Have you ever thought of hiking in freshly fallen snow?

If not then you are in for an adventurous treat. Mountaineering is well described as the ascent of any hill where the severity of the terrain requires technical equipment and some form of climbing. However risky it may appear to most people, mountain climbing has a number of benefits. It improves both physical and cardiovascular fitness. Also, walking through deep snow is thrilling,  adventurous and fun. Mountaineers find this a worthwhile experience and a hobby they are willing to invest in. The satisfaction of getting to the peak of the mountain is unexplainable. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea though, some people end up not enjoying the climbing experience and are left wondering why they didn’t opt for an indoor experience.

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If you are still interested, one important thing to note is that hiking in the snow requires special mountaineering snowshoes. With normal boots, you will sink and struggle on every step. The snowshoes are more advanced and will allow you to travel around the snow-covered ground without sinking or struggling.

 

Buying guide

The hardest part of hiking is choosing the right gear. In this guide, we will provide you with all the info and tips to help you buy the perfect snowshoe for your first hiking trip. No matter how heavy you think you are, there is a good fit for you that will provide you with a good hiking experience. One that will distribute your weight evenly to allow floating and help you stay above the snow.

The right pair of hiking shoes will allow you to enjoy the cold weather workout and navigate the snow terrain with ease. Due to the rise of hundreds of snowshoes in the market, it can be challenging to find the perfect one. Here are the 4 factors to consider:

Size

Mountaineers come in all sizes; big, small, low weight and heavyweight and so the shoe sizes vary as well. With the right fit of snowshoes, you will get the correct amount of floating. For the heavier hikers, large snowshoes are the best option. Bigger gears offer much floating to stay at the top of soft snow.

Traction

Although your weight will push the snowshoes into the snow, the traction features will allow you to stay above and float. A modern model has tooth-like crampons or cleats for excellent grip. The gears that are specifically designed for mountaineers and offer more aggressive crampons for the steep, icy conditions.

Material

If you want to get the best hiking experience, the material of the snowshoes should be your number one factor to consider. Most of the manufacturing companies are after money. They end up producing low-quality gears. The best snowshoes for backcountry are made of aluminum or composite frame. The aluminum-flamed snowshoes float better in deep powder while the composite-flamed are compact and better for snow or icy conditions.

Bindings

Hiking can cause foot injuries that may keep you off the snow for quite some time this is why snowshoes are designed to secure you when climbing at the top of the mountain. They are more secure to your boots because of their binding, which consists of a platform and nylon straps. There are two types of bindings: the rotation binding which allows you to walk naturally and climb hills while the fixed binding brings the snowshoes to trail up for comfortable strides.

 

4 tips for selecting the best backcountry snowshoes

Snowing is a popular sport in most parts of the world where they experience snowy winters. It allows one to enjoy long trails as well as a chance to get out into the snow. You can perform all this without hiking skills. With the right pair of snowshoes, you too can reach the top of the mountain with ease. Here are 4 tips to help you in selecting the best backcountry snowshoes to make your buying process so much easier.

1. Decide where you want to hike

Different types of snowshoes are designed to handle various outdoor activities. The recreation snowshoes work well on flat and light grounds and won’t need traction. The backcountry snowshoes are for people who are likely to face steep and icy terrain, probably with deep snow. They require traction to enhance floating.

2. Gender of the hiker

There are many best snowshoes for the backcountry in the market. However, they are designed for specific genders. The snowshoes for women tend to be narrower than those of men. But this doesn’t mean that women can’t wear men’s hiking shoes. Women have a narrower stance and gait. Therefore, it is good to choose the snowshoes for the right gender to get a comfortable hiking experience.

3. Consider your weight

The best snowshoes are designed to allow you to walk at the top of the snow. Thus, you need to consider weight distribution factors. If you are a heavyweight, you will need snowshoes that can withstand your weight. As part of your weight also, consider the weight of your backpack.

