| Snowshoeing is a fun winter recreation activity | | | | makes mountaineer style snowshoes the best choice |
| whose popularity has stayed strong since its inception | | | | for walking in deeper snow. Mountaineering |
| and right up through today. It's also a popular and | | | | snowshoes are the right choice for any serious |
| easy way to get around in snowbound areas during | | | | snowshoeing enthusiast. |
| the winter. Nowadays, there are many types of | | | | Hiking/Recreation Style |
| snowshoes for many types of activities. Here's a | | | | This type of snowshoe tends to be the most popular |
| rundown of each type to help you choose the right | | | | as it is appropriate for hiking, backpacking and light to |
| snowshoes for your lifestyle and activity. | | | | moderate terrains. Recreation style snowshoes are |
| The three main types of snowshoes are: | | | | made to be comfortable, with ease of use and value |
| Running & Aerobic Style | | | | as a big selling point. This type of shoe is excellent |
| These snowshoes were built with lighter weight | | | | for all around use, light use and the occasional hiker. |
| materials than normal snowshoes to allow for faster | | | | Sizes |
| movement. They also feature an extra cleat or | | | | This is an easier choice as there are only a few sizes |
| cleats for additional traction while you are running or | | | | of snowshoes available. They are 6x15 inches, 7x18 |
| walking fast. Also, the bindings will allow for you to | | | | inches, 8x25 inches, 9x30 inches and 10x36 inches. |
| insert running or athletic shoes, so they lace up and | | | | The smallest snowshoes are usually for children and |
| cradle as well. There are actually snowshoe races, | | | | the middle sizes are usually best for women. Your |
| and this is the type of snowshoe that is used in that | | | | weight will also be a consideration, as the heavier you |
| type of race. This type of snowshoe is right for | | | | are, the larger size of snowshoe you will likely need. |
| anyone who will need to move fast or just wants to | | | | You should also consider the weight you will be with |
| walk around their town. These are not appropriate | | | | your other equipment, skis, snowboard, backpack or |
| for snowshoeing in rugged terrain. | | | | other supplies you will be carrying. |
| Mountaineer Style | | | | Bindings |
| Mountaineer style snowshoes are built much tougher | | | | There are two types of bindings available, the free |
| and heavier than, say, running style snowshoes. This | | | | rotation and the limited rotation. In the limited rotation |
| is for added traction and stability on steep and icy | | | | style, the toes do not go below the decking. In the |
| hills. They typically include larger crampons to achieve | | | | free rotation the toes are more free. Free rotation |
| this added traction. The binding will also be able to | | | | bindings are preferred for running, racing and |
| accommodate larger shoes including climbing shoes | | | | sometimes hiking. It's best to try both styles and |
| and boots. Extra heavy duty material is used to | | | | decide which is more comfortable for you. |
| create mountaineer style snowshoes, for better | | | | Whatever size or style of snowshoe you choose, |
| performance during different types of weather | | | | have fun on the trails! |
| situations and various types of terrain. This also | | | | |