes 

Recreational/Hiking Snowshoes 

Suitable for general use for most of our snowshoe hikes.  These are sometimes referred to as flat or rolling terrain shoes or entry level snowshoes.

Technical Snowshoes 

These are designed for heavier duty use in the backcountry with more aggressive crampons.  These should last many seasons before the bindings fail.  Scoutmasters generally use technical snowshoes.

• Atlas Montane

• MSR Evo Ascent

• MSR Lightning Ascent

• Tubbs Mountaineer Snowshoes

• TSL Symbioz Elite

• Wildhorn Delano X2

Running Snowshoes

Designed for running on groomed trails.  Great for hardpack where you can get away without snowshoes for floatation but could really use some crampons and where a little flotation would be nice.  These are generally not the shoes you want on a snowshoe trip with our Troop. 

• Atlas Run

• Crescent Moon Luna

  • Foam Shoe

• Dion Racers

Poles

Poles are pretty important for snowshoeing.  They reduce the load on your legs, help propel you and play a huge part in balance.

Adjustable Poles

Poles need to be adjustable.  You can adjust them up or down when going down and up hill.  You can also shorten them up for storage or lengthen them out if using them as shelter supports.  Scouts also grow, so you'll want something that can be used over the years and with different users.

• • Come with Costco Snowshoe Kits

  • REI 

  • Many if not most hiking poles can be outfitted with snow baskets

Snow Baskets

You MUST have Snow Baskets.

Without Snow Baskets, your poles will sink into the snow and provide no benefit. 

• • REI Co-op Trekking Pole Snow Baskets

  • Black Diamond Powder Snow Baskets

If you are using Snow Baskets on your Hiking Poles, keep the Mud Baskets that came with your poles.  The snow baskets will catch on brush and aren't great in the spring, summer and fall.  You'll want to switch back to mud baskets after the winter. 

Waterproof Gaiters

These are required to keep snow out of your boots when trekking through deep snow or building snow shelters.

Full Length Gaiters

Full length gaiters are recommended for deep snow.

See our Gaiters Page for more on these.

Snowshoe Gear

You must have the following items when snowshoeing

• Waterproof Boots

  • See our Winter Footwear Page 

• Repair Kit 

  • Someone needs to have paracord and duct tape to mend economy or aged snowshoes that fail on the trial or at the trailhead

• MSR Snowshoes Tails

  • MSR Snowshoes may need Snowshoe Tails for better flotation in deep snow