Walking through the snow in snowshoes reveals a slightly gentler world of snowy mountains
The world of winter mountains, closed off by deep snow, is certainly a high-threshold world that not everyone is allowed to enter casually. However, when you do take the trouble to visit, the overwhelming beauty and majestic atmosphere that you would never encounter in your daily life will surely become unforgettable memories. It is as if the nature you have seen up until now seems even more profound, and it is without exaggeration a sensation that changes the way you see the world. Snowshoes and crampons are the easiest way to experience this world of snow
There are a wide variety of snowshoe models to suit a variety of winter activities that require free movement through snow-covered areas, from winter forest and rural mountain walks to winter running and even hiking up steep slopes in the backcountry. Choosing the right type of snowshoe for each activity is important for safety and comfort
Here, I have researched the latest information on the equipment needed to enjoy snowshoeing, and based on my own experiences, I have compiled a list of wise choices
table of contents
- Introduction: What are snowshoes and when and where do you wear them?
- Five things to check when choosing the best snowshoes
- Point 1: Know the type of snowshoes that are suitable for your purpose
- Point 2: Choose the optimal frame (and deck) material, size, and shape
- Tip 3: Choose bindings that are easy to put on and take off and won't come loose
- Tip 4: Check that the crampons are strong enough for the intended use
- Point 5: Weight and portability are important depending on the application
- Recommended snowshoes by purpose and type - from snow hiking to backcountry
- summary
Introduction: What are snowshoes and when and where do you wear them?
Snowshoes are walking devices that allow you to walk on ground covered with deep, unpacked snow without sinking into the ground. Their history dates back thousands of years, and they are said to have originated as tools that humans invented to survive in the harsh winters of the earth
To understand how snowshoes make it easy to walk on snow, it helps to think of them as a boat. Just like a boat that floats on water, snowshoes are designed to expand the surface area of the sole of the shoe. The larger surface area that comes into contact with the snow provides greater buoyancy, allowing the body to float on the snow without sinking. Generally, the heavier the load or the lighter and drier the snow, the more likely a person is to sink, so a snowshoe with a larger surface area is required
Are snowshoes and crampons different? - They may look similar, but they're actually quite different
Snowshoes are said to have originated in Central Asia and spread all over the world, adapting to each region, but here in Japan they have also evolved in a unique way. This is the traditional tool "wakan (snowjiki)" that is passed down in Japan's snowy regions. Both wakan and snowshoes are used to make it easier to walk on snow, but because the environments and uses in the West and Japan are different, it is difficult to say which is better. However, from my personal experience, when used for winter mountain climbing in Japan, wakan have a comparative advantage. I have summarized this in the comparison table below (this is a relative comparison of average models only)
| material | Snowshoeing | Wakan |
|---|---|---|
| Representative image |  |
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| Features | Basically, it is best suited for walking on dry snow, deep snow, or on relatively flat ground | Ideal for walking on complex terrain and snow conditions, such as wet snow and steep slopes |
| merit |
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| Disadvantages |
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In summary, in Japan, where the terrain changes dramatically and there is a lot of wet, heavy snow, the combination of crampons and snowshoes has long been popular due to its ease of use. However, it is also true that many people prefer snowshoes for backcountry snowboarding, where they are aimed at powder snow, due to their ease of walking on flat ground and their excellent buoyancy. This is largely due to technological advances, particularly in recent years, with the appearance of many models like the MSR Lightning Ascent
Wearing snowshoes over crampons allows you to flexibly adapt to a wide range of terrain, including deep snow and ice, for peace of mind
What shoes should I wear it with?
Snowshoeing shoes do not necessarily have to be sturdy, insulated winter hiking boots
To put it bluntly, it doesn't matter what you wear as long as it keeps you in place, but people generally wear "waterproof and breathable hiking/trekking boots," "winter boots," or "winter mountaineering boots." However, if you wear spring to autumn trekking boots or low-quality leather mountaineering boots, your feet may get cold, so in those cases it's best to use "overshoes," which are waterproof and breathable shoe covers worn over your boots, as shown in the image link below
What else do I need to enjoy snowshoeing?
Generally, when snowshoeing, you use poles (stocks), just like when skiing or hiking
It's not impossible to walk without using poles, but if you lose your balance on the snow, you'll easily fall over. We don't recommend snowshoeing without poles at all. To walk steadily and without getting tired, prepare snow poles with wide snow baskets, which are different from trekking poles
We recommend snowshoe poles that are adjustable in length and have wide snow baskets
Also, when walking on snow, you should wear "snow gaiters (spats)" that cover your feet and shins to prevent snow from getting inside your boots. Without these, if you happen to get stuck in deep snow, cold snow will mercilessly get into your shoes. Don't forget to put them on before you start
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Gaiters are essential when walking through deep snow
Five things to check when choosing the best snowshoes
Point 1: Know the type of snowshoes that are suitable for your purpose
Currently, snowshoes are roughly divided into three types depending on their intended use. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and while there are relatively well-balanced models that are as all-around as possible, it's rare to find an all-purpose model that covers all of them perfectly. First, let's understand the features of each type of model and figure out which type you should buy
| type | For flat ground and gentle slopes | For mountainous terrain and backcountry | For running (races) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Representative image |  |
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| Purpose | A model optimized for walking on flat ground to gentle slopes | A model optimized for mountaineering and backcountry skiing, with steep slopes as the premise | This model is optimized for riding on packed snow |
| Features | Perfect for beginners | Ideal for backcountry and winter mountaineering | Ideal for snow running and racing |
| Strengths |
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| weakness |
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Point 2: Choose the optimal frame (and deck) material, size, and shape
Is it the right size for the snow quality and depth?
