Post Holes vs. Snowshoe Tracks

[Tom Rankin]

I get that, 100%. No one wants to carry extra weight if they do not need to. I would be curious how much energy is lost sinking into snow rather than walking over it.

I just wrote about this on ADKHPs a while ago. Let's assume we just got a snow dump of 18", and you sink down 12" every step with bare boots. So if you take 2,500 steps per mile, that's 2,500' per mile of extra 'elevation gain' work you are doing without the snowshoes, just to break even! So, yeah, that can add up pretty quickly!

I consider snowshoes safety gear. You bring a headlamp, but you hardly ever need it. Snowshoes are heavier, but they could be just as important.

 

[summitseeker]

Hi Tom,

Well put and I totally concur.

Z

 

[skiguy]

I just wrote about this on ADKHPs
I consider snowshoes safety gear. You bring a headlamp, but you hardly ever need it. Snowshoes are heavier, but they could be just as important.

Totally agree. Yet only carrying them is one thing. Actually wearing them is another. I just scratch my head when I'm out and snowshoes are unquestionably way better for everyone than bare booting and I pass groups with them strapped to their back.

 

[Tom Rankin]

Brand new signs in the Catskills.

http://adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27098

 

[summitseeker]

Well, it isn't really appropriate for the current snow depths here in New England, but it doesn't feel like the holidays without honoring this age old tradition.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYivAQbYfoQ


May you find your trails packed and/or pleasant

Z

 

[Raven]

In order to please all factions this year, I will be wearing one snow shoe. I will switch feet at regular intervals.

 

[Jazzbo]

I like the idea of bringing back this thread on annual basis. It's been years since seeing it and forgotten about it. A bit late for this winter, but then it might do some good if it inspires a small percentage of winter hikers to wear snow shoes who might not have otherwise. Perhaps someone can post link on popular Facebook hiking sites where it stands a chance to go viral.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYivAQbYfoQ

 

[Tom Rankin]

Brand new signs in the Catskills.

http://adkhighpeaks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27098

The aforementioned signs have disappeared.

 

[CaptCaper]

With the new plastic types like my Tubbs flex alps which weight nothing compaired to older models I find them much easier to hike with then fighting soft snow or uneven pack from either postholers or re-breaking in a trail.