Snowshoeing in the offseason?

I've been thinking of doing the same thing, so I'll be interested in the responses. Except, I want to mix-up my running with showshoe running.

Ebay has some good gear deals, if I knew exactly what I should be looking for.

eerie. i JUST posted a thread in the minnesota forum listing some of the local snowshoe races, after getting an email about the series from a friend. great minds think alike i guess.

i love to snowshoe. for running (which i rarely get to do - but love), i usually use some thick socks and my gore-tex trail runners. for just hiking, i either use some trukke boots or my steger mukluks. my kids LOVE snowshoeing too. as for clothes, i usually wear the same stuff i do for really cold weather running - thick fleece tights, wicking long sleeve shirt, cold weather top, windbreaker, hat, gloves, thick wool running socks.

active should have listings for snowshoeing, otherwise, check here: http://www.snowshoeracing.com

here are some good deals on shoes:

http://www.rei.com/online/store/Search?x=0&cat=22000084&storeId=800...

My wife and I use snowshoes to run/hike in the winter. It is a killer workout! I just use my oldest pair of trail running shoes and thick wool socks. This year, since we are doing at least 2 snowshoe races, I'll probably go ahead and bolt my shoes directly to the snowshoes and eliminate the bindings...

I haven't done any snowshoe racing myself but I've gone to watch a couple of events. The racers usually use a much smaller snowshoe, for speed and it's possible because the snow has usually been already on the race course.

I go out with my dog just to be outside and get a great workout. I have Atlas snowshoes myself and I have no compaints with them. The size of shoe you get is dictated by your weight. More surface area is needed for a heavier person.

I use an all leather hiking boot when I'm out there. It has to be sturdy and waterproof for emergencies. I'd imagine racing has completely different needs.

I do. As someone posted, if you're going to race seriously you'll want to look into race specific shoes. They're much smaller, but don't work well for deep powder/back country shoeing. You'll want a big shoe for that.

I like using the MSR shoes. I have the Denali's and use the shoe "as is" for packed trails and racing. For deeper stuff I add the optional "tails" which increase the size. I'm not competitive at snowshoe racing, nor do I do any serious backcountry stuff, so the MSR's are a nice compromise that let me do a little of everything.

Also, the bigger you are the bigger the shoe needs to be. I'm 195, and the MSR's work well for me.

I think someone posted a link to REI. They've got a good selection, and good info on the differences in shoes.


scott

Well, I'm thinking more backcountry use than racing.

Winter camping -- hiking in on snowshoes -- sound interesting.
I think my dogs would love it too.

I'm a heavy person, so for backcountry I will probably need the biggest shoes made!

I never even thought of racing on snowshoes until I read the responses........