Snowshoeing is an exciting winter activity that allows you to explore the great outdoors while getting some exercise. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced snowshoer, having the right gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. In this article, we'll be focusing on advanced snowshoeing gear and what you need to consider when making a purchase.

Advanced snowshoeing gear is designed for experienced snowshoers who want to take their adventures to the next level. This gear is typically more durable, lightweight, and has better traction than beginner snowshoeing gear. It's also designed to handle more challenging terrain, such as steep hills, icy surfaces, and deep snow.

When shopping for advanced snowshoeing gear, it's essential to pay attention to the type of terrain you'll be snowshoeing on, your weight, and the conditions you'll be facing. You'll also want to consider the type of bindings, crampons, and frames that will work best for your needs.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various advanced snowshoeing gear to identify the ones that provide the best performance, durability, and comfort. In the following sections, we'll be sharing our top picks and what makes them stand out from the competition.

Best Advanced Snowshoeing Gear

We have scoured the market to bring you the best advanced snowshoeing gear available. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, having the right gear can make all the difference in your snowshoeing experience. Our team of experts has tested and reviewed a wide range of products to bring you this comprehensive list of the top advanced snowshoeing gear. From snowshoes to poles to gaiters, we have got you covered. Read on to find the perfect gear for your next snowshoeing adventure.

Pike Trail Leg Gaiters

If you're looking for a reliable pair of gaiters for your next snowshoeing adventure, Pike Trail Leg Gaiters might be the right choice for you.

Pros

• These gaiters offer excellent protection from the elements, including mud, debris, and snow. They are also waterproof and prevent water from entering your boots.
• They are adjustable and customizable, thanks to the wide velcro tab, adjustable boot buckle, and three different press stud gauges at the bottom and top closures.
• The adjustable micro tension strap at the top ensures that they stay in place, so you don't have to worry about them slipping down your leg.

Cons

• The drawcord top might cause chafing when wearing jeans under them.
• The stainless steel ankle buckles might not be suitable for people with metal allergies.
• The bottom of the gaiter is not squared, which might cause some discomfort for some people.

We recently tested these gaiters on a snowy trail, and we were impressed with their performance. They kept our feet warm and dry, and we didn't experience any slipping or discomfort. The gaiters are made of super-strong materials and are designed to withstand harsh exposure to the elements. The thermal resistant TPU straps won't perish with exposure, and the reinforced stitching ensures that there are no leaks.

The gaiters are also versatile, providing coverage from your heel to just under your knee. They are suitable for hiking, walking, hunting, mountain climbing, and snowshoeing. They come in a beautiful midnight blue color and are available in one size that fits most people.

Overall, we highly recommend Pike Trail Leg Gaiters for anyone looking for a reliable and customizable pair of gaiters for their next outdoor adventure.

Yaktrax SkiTrax Ski Boot Tracks Traction and Protection Cleats

If you're looking for a product that makes walking in ski boots easier and safer, you should consider purchasing the Yaktrax SkiTrax Ski Boot Tracks Traction and Protection Cleats.

Pros

• These traction cleats are designed especially to fit on ski boots, making it easier and safer to walk on snow, ice, and slippery surfaces.
• The dual-density outsole protects ski boots from excessive wear, and the thick rubber heel tab makes it easy to put on and take off the cleats.
• The rounded tread adds traction and prevents snow buildup to reduce the risk of slipping while walking to and from lifts or around the ski lodge.

Cons

• The cleats can be a bit tight at first, but they can be warmed up in front of a hot air source for about 30 seconds to make them more pliable.
• They may be a bit loose on older boots, but they fit well on newer boots.
• They are a bit bulky, which may make them less practical for shorter walks.

We recently had the opportunity to try out the Yaktrax SkiTrax Ski Boot Tracks Traction and Protection Cleats, and we were impressed with their performance. The cleats fit snugly on our ski boots, and the rounded tread provided excellent traction on snow and ice. We appreciated the thick rubber heel tab, which made it easy to put on and take off the cleats.

One thing to note is that the cleats can be a bit tight at first, but we found that warming them up in front of a hot air source for about 30 seconds made them more pliable. We also noticed that they were a bit loose on our older boots, but they fit well on our newer boots.

