I'd like to get out and about sometime soon. I have a few pairs of snowshoes that my wife and I have used a handful of times. I'm a novice when it comes to winter outdoors stuff but would like to go snowshoeing and eventually do some overnighters. Wife is 8 months pregnant so I haven't been able to get out with her and most likely won't this season. I'm in poor shape physically so I may be a little slower than most but will push myself if needed, I need the exercise. I'll be watching this thread.
The Snowshoeing Thread
- Thread starter sixstringsteve
- Start date
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I have trail running shoes for hiking, but for snowshoeing I'm rocking the Teva Riva eVent. You can find them for about $75 on amazon.
Low-top hikers probably aren't ideal for most people in the snow. You may need more ankle support than I, and you may get too much snow in a low-top. I can't do the covered ankles thing for some reason, it just doesn't work for me. I've been very very happy with my tevas (although this is the only model I like in the Tevas, the rest don't fit me well).
Low-top hikers probably aren't ideal for most people in the snow. You may need more ankle support than I, and you may get too much snow in a low-top. I can't do the covered ankles thing for some reason, it just doesn't work for me. I've been very very happy with my tevas (although this is the only model I like in the Tevas, the rest don't fit me well).
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
Very cool, let's do it! I'm more interested in hanging out with others than pushing for the fastest time to the top of the mtn. I'm sure there are plenty of other people in your same situation. Even a short 45 min - 1 hr hike can be enough to motivate you to get out more. I just took my mom out for her first time, and she hasn't been exercising much in the past 6 months, and she loved it.
I'm up for just about anything, it's more of an issue of finding time these days. I have a 15 month old son and as I mentioned a very pregnant wife so when I do adventures without them I often feel a bit guilty. I have a child carrier but with the current temps I'm not sure he would stay warm for very long even if he was bundled up since he would just be sitting.
I am thinking next Saturday I want to get out and about, I'll check with my wife and see how many hours I can devote. Anyone tried going up to lake blanche this year yet? We went last year and in the winter it's pretty much an all day trip but it is very beautiful and worth the effort. I actually wouldn't mind camping up there overnight some time although I'd have to take a look first to rule out avalanche concerns.
Unimog
Eric
- Location
- Stansbury Park, UT
Fleece is not a softshell, although a softshell may be fleece-lined. Softshells are usually thicker than hardshell and feel kindof like thin neoprene, although I'm not sure what they are made of. The thickness gives them better insulating properties than a hardshell but they breathe much better than hardshell. They are pretty good at cutting wind and are water resistant, so they are great in a light snow or rain. If the wind kicks up or it starts snowing hard or raining or sleeting, you need a hardshell to keep you dry. In something like heavy sleet, softshell products will wet out pretty quickly. IMO, new products like eVent are blurring the lines between softshell and hardshell.
I was out XC skiing yesterday in the Uintahs. Temps were in the teens and I was wearing a thin base layer, a poly top, and softshell on top of that. I also have softshell pants that are perfect for these conditions. When we got to climbing a bit, that was even too much since the sun was out, so I stripped off the poly top. The previous night, it was lightly snowing, and a base layer, thin fleece, and softshell were perfect for me. Just like Steve said, you really need to try a bunch of things out and see what works for you. I personally generate quite a bit of heat under activity, but as soon as I stop, I cool down really quick, so in extreme conditions, I carry lots of layers. The worst is ice climbing when temps are below 0, where I need just a base layer and maybe a shell if it is wet while climbing. Then when belaying, I have to add fleece and a giant down jacket just to stay warm.
What a fantastic weekend it has been to get out! Couldn't ask for better conditions!
I was out XC skiing yesterday in the Uintahs. Temps were in the teens and I was wearing a thin base layer, a poly top, and softshell on top of that. I also have softshell pants that are perfect for these conditions. When we got to climbing a bit, that was even too much since the sun was out, so I stripped off the poly top. The previous night, it was lightly snowing, and a base layer, thin fleece, and softshell were perfect for me. Just like Steve said, you really need to try a bunch of things out and see what works for you. I personally generate quite a bit of heat under activity, but as soon as I stop, I cool down really quick, so in extreme conditions, I carry lots of layers. The worst is ice climbing when temps are below 0, where I need just a base layer and maybe a shell if it is wet while climbing. Then when belaying, I have to add fleece and a giant down jacket just to stay warm.
What a fantastic weekend it has been to get out! Couldn't ask for better conditions!
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
Troy, I haven't tries these before, bit with pit zips I think they could make an excellent mid layer.
http://www.golite.com/12-Days-of-Savings.aspx
http://www.golite.com/12-Days-of-Savings.aspx
Tempting... I'd be really interested in a light to mid weight fleece with pit zips since fleece breathes much better. Funny enough I'm usually too hot while hiking/snowshoeing in the winter. I learned quickly that even if it meant being a little cold it was better for me to dress light so that I don't get sweaty and then freeze later. Getting wet is horrible, thus the saying "Cotton kills" since it can absorb water at a rate many times greater than synthetics and wool.
I saw those but they dont have big boy sizes. So I guess I have a hardshell (snow boarding jacket).
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
They may have your size in the Lehi store. Their online inventory doesn't match their in-store inventory.
But your snowboarding jacket should be fine, no need to buy a midlayer before snowshoes.
But your snowboarding jacket should be fine, no need to buy a midlayer before snowshoes.
jentzschman
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Sandy, Utah
A thought to keep in mind about gear is buy from REI. They have a 100% return policy. If you use it and don't like it for your needs, you can take it back and get your money back or credit for something different. I have used this policy a number of times until I have narrowed down the gear that works best for me.
