Snowshoeing: A Walkthrough the History
You know what is interesting about ‘Snowshoeing;’ this modern-day popular recreational activity used to be one of the few traditional modes of transportation in heavy winters. Years ago, somewhere in Central Asia, when traveling through snow-clad dense woods used to be impossible, ‘Snowshoeing’ made it possible for us. Trappers, travelers, and traders have survived with these ‘Snowshoeing ways’ to navigate through the wilderness for ages. Initially, they used to make them from hardwood and latticed rawhide. In fact, some initial designs were adopted from ‘snowshoe hare’ and were modeled on their hind feet.
Snowshoeing: The Modern Day Recreational Activity
Let’s say you want to try skiing or snowboarding, but both of these activities are expensive and require more technical skills and experience; then you’ve ‘Snowshoeing.’ A modern-day recreational snow activity that doesn’t require much technical learning, experience, and training, this is what makes it popular among all age groups as a great snow winter exercise.
Moving over snow wearing snowshoes across the mountains and thick snow treks is quite similar to conventional hiking, or maybe you can say an extended version of it is Snowshoeing. Snowshoes are designed as outer footwear to wear over your footwear; their wide frame design helps them spread your weight over a larger area to achieve “floatation” that prevents your foot from sinking into the snow.
Snowshoes: A Beginner’s Buying Guide
Are you ready for your first snowshoeing experience?
The idea seems exciting, yet you need to be prepared with the correct gear and clothing to step in for your first experience and more such experiences in the future. Our experts at Summit Hut have some quick tips for you to keep in mind while buying; even our experts suggest renting your first pair and then further buy based on your experience.
Snowshoes are designed to fit most footwear, so you can wear them on any of your shoes or boots. Snowshoes are usually available in three types: flat terrain, rolling terrain, and mountain terrain. Beginners should go with basic flat terrain snowshoes available as an entry-level option that come with easy-to-adjust and comfortable bindings for long-distance snowshoers. After your first few experiences, you can move to other suitable options that meet your requirements.
Snowshoeing Dressing: A Quick Guide for Beginners
Snowshoeing is a great winter adventure activity, yet dressing up to fight against the harsh climate is equally important to enjoy this activity. Once you’re sorted with your snowshoes, your next focus should be on snowshoeing dressing that will keep you cozy, comfortable, warm, and dry. Summit Hut experts recommend dressing in layers for winter outdoor activities. It helps you to adjust your clothing layer according to the body temperature and outside climatic conditions. Avoiding cotton is the very first suggestion because it may get soaked and chill you from the inside, and you’ll get ill. Prefer moisture-wicking synthetic fabric or wool to keep your body warm and dry. Moving ahead, we’ve an expert’s guide for beginners to learn snowshoeing dressing to stay warm, comfortable, and dry.
Base layers
Your snowshoeing dressing starts with a lightweight base layer; if the temperature is colder, it goes for a mid-weight base layer for men & women. You can choose according to the temperature forecast, so choose from the base layer for men or base layer for women before you step out for this aerobic winter activity. Always prefer a zippered top so you can adjust the body temperature accordingly.
Mid layers
Mid layers are supposed to give you an insulating effect as it keeps your body warm, retains heat, and helps you move freely in a fresh and breathable way during your activity. You can go for soft-shell jackets, pants for men and women, and polyester fleece to keep you insulated.
Outer layers and waterproofs
Your outer layer is essential to protect you from harsh weather, rain, wind, and snow. It’s your first protective gear from outside, so always prefer a waterproof yet breathable shell jacket, tops, and pants. Prefer zipper-closing tops and jackets so you can easily maintain body temperature.
Hats, gloves and mittens
Essentially, it’s needed to prevent loss of body warmth, so don’t forget to cover your head and hands with suitable hats, gloves, mittens, and face-cover or masks. Go for a woolen cap or a wide brim synthetic hat to protect your face and skin from harmful sun rays and snowfall. Use waterproof ski gloves, woolen mittens, or fleece gloves for men & women to keep your hands warm and protected.
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Sun rays are always harmful when they’re reflected from snow, so you need to keep your skin and eyes protected from these UV rays. Specially designed men’s sunglasses and women’s sunglasses are available to keep eyes protected. Plus, the use of sunscreen is also recommended, so pick the SPF level and skin type that is suitable for you.
Walking shoes and gaiters
Yes, we agree that snowshoeing is incomplete without snowshoes, but we also need regular shoes or boots to wear in the heavy winters. Get footwear of your choice, padded socks, and good-quality gaiters to start your adventure. Gaiters are a good investment to keep your legs and lower body dry, warm, and protected while walking through the snow or in the rain.
Walking poles
Walking poles are really helpful in walking through treacherous conditions. They help you keep your balance on the up-and-down slope of snow, which has an uneven surface. Walking poles also support you on heavy snow trails.
Conclusion
Winters are amazing, but if you don’t want to stay lazy and sit on a couch for the whole winter, then snowshoeing is a great winter exercise and activity. It is inexpensive yet a wonderful activity for all age groups. In this above beginners’ guide for snowshoeing, we’ve everything you need; the history, tips for your first snowshoe buying, and clothing. Now, we are ready with all the information that is required for your next snowshoeing trip. Time for you to plan it, get your snowshoeing gears ready, mark your track, and get ready for the fun.
Winter is here; are you snowshoeing ready?