Now that you know which type is best for you, the next thing to check is the structure of each model, starting with the frame and deck
The "frame" refers to the frame that surrounds the snowshoes, and if there is a membrane stretched inside the frame, that part is called the "deck."
Snowshoe frames and decks come in a variety of materials, sizes, and shapes, depending on the primary use
To ensure good floating on soft snow, the overall frame size or overall length is crucial. Naturally, the larger the frame, the greater the buoyancy , meaning that it can provide buoyancy even in deep snow, making it easier for larger people or those carrying a lot of luggage to walk . However, it also means that it is heavier . For this reason, simply choosing a large model is not the answer.
In order to break through powder snow, you need a large frame otherwise your feet will sink in deeply and it will be difficult to walk
Some manufacturers offer different sizes (total length) of the same model, so if you're not sure what length is appropriate, it's best to consult with a store clerk and consider whether your weight + luggage
Is the material and shape suitable for the terrain of the walking route?
Another thing to pay attention to when choosing is the frame material and edge shape .
Tube type
Originally, snowshoe frames were made from wood or bamboo, but now most have been replaced by metals such as aluminum or plastic. Wood, bamboo, and aluminum frames are often made of round tubes, which means that they have the disadvantage of poor grip on steeper slopes
Edge Type
Other frame shapes include models made from molded plastic or aluminum plates with corners, creating edges around the perimeter (the photo below shows a plastic edge-type frame)
These snowshoes are often from European brands that were primarily used for glacier walking, and that the strong grip of the edges makes them suitable for going up and down slopes, traversing, and walking on hard snow.However, they are less durable than tubes, and because of the sharp edges, they are not very good for walking smoothly (sliding) in deep snow.
Tip 3: Choose bindings that are easy to put on and take off and won't come loose
Bindings are the parts that secure your shoes to your snowshoes. There are various ways to secure them depending on the manufacturer and type. The quickest way to tell is to try them on, but in any case, there are two things you should check:
One is whether it is easy to put on, take off, and adjust . Putting on and taking off a mask while wearing gloves can be surprisingly difficult, and even if it is easy to do with bare hands, it can be difficult in the actual workplace.
The speed of putting on and taking off the boots and the fit are all different depending on the binding. I'd like to try them out and compare them
Another whether the bindings will not loosen easily even after walking for a long time . This is something that you won't really know until you actually walk for a long time, but even when trying them on, you can at least check to some extent by moving your feet around and stubbing your toes to see if they do not loosen easily. Even if you can only check by the specifications, make sure to check as much as possible to make sure that these two points are solid.
While the construction of the bindings is important in determining whether they can securely hold your entire foot in place, it's also important to wear them correctly as recommended by the manufacturer
If you plan to use them for serious mountain climbing, you should also check whether they have a heel lift to help you climb steep slopes
There are beginner snowshoe models that do not have a heel lift, and these snowshoes make it difficult to walk on steep slopes
Tip 4: Check that the crampons are strong enough for the intended use
Larger, deeper claws are needed for steeper slopes
Crampons are the jagged spikes, edges, or cleats on the bottom of your shoes
As many of you can imagine, this helps the snowshoes dig into the snow surface, making them less likely to slip and increasing grip, and this will vary greatly depending on the shape, size, material, etc. Again, you won't know their true capabilities until you actually walk on a snowy slope, but here we will explain how to check them before purchasing.
The strength of crampons, above all else, is "depth and size (sharpness)"
Naturally, the depth and size (sharpness) of crampons have a big impact on the strength of their grip. Large, sharp claws can dig firmly into the ground even on harder, steeper slopes, allowing you to walk safely
"Paw placement and orientation" that creates a stable grip on a variety of terrain
Next, check how many crampons are on which parts of the sole of the shoe, as well as their placement and direction. Depending on the model, there are various options, from those with crampons only on the toe area to those with crampons on the entire sole, and even those with crampons around the outside of the frame. Of course, choosing a model with more crampons placed over a wider area is likely to provide better stability, as it will provide better grip regardless of how you place your foot
The gripping power increases depending on the number and size of the nails, but the weight also increases accordingly. It is best to use the minimum number of nails necessary for the purpose
The orientation of the claws also determines whether they are designed to simply provide support in the forward and backward directions, or whether they are designed to be resistant to sideways slippage and provide support against lateral shifts (in anticipation of traversing slopes, etc.)
