Traditional style snowshoes are still a great pick and will transport you back to mountain man times. What they do lack is the strength of the modern material snowshoes. They can however be repaired by a skilled woodsman while still out in the wilds. Modern material snowshoes usually sport an ice gripping crampon of sorts on the frame. They just might keep you from sliding down a frozen ridge and into the ravine below. Try both to see what style you prefer for your adventures.
Make sure they fit well
Snowshoes that are sloppy and do not fit well are tiring and possibly dangerous. A fall and subsequent injury can occur from such snowshoe use. The snowshoes should be rated for your weight and be snugly attached to your winter footwear. You should be able to walk with them easily and not so constricted which causes crashing into each other’s frames. Step on one on the move and you will be eating snow quickly on the ground.
Bear paw styles are short and wide. They are perfect for thicker brush areas and can turn quicker than a longer style snowshoe. Pick a longer snowshoe style for the wide open treks across open ground.
Practice before a long walk
Practice makes perfect. Walking in snowshoes takes getting used to. A different walking gait is used while using snowshoes. If you strike out across the unbroken wilderness the first time you strap on snowshoes it will be a bad experience. Start small and work your way up when your experience and endurance improves when using snowshoes.
Ski poles really do help
Balance and stability are greatly enhanced when using ski style poles. Hunting with a long gun and using ski poles might be a problem though. In other cases though two ski poles are a great asset to your snowshoe experience.
