Every snowshoe
manufacturer publishes a chart recommending what size snowshoe is needed based
on weight. There is not an industry standard although comparing one company's
chart to another's reveals very little and these charts can not take snow
conditions, or the way a snowshoe will be used, into account. Don't take a
manufacturers chart too seriously.
Consider many
things when deciding on size. When we guide on Denali weight and size is perhaps
the biggest consideration because there are usually others to help break trail
and often you can just 'boot it.'. If you are carrying snowshoes that may
not be used that much, go with a smaller pair. Snow machiners tend to get
snowshoes that would function poorly on long hikes in soft powder but they
have to either strap them on or put them under the seat. Pilots in Alaska
will often get bigger snowshoes because they have the room, and if they get
stuck it is often in deep soft snow (digging out a plane is no small feet
either). You get the idea.
Snow conditions
need to be considered as well. Bigger snowshoes are not very maneuverable
while smaller snowshoes do not float well. If you live in Central Canada or
some other very cold climate where the snow stays fluffy and light much of
the winter bigger is better. The more flotation the better (well ... within
reason). Here in Anchorage the snow is often windblown or heavy. Smaller snowshoes
will hold a larger person than in powder conditions.
Problems arise
when snowshoes are used in many conditions. If you are snowshoeing recreationally
get a snowshoe that works in the lightest (powder like) snow conditions you
will be in. It simply sucks to be out floundering up to the knees when fun
was the objective. In our opinion, it is better to err on the side of being
too big for recreational snowshoers. On the chart below get the size recommended.
Getting snowshoes
for utilitarian purposes? Unless you have a lot of room and are not going
to carry them, go small. A lot of trappers would disagree with that statement
and they are right as well as some professional guides and anyone who uses
their snowshoes almost every day. If you are one of those people you know
what you need and you should tell us. If you are a hiker, snowmachiner, climber
or just need a snowshoe that will get carried more often than worn, go small.
On our chart go one size smaller than recommended, unless you will almost
never use the snowshoes, and then go two sizes smaller.