For example, if crampons are only attached to the toes, it can be difficult to maintain stable footing when traversing slopes
Finally, depending on the structure of your crampons, heavy snow such as wet snow may get stuck in them as you walk (see photo below). This is particularly common with North American manufacturers who tend to use dry, powdery snow, but be wary of models where the crampons are spaced too close together or positioned in a way that doesn't allow snow to pass through easily
If the crampons are too large and too dense, heavy snow can cause snow to get stuck between them as you walk
Point 5: Weight and portability are important depending on the application
If you keep this in mind, you shouldn't make any major mistakes, but if you still can't squeeze it all out, try considering the last checkpoint: weight and portability
When choosing snowshoes for mountaineering or backcountry, the key points are whether they are lightweight and easy to pack
If you're going on a day hike in the snow for a few hours, you probably won't take off your snowshoes from start to finish, but if you're climbing a snowy mountain and passing through a deep snowy forest to reach the ridge, you'll likely have to take off your snowshoes along the way, attach them to your backpack, and then put them back on when you descend. In that case, snowshoes can be surprisingly bulky depending on the model, so it's best to choose ones that don't take up too much space when attached to your backpack and are light enough to carry around without any hassle. Even if you don't plan on doing this now, you might regret it later, so we recommend choosing a lightweight and compact model that has all the necessary features and that your budget allows
No matter how comfortable your snowshoes are, you should also consider portability if you plan to carry them around
Recommended snowshoes by purpose and type - from snow hiking to backcountry
This time, I was unable to actually try on the latest models, but based on my experience wearing the previous series, I have selected some recommended models that suit your goals and styles for 2022
Best snowshoes for backcountry: MSR Lightning Ascent
They are among the most expensive of the many snowshoes available, but because of that they boast top-class walking performance that can be used on everything from flat ground to steep slopes and technical terrain. They are said to be the Rolls Royce of the snowshoe world
First of all, the entire outer circumference of the frame is shaped like a sharp blade, providing incredible grip both vertically on steep slopes and horizontally on slope traverses
The bindings are also super light, simple, and incredibly quick to put on and take off. They fit easily with any shoe. Of course, they also have a heel lift, so they're no problem even on steep slopes. They're incredibly easy to use, lightweight, and compact. When it comes to climbing, their safety is almost flawless, making them the best option. These features make them perfect for backcountry snowboarders who only need them to climb tough terrain. They're truly ideal for backcountry skiing, and of course, they're great for all demanding snow-mountain activities
Recommended all-around snowshoes: Atlas Range Series (MTN/BC)
North American snowshoe manufacturer ATLAS's flagship models used to mostly have simple aluminum tubular frames, but they have undergone significant evolution in recent years
The latest flagship model, the Range Series, features a T-section aluminum frame that offers an excellent balance of rigidity, light weight, and flexibility. The sawtooth shape of the frame periphery and the structure that creates moderate flexibility provide excellent grip, making it a strong competitor to the previously undisputed MSR Lightning Ascent
The MTN model has a dial-type binding with the BOA system at the toe, allowing for a perfect fit with any shoe, and it's designed for comfort and won't loosen even while walking. The BC model is designed for portability, with a lightweight and compact resin band for a secure fit. Whichever you choose, these snowshoes are all-around, high-performance snowshoes that can handle a wide range of terrain, from gentle snowfields to complex terrain
Recommended Snowshoes for Beginners: Atlas Helium Trail 23
While not cutting-edge, the Atlas Helium TRAIL 23 is based on proven materials and construction, making it versatile and easy to use. It's simple and easy to use in every detail, and it's priced as affordably as possible. That's why we can confidently recommend it to beginners
Of course, there are simpler models for gentler terrain, but they often don't have a heel lift, so they're not quite satisfying when you step up. In that respect, the Helium TRAIL is surprisingly versatile, from beginner level to more moderately steep terrain, so we recommend it for its "just right" feel that you can use for a long time
TSL SYMBIOZ hyperflex adjust snowshoes: a comfortable and recommended choice for snowy mountain climbing
I really like TSL. They don't seem to sell very well in Japan, though... This flagship model from a long-established manufacturer in France, a country known only to those in the know for its snowshoes, is attractive for its exceptionally comfortable walking experience thanks to its unique frame structure
The small grooves on the sides of the frame and the special plastic make the snowshoes incredibly flexible. Even though you're wearing snowshoes, you can walk as naturally as if you were wearing regular shoes. The latest model uses the BOA system for a perfect binding that's easy to put on and take off, and fits perfectly, achieving unbeatable performance except for the difficulty of packing. This ease of walking and secure all-round grip make them ideal for snow mountain climbing and snow trekking in a variety of snow conditions and terrain. The biggest problem is whether they can actually be purchased in Japan. If you're interested, it's a good idea to inquire with a retailer
summary
If you think of snowshoes simply as something for walking on deep snow, then at first glance it may seem like they all make the same choice, but there are some surprising pitfalls. An acquaintance of mine once went into the backcountry in a hiking model, and while everyone else was moving along smoothly, he ended up sinking deep into the snow, completely draining his energy. Because of this, it's important not to choose simply based on price, but to choose wisely to ensure you get the right model for your purpose and the occasion
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