Snow Shoes

[TomM]

I enjoy walking using snow shoes (when there is snow.)
Have a pair of Redfeather snow shoes.