Snowshoeing is an old and simple activity that is quickly growing in popularity. More and more people are discovering that it’s simply, easy, fun and a great workout. They are also discovering the fact that today’s modern snowshoes are nothing like what they had in mind.
More than likely, when people think of snowshoes they picture something that is nailed up on the wall in some old cabin or ski lodge. They are big, long and wide, made of wood and leather and look like some weird, overgrown tennis racket. And let me tell you, THAT kind of snowshoe IS tricky to use.
Being so wide, you would need to walk with your legs spread apart so that one foot wouldn’t step on the snowshoe of the other foot. You looked like a cowboy who spent too much time on his horse! If you didn’t keep your legs spread apart like that, it was like you were constantly stepping on your shoe laces and you would go tumbling. Not only that, but your inner thighs would get one heck of a workout from walking in that awkward position, even for just a short while.
Fortunately for people who get into the sport today, technological advances and the growing popularity of the sport have led to snowshoes that are much, much smaller and easier to use. They are shorter, lighter, and barely any wider than your normal foot, which means your walking stride really isn’t much different at all. Also, it means you can easily strap them to your pack if you want to do something like hike into the back country to do some snowboarding.
One key suggestion that is often overlooked by people getting into snowshoeing, because there is so little equipment involved, is to be sure you get a good pair of thermal socks. You’ll be working up quite a sweat out there in the cold, so you want to be sure your have moisture wicking socks to keep you dry and warm.