4. Consider your hiking boots

Whether you are wearing waterproof or winter boots, it is necessary to consider the footwear when purchasing the snowshoes.  Most of the soles of the shoes do not rhyme with the binding type of the snowshoes. Therefore, it is necessary to carry your hiking boots when purchasing the snowshoes.

 

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Best Backcountry and Mountaineering Snowshoes 2024

 

1. MSR Lightning Ascent Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes

Walking on the snow is tiresome and can cause injuries to your feet. If you want to ensure that your mountaineering experience is safe and interesting, you need to consider MSR Lightning Ascent. It comes with the Ergo Televator Heel lift bar, which provides help when walking down the steep terrain. Also, this design flips up to increase uphill efficiency and traction.  The freezing resistant Posi Lock bindings offer easy attachment to a variety of footwear.

In addition, it comes with 360 degrees frames and split teeth Torsion2 crampons, which distribute the weight evenly to allow the snowshoe to have contact with the snow, ensuring stability. This pair of hiking gear is strong, durable, and ultra-light, making it the best mountaineering shoes for the winter season.

Pros

• Ergo Televators reduces fatigue
• Provides an easy attachment to different footwear
• The 360-degree frame offers security and stability
• They are durable
• Easy to use and adjust

 

Cons

• The binding does not pair with most kinds of boots or shoes

 

2. MSR Evo Trail 22-Inch Hiking Snowshoes

MRS Evo Trail 22-Inch is among the best snowshoes for beginners. This pair of shoes is durable and provides excellent traction to enhance floating on snowy trails. It comes with Duo fit bindings that are freeze-proof and can be attached to a variety of hiking boots. It is a perfect gear for tricky weather conditions. The steel traction rails provide secure grips to enhance your movements. Its lightweight feature will allow you to walk for long distances with fatigue.

Pros

• Built to last
• Lightweight
• Enhance comfort even in harsh weather conditions
• Excellent floatation

Cons

• Binding requires some practice
• May be expensive when compared to most snowshoes

 

3. Winterial Mammoth Toed Mountain Terrain Snowshoes

Do you love hitting trails even when they are blanketed in snow? Winterial Mammoth snowshoe is your solution. It comes in different sizes and colors. Each pair weighs 5.3 lbs. Making it easy to pack and also climb the mountain. It is made of durable polymer frames and metal teeth, making it last longer. It has a pop-up terrain heal and aluminum teeth to increase traction and grip to the snow. These snowshoes for men and women stand out because of their comfort. It has unique and quality straps and square-toed design to provide comfort during the long journey in the snow.

Pros

• Durable backcountry snowshoes
• Easy to attach to any boot
• Offers great traction
• Lightweight, enhancing the mountaineering experience

Cons

• Stiff heel lift
• Pricey

 

4. MSR Women’s Revo Trail Hiking Snowshoes

MSR Women’ Revo is rugged and durable shoes that work well in the winter season. It has a wide range of features, and you may wonder why it is priced so low. This snowshoe for women has easy to operate binding and is surprisingly lightweight. It has pivot crampons that provide steep sections bite to enhance the movement. Also, the perimeter teeth offer a secure grip to prevent sliding. During hiking, you will encounter different harsh conditions, such as bad weather. This model has injection-molded; Exo tracked tapered plastic deck, to prevent you from facing abusive situations. Apart from this, it enhances floating when carrying heavy loads due to its compatibility with MSR Modular Floating 5-inch trails.

Pros

• Light and easy to use
• No straps attachment making it easy to bind
• Offer stability when going down the snowy trails
• They stay secured to the hiking boots

Cons

• The wide toe box can cause stumbles

 

5. Winterial Yukon Snowshoes with Carrying Bag and Adjustable Poles

The Winterial Yukon snowshoes are specifically designed to enhance the outdoor adventure. Both men and women can use these snowshoes for the backcountry. It has an aluminum frame and teeth treads, to help you walk above the snow and keep stability. The heel straps are essential to increase traction during mountain climbing. Winterial Yukon is lightweight with 4.4 lbs. It has adjustable poles which extend to 53 inches. They have Anti-shock technology to enhance comfort and traction.