Overall, we think the Yaktrax SkiTrax Ski Boot Tracks Traction and Protection Cleats are a great investment for anyone who wants to make walking in ski boots easier and safer. They provide excellent traction and protect ski boots from excessive wear, and they are compact and foldable for easy portability.

DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag

If you're looking for a reliable backpack to carry your snowshoes and other gear during your winter hiking and climbing, the DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The main space is designed for 25”-30” snowshoes, making it easy to transport them without worrying about damage.
• The side pocket with fastener strap can hold a pair of poles, keeping them in place and easily accessible.
• The water-resistant design of the main space keeps your bag and gear dry, even in wet conditions.

Cons

• The backpack may not be suitable for carrying larger snowshoes or gear.
• Some users may find the backpack to be too bulky or heavy.
• The backpack may not be suitable for long-distance hiking or climbing.

We recently tested the DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag during a winter hiking trip, and we were impressed with its overall quality and design. The backpack is made of heavy-duty materials with double stitching, ensuring that it is durable and tear-resistant.

The backpack features an internal adjustable buckle that secures snowshoes snugly to prevent them from sliding around in the bag. The upgrade dual SBS zippers make it easy to open and close the backpack, even with gloves on.

In addition to the main space, the backpack features two inner PVC pockets and two front pockets that can hold other accessories, such as gaiters, gloves, socks, hats, or snacks. The hidden back pocket can store your shoulder strap when not in use.

The backpack is easy to carry, thanks to the padded handle, adjustable and removable shoulder straps with thick padding that lighten the load on your shoulder and hand. The backpack is also suitable for both men and women, making it a great gift for your family or friends who enjoy winter hiking and climbing.

Overall, we highly recommend the DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag for anyone looking for a reliable and durable backpack to transport their snowshoes and other gear during winter activities.

DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag

If you're looking for a reliable and durable snowshoe backpack, the DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The water-resistant main space keeps your snowshoes dry and protected.
• It has a large capacity to store all your gear, including a pair of poles, gaiters, gloves, socks, hats, or snacks.
• The backpack is made of heavy-duty materials with double stitching, which makes it durable and tear-resistant.

Cons

• The backpack can only hold one pair of snowshoes.
• The plastic clip on the shoulder strap may not be very durable.
• The backpack is a bit bulky.

We recently got the chance to test out the DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag, and we were impressed with its design and quality. The backpack is well-designed with a patent design that fits snowshoes between 19”-25”. The internal adjustable buckle secures snowshoes snugly and prevents them from sliding around in the bag.

One of the best things about this backpack is its large capacity. It has several pockets, including a side pocket for a pair of poles, two inner PVC pockets, and two front pockets for your gaiters, gloves, socks, hats, or snacks. The fastener strap also helps to fix your poles in place.

The backpack is made of high-quality materials with double stitching, which makes it durable and tear-resistant. You can be sure that your snowshoes and other gear will be protected from damage during travel.

The backpack is also user-friendly. It features upgrade dual SBS zippers for easy opening and long time use. The adjustable shoulder strap and padded handle make it easy to carry, and the hidden back pocket can store your shoulder strap when not in use.

Overall, we highly recommend the DSLEAF Snow Shoes Bag. It's perfect for winter hiking and climbing, and it makes an ideal gift for your family or friends.

Yukon Charlie's Advanced Spin Snowshoe Kit

If you're looking for a reliable and sturdy snowshoe, the Yukon Charlie's Advanced Spin Snowshoe Kit is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The SPIN by Northwave Dial binding system provides precision tension to fit any shoe, making it easy to get a secure fit.
• The ultra-strong 6000 Aluminum Rocker Frame provides strength and durability to the snowshoe, ensuring it can withstand even the toughest of conditions.
• The 8x21-inch frame is built for users from 100 to 150 pounds, with a unisex design for both women and men.

Cons

• The trekking poles that come with the kit are not as durable as they could be, and you may need to purchase separate ski poles if you plan on using them frequently.
• Some users have reported issues with the rivets tearing through the plastic after only a few uses.
• The hook and loop closure system may not be as secure as other types of closures.

