December 9, 2024
They are a helpful piece of gear to have, yes.
No.
Sorry about that, let's start over. Snowshoes are beneficial to have right after a storm where hiking trails have not yet been touched, or haven't yet had a chance to consolidate. If you know that the trail you're looking to hike has been consolidated, you might be ok in just microspikes.
After a storm, snow on hiking trails is unbroken, soft, and loose. And sometimes very deep! It takes the hard work (breaking trail) of many hikers in snowshoes to pack it down. The ideal scenario would be this:
Not necessarily. Winter conditions can change rapidly and frequently. Drifting from wind can happen at any time. In an emergency situation, there may be a need to leave the trail. Once you step off the packed path for any reason, you're likely going to sink. Snowshoes will help here. Having snowshoes with you is always a wise idea. If nothing else, they go for a ride on your pack and you end up doing a little more strength training.
I guess they could be, but it really depends on what kind of snowshoes you have.
For climbing mountains, you'll want to invest in a good pair of mountaineering snowshoes. Popular brands include MSR, TSL (my personal favorite; would highly recommend), and Tubbs. Do some research and check reviews to see what might be best for you and your budget. Sizing will depend on total weight being carried -- your body weight plus your winter pack and other gear. The type of snow conditions that you'll mainly be hiking in also play a role.
Mountaineering snowshoes are a bit different than those used for flat terrain as they have more aggressive traction and also include one essential feature -- heel lifts. For snowshoeing on steep slopes, heel lifts are essential and your calves will thank you.
Snowshoes meant for flat terrain, those with more of an aluminum tube-based design, don't work so well for climbing or descending in my experience. You'll end up sliding around a lot going both up and down, which is something you don't want.
(There are several reasons I love TSLs: They are flexible, light, have aggressive traction, and the binding system is super simple; no fumbling around with straps. The company also has excellent customer service and offers replacement parts for their snowshoes. For example, you can replace the crampons yourself easily at home. I busted a binding on one of my snowshoes not long ago. The company simply asked for a photo of the damage and then sent me a replacement pair of bindings free of charge. TSLs are pricey but in my opinion they are worth the investment and with good care will last many seasons.)
It can be, depending on the conditions. A couple things could happen:
There's no specific regulation in New Hampshire at this time, but in my opinion it is good hiker etiquette to use them when needed (if you are ever over in the Adirondacks, snowshoes [or skis] are required if there is more than eight inches of snow on the ground). If you don't wear snowshoes when conditions warrant, you may hear about it. I've been chastised on the trail for not wearing them (even though conditions didn't require them at the time). Some hikers are very particular in how they prefer the trails to be in winter.
The best advice I can offer is for all of us to try and be the best winter hiking citizens we can be as we are all out there together. Try and leave the trails in equal or better shape than you found them so that others may enjoy good conditions.
Also note that on groomed ski trails, snowshoes are often required. Even if they aren't required for a given trail, it's simply good etiquette to wear them and not churn up a ski track with bare boots. Damaged ski tracks can create the potential for injury to skiers. On ski trails, snowshoers should also stay off to the sides but also keep visible to avoid impacts with skiers.
And remember that all winter trail conditions are temporary; everything gets changed again with the next weather event and then completely erased in the spring when everything melts. No posthole lasts forever.
I know what you mean. It often takes me a few hikes to reawaken my "snowshoe legs" for the winter season. As opposed to simply walking down the street, snowshoeing can work muscles in different ways as the activity requires slightly longer forward steps and a slightly wider stance, which can feel awkward at first. Lightly stretching both your hamstrings and hip flexors can help build flexibility. Of course, the more you snowshoe the more your body will acclimate to it. There may be some sore spots in the beginning but once the body adjusts, snowshoeing can feel as natural as walking.
Not a problem! Many businesses and organizations throughout New Hampshire provide the opportunity to rent snowshoes. This is perfect if you are just an occasional snowshoer, new to the activity, or want to try it out before committing to your own snowshoe purchase.
You can rent snowshoes through the New Hampshire Audubon centers in Manchester and Concord, Appalachian Mountain Club's Joe Dodge Lodge and Highland Center (if staying overnight at either location), and International Mountain Equipment in North Conway, among several other locations.
Sure, in certain conditions. Microspikes are ideal on icy (but not steep and icy) terrain or frozen ground and on trails that have been well consolidated (see above) or have minimal snow cover. In deep powdery snow, microspikes may not grip well and you could end up slipping around a lot. Plus the whole posthole thing. That said, microspikes are indeed another essential tool to have in your winter kit. There will be times when it will be necessary to switch traction devices depending on the conditions.
Personally, I love my snowshoes and use them whenever I can. I certainly prefer wearing them over carrying them! In soft snow conditions they make travel more efficient. Lots of people love snowshoes and lots of people don't. Both points of view are valid. Some prefer the trails to be smooth packed sidewalks and others aren't bothered by rough surfaces. Also both valid. My personal opinion is that it's a good practice to leave the trails in good shape for others but we can only be responsible for ourselves; we can't control the actions of others or force them to hike a certain way or use certain gear.
Also remember that if you're just getting started with snowshoes, you don't have to climb a mountain right away. Start on easy local trails. Just about every town in the state has conserved lands with trails that are close to home. These trails are ideal for practicing what it's like to move around on snowshoes without the risk factors of being on a mountain trail. And yes, you may fall over into the snow at first but try to look at that as part of the fun!
Check out these resources for some more info on getting started with snowshoes. Have fun, enjoy the winter, and be safe out there!