Pros

• They are nylon, thus won’t break easily
• Easy to put on and remove
• The binding system is easy to use
• Great traction when on ice

Cons

• Come with a high price
• The back strips are made of hard plastic. Thus, it cannot last long

 

6. G2 GO2GETHER Snowshoes kit

These snowshoes for both men and women are made of strong and durable materials, making it suitable for everyone regardless of the weight. It comes along with other accessories to enable you to hike efficiently. The package includes a pair of 3 section aluminum trekking poles with winter baskets and a travel bag. The frames are lightweight and made from alloy 6061 aluminum for excellent floating. It comes with manganese steel crampons, which are durable and fit all terrains for more excellent traction.  Apart from this, it has a double ratcheting binding padded with foam to attach easily with any footwear.

Pros

• Comes with poles and storage bag
• Easy to assemble and use
• Lightweight and durable
• Secure fit
• Easy attachment to a variety of footwear

Cons

• They are expensive
• The storage bag is large, thus heavy to carry

 

7. Chinook 80006 Trekker Snowshoes

Are you looking for the best snowshoes that will offer you the most value for money? Look no further than Chinook 80006 Trekker. It is a lightweight, versatile and durable gear, designed for both men and women. It is easy to walk with due to its ergonomic design. The UV resistant decking made from polythene features an easy to use dual ratchet bindings and heel straps with quick-release buckles. This brand comes with a heavy-duty aluminum frame to provide the comfort and durability you need in the snowshoe. It comes along with a carry bag with adjustable backpack straps, side handles, mesh ventilation window, Velcro pole carrier.

Pros

• Effective binding system
• Fair price
• Easy to wear and do not slip throughout the day
• Durable pair of snowshoes
• Good for beginners

Cons

• Made of plastic making them a bad idea during summer

 

8. Yukon Charlies Sherpa Snowshoes

If you are looking for durable snowshoes, try Yukon Charlies Sherpa. They are made of lightweight aluminum frames, making it a long-lasting gear. Also, they are sturdy and stable. They can support up to 300 pounds, making them suitable for heavy users. The coated hardened steel crampons help to grip the snow and give secure footing for the users.

Apart from this, it comes with a lightweight design. This makes it suitable for climbing at the top of the mountain. The good thing about this snowshoe for the backcountry is that it provides an efficient way of putting on and removing. The rapid-lite flex heel strap will let you wear the hiking shoes in a second.

Pros

• Appropriate for men, women, and kids
• Suitable for various footwear
• Safe and strong
• Long-lasting

Cons

• Some snowshoes have poor binding
• Traction is not as good as on steep slopes

 

9. Lucky Bums Youth and Adult Snowshoes

Looking for quality snowshoes for sale? Lucky Bums Youth and Adult hiking gears are long-lasting since they are made using lightweight aluminum frames. Also, they are packed with trekking poles to enhance the movement on snow. The lower part is equipped with decking to offer long-lasting service. In addition to this, it has a metal toe crampons, which provides consistent solid traction. Lucky Bums is suitable for all ages since it can support up to 175 pounds for 26 inches. It comes with friendly pricing and a warranty. In other words, all the faulty gears are replaced immediately.

Pros

• Can be used on all terrains
• Enhance movement because of their lightweight
• Affordable price
• Elegant design

Cons

• Some may not be comfortable for some users

 

Conclusion

You have no reason not to hit the snow this winter season. If you have keenly read our guide and review, then you should be having a snowshoe with you now in a couple of days. Hiking is becoming a popular pastime winter activity so don’t be left behind. There are countless Snowshoes out there in the market but only high quality and good performing gear will allow you to walk comfortably on top of the snow without sinking.

Before committing to making a purchase refer to our guide. This will help you select the best size, comfortable, and long-lasting gear. Otherwise, happy hiking!