Snowshoes
 

Anyone used Snowshoes in the BC?

I'm thinking of picking up some MSR Denali Evo Ascent to get me through this winter, until I can splurge for the split in the spring.

Will I have trouble keeping up with my buddies on Telemarks?

i would just splurge on the split. snowshoes are a pain in the arse, hehe.

Hey there friend! I can get you a really sick deal on one snowshoe.......

http://i34.tinypic.com/1y0mli.jpg

It's funny but it hurts my heart.... :(

and wallet....

I am not a big fan of snowshoes even for ascending the type of terrain wolfy talks of. You can easily negotiate that on a splitboard unless it's a 10 ft wide couloir and likely use a lot less energy. Regardless, snowshoes are a great backcountry tool to have and have their place in your quiver.

I love verts, but the guy who made them is not producing them for now. Bummer, nice, light, climb better than any snowshoe out there, and are relatively inexpensive.

The MSR Lightning Ascents are probably the best for snowboaders. It's a nice lightweight design and the whole snowshoe is basically one big crampon. So you have unmatched traction for climbing, side hilling (a big problem with snowshoes), and just generally hiking around saving energy.

The MSR Denali's are a great shoe and were probably the best one's up until MSR came out with the Lightnings. So it's also a solid shoe, the tails you can add on are nice, and they are also one of the better sidehilling snowshoes.

Things to look for. Aggressive crampons, and long tail crampons, or along the edges of the snowshoes are best to have. It will let you tackle the largest variety of terrain. Without them, you will wash out and could end up in a potentialy life threatening situation.

Hope that helps you out.

One other side note about snowshoes. When putting these off and on your pack, just messing with them in general, remember that they have sharp pointy things all over them that will slice you open in a heartbeat. A dude in my Friends of Berthoud Pass group cut his hand pretty good during a beacon search. He was in a hurry to locate the buried pack quickly and when he tossed the pack off he cut his hand pretty good. I've heard this story a few too many times to discount it as a one off. I think if you are aware of this little danger, the more likely you are to avoid it. Chances are the crampons on the shoes will be facing away from your pack. Just fyi for everyone.

...Also tie these securely to your pack. Especially if they are rentals.... they don't let you buy just one. :dunno:

Oh Snap! :(

I have seen this happen more than once. It would seem to me that it's pretty evident you want the snowshoes to be strapped down very securely on your pack. Even Ale has been popped by that one.

I think someone is starting to see the splitboard light. :)