It is all about trial and error, unfortunately. I have bought and exchanged/returned a number of pieces of clothing and gear until I find a happy medium. And on that note, it usually is, at least I am finding, a compromise in gear. Example: Soft shell jacket and pants vs a waterproof hard shells.
On another thought: For winter type outings, at least in my mind, it is never a bad idea to over pack. Last Tuesday when we went, I had a spare piece of clothing for every part of my body.
Always wear moisture wicking base layers close to the body, never cotton. What I have learned is if you sweat, you are wearing to many layers or a less desirable fabric type. You want your body to be slightly on the cold side, this way your are not producing sweat and this minimizes your chances of becoming hypothermic.
Here are some great resources:
Layering basics:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html
Base layer:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/underwear.html
Insulated outerwear:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/insulated-outerwear.html
It is all about trial and error, unfortunately. I have bought and exchanged/returned a number of pieces of clothing and gear until I find a happy medium. And on that note, it usually is, at least I am finding, a compromise in gear. Example: Soft shell jacket and pants vs a waterproof hard shells.
On another thought: For winter type outings, at least in my mind, it is never a bad idea to over pack. Last Tuesday when we went, I had a spare piece of clothing for every part of my body.
Always wear moisture wicking base layers close to the body, never cotton. What I have learned is if you sweat, you are wearing to many layers or a less desirable fabric type. You want your body to be slightly on the cold side, this way your are not producing sweat and this minimizes your chances of becoming hypothermic.
Here are some great resources:
Layering basics:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/layering-basics.html
Base layer:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/underwear.html
Insulated outerwear:
http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/insulated-outerwear.html
jentzschman
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Sandy, Utah
Has that be confirmed? I have tried to find info about rei on that but have been unable. I don't want to get away from the thread topic however.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Tapatalk
This is from a few years ago and their policy's may have changed but this post seems pretty damning. http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/land-use-issues/652428-rei-they-us-against-us.html#post7833391
I dont see anything in their list of ORGs they support that would make me think otherwise. http://www.rei.com/stewardship/community/non-profit-partnerships-and-grants.html
jentzschman
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Sandy, Utah
So they support conservation alliance which is in bed with suwa... Shame... I liked rei.
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Tapatalk
Sent from my HTC VLE_U using Tapatalk
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I'm planning on spending new years up AF Canyon, snowshoeing and backpacking on the ridge trail (157). Thinking of starting at Pine Hollow and heading towards trail 41 to Tibble Fork. Who's in?
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I was this close to buying a beacon and probe on Saturday, but then i realized that I never really venture into avalanche territory and I don't have any friends with beacons to find me anyway. 
Most of the snowshoeing I do up AF Canyon doesn't cross any areas with avalanche danger, so i figured it was money that could be better spent elsewhere. If I did more snowshoeing in avalanche-prone areas, I'd definitely get a beacon (Mammut Barryvox Element) and probe (BCA 260).
I did get a little Black Diamond Deploy 3 shovel that I like because it's small and easy to fit in my pack. It's not super light, but none of those shovels are. I also make sure I have the 10 essentials with me, along with a full huge down puffy in case I need to spend the night unexpectedly. I should probably carry a tarp or some sort of shelter, but I'm almost never alone, so I'd be ok in most situations.
Most of the snowshoeing I do up AF Canyon doesn't cross any areas with avalanche danger, so i figured it was money that could be better spent elsewhere. If I did more snowshoeing in avalanche-prone areas, I'd definitely get a beacon (Mammut Barryvox Element) and probe (BCA 260).
I did get a little Black Diamond Deploy 3 shovel that I like because it's small and easy to fit in my pack. It's not super light, but none of those shovels are. I also make sure I have the 10 essentials with me, along with a full huge down puffy in case I need to spend the night unexpectedly. I should probably carry a tarp or some sort of shelter, but I'm almost never alone, so I'd be ok in most situations.
I was this close to buying a beacon and probe on Saturday, but then i realized that I never really venture into avalanche territory and I don't have any friends with beacons to find me anyway.
Most of the snowshoeing I do up AF Canyon doesn't cross any areas with avalanche danger, so i figured it was money that could be better spent elsewhere. If I did more snowshoeing in avalanche-prone areas, I'd definitely get a beacon (Mammut Barryvox Element) and probe (BCA 260).
I did get a little Black Diamond Deploy 3 shovel that I like because it's small and easy to fit in my pack. It's not super light, but none of those shovels are. I also make sure I have the 10 essentials with me, along with a full huge down puffy in case I need to spend the night unexpectedly. I should probably carry a tarp or some sort of shelter, but I'm almost never alone, so I'd be ok in most situations.
beacons are nice. I don't have one yet either. I take a probe and like friends to have a probe. It gives me at least some chance of finding someone buried. Beacons work better, but unless the buried victim and the rescuers have them they don't help.
I was doing some beacon training a while back and the beacon cut the time of rescue down significantly. Probes were still needed to actually find the person.
sixstringsteve
Well-Known Member
- Location
- UT
I started to rack up a huge bill with "just in case" gear, only to realize I don't travel in the backcountry where it would be beneficial. After a beacon, an avalung made sense, followed by a pack with inflatable wings, and before I know it, I'm at a $1000 ticket for gear that I wouldn't use.
I'll carry your probe while we're hiking, so I can at least find you. If i get buried, then just dig for 5 minutes then give up on me.
I'll carry your probe while we're hiking, so I can at least find you. If i get buried, then just dig for 5 minutes then give up on me.