It all started centuries ago as a winter transportation mode. But it has evolved into a popular recreational activity. Let’s look at a few reasons why you should try snowshoeing, especially when you’ve never done it before.
- It’s a perfect social activity: Individuals of all ability levels and ages can enjoy the snowshoeing sport together.
- It’s a perfect winter exercise: Are you looking for the perfect way to stay on top of your fitness even when the snow falls? If yes, snowshoeing is the ideal option for you. It’s an excellent form of low-effect aerobic exercise. It offers several benefits, from extending your hiking to letting you enjoy solitude in crowded areas in summer.
- It requires a few basic techniques: Very few outdoor activities require basic skills or simply are beginner-friendly. One of these activities is snowshoeing. You’ll need to learn just a few basics, including planning how to venture off easy trails, how to use snowshoes poles, how to traverse slopes, how to prepare for and avoid avalanches, and how to get up after falling in deep snow.
- It isn’t expensive: If lift ticket and gear prices for snowboarding and skiing give you a huge stop, you’ll be more than happy to learn that snowshoeing is inexpensive. Your gear includes appropriate attire and snowshoe poles.
What Do You Need to Go Snowshoeing?
As you already know, snowshoeing is affordably priced. You only need to have the basics to enjoy your first time snowshoeing. Let’s discover these basics.
- Get snowshoes that are perfect for the terrain, the snow conditions, and your weight.
- Warm, waterproof boots.
- Get adjustable poles with snow baskets.
- Dress in layers with clothes that can perfectly handle wet and cold conditions.
How Do You Choose Snowshoeing Poles?
The snow has fallen, and you’re committed to trying snowshoeing; the snowshoes themselves are the most vital piece of equipment. However, the right snowshoeing poles should be next on your list. While they’ll help you control your balance, they also help take some of the shock and load off your knees, especially when your hike includes long, steep hills.
Snowshoe poles help you distribute the weight throughout your arms, back, and shoulders while at the same time providing you with an additional push with each step during the ascent when you’re heading up hills. Also, they help keep fatigue away.
When choosing snowshoeing poles, you need to consider various features, which include the following:
- Adjustable poles: If you have your favorite snowshoes, navigate to the poles section, where you’ll find a range of and trekking poles. But for snowshoeing, you’ll need to pick those that you can easily adjust for height.
- Baskets: Poles come in different basket sizes. Your snowshoe pole should have baskets of at least two inches in diameter. You’ll need a wide basket to make your snowshoe poles effective, especially when the snow is soft, fresh, and piles up. A sure bet here is to find snowshoe poles that come with several size baskets.
- Grips: To discover the best grip, just dive in to get the feel. Some are intended for comfort, while others are neutral. You can go for those made out of foam, rubber, or cork.
- Ends and odds: Additional things to consider include whether the snowshoe poles are made of carbon or aluminum, which will impact their weight.
Snowshoeing is the perfect way to get outdoors, no matter the conditions. By being equipped with the perfect cold-weather gear, you can be sure that you’ll not exert unnecessary energy and only focus on the outdoors around you. Get the right snowshoe pole today.