We recently took the Yukon Charlie's Advanced Spin Snowshoe Kit out for a spin, and were impressed with its overall performance. The binding system was easy to use and provided a secure fit, and the aluminum frame felt incredibly sturdy and durable.

One thing to keep in mind is that the trekking poles that come with the kit may not be as durable as you'd like, and you may need to purchase separate ski poles if you plan on using them frequently. Additionally, some users have reported issues with the rivets tearing through the plastic after only a few uses, so you'll want to keep an eye on this.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Yukon Charlie's Advanced Spin Snowshoe Kit to anyone looking for a reliable and sturdy snowshoe. With its technical features and user-friendly characteristics, it's a great option for both advanced snowshoeing enthusiasts and those who are just starting out.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying advanced snowshoeing gear, there are several things to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind when making your purchase:

Material

The material of the snowshoe is critical to its performance. Snowshoes are typically made of metal, plastic, or a combination of both. Metal snowshoes are durable and offer excellent traction, but they can be heavy. Plastic snowshoes are lightweight and easy to maneuver, but they may not be as durable as metal ones. Consider the type of terrain you will be snowshoeing on to determine which material is best for you.

Size

The size of the snowshoe is also important. The larger the snowshoe, the more surface area it has to distribute your weight, making it easier to walk on deep snow. However, larger snowshoes can be more cumbersome and difficult to maneuver. Smaller snowshoes are lighter and easier to maneuver, but they may not be as effective on deep snow. Consider your weight and the type of snow you will be walking on to determine the best size for you.

Binding

The binding is what attaches your snowshoe to your boot. It is essential to have a secure and comfortable binding to ensure proper traction and stability. Look for a binding that is easy to adjust and fits snugly around your boot. Some bindings have a heel lift feature that can make uphill climbs easier.

Traction

The traction of the snowshoe is crucial to prevent slipping and falling. Look for snowshoes with aggressive crampons or teeth on the bottom to provide excellent traction on icy and steep terrain. Some snowshoes also have a heel cleat to provide additional traction when climbing uphill.

Price

The price of snowshoes can vary greatly depending on the features and materials. Determine your budget and look for snowshoes that fit within your price range while still meeting your needs. Keep in mind that investing in high-quality snowshoes can make your snowshoeing experience more enjoyable and safer.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best advanced snowshoeing gear for your needs and enjoy the great outdoors with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should we wear when snowshoeing?

We recommend dressing in layers, so you can adjust your clothing as you heat up or cool down. A moisture-wicking base layer is essential to keep sweat away from your skin. On top of that, wear an insulating layer like fleece or down to keep you warm. Finally, add a waterproof and breathable shell to protect you from the elements. Don't forget to wear waterproof boots and bring gaiters to keep snow out of your boots.

What are some essential accessories for snowshoeing?

A pair of trekking poles can provide extra stability and take some of the strain off your legs. Goggles or sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun's glare and wind-blown snow. A headlamp or flashlight is crucial if you plan to snowshoe in low-light conditions. Finally, bring a map and compass, and know how to use them.

What are the best snowshoes for advanced snowshoeing?

The best snowshoes for advanced snowshoeing are lightweight, durable, and have aggressive traction. Look for snowshoes with a metal frame and crampons to provide traction on steep and icy terrain. Consider getting a pair with a heel lift to reduce calf fatigue on steep climbs.

How physically demanding is advanced snowshoeing?

Advanced snowshoeing can be physically demanding, especially if you're snowshoeing in steep and icy terrain. You'll be using different muscles than you would on a regular hike, so expect some soreness afterward. Make sure to train and prepare for your snowshoeing trip by doing exercises that build endurance, strength, and balance.

What are some recommended day packs for advanced snowshoeing?

Look for a day pack that's lightweight, has a hydration system, and has enough room to carry your essentials. We recommend getting a pack with compression straps to keep your load stable and balanced. Some popular brands for snowshoeing packs are Osprey, Deuter, and Gregory.

Why is advanced snowshoeing more challenging than hiking?

Advanced snowshoeing is more challenging than hiking because you have to navigate through deep snow and icy terrain. You'll be using different muscles and may have to use trekking poles to maintain balance. The snow can also slow you down, making it harder to cover the same distance as you would on a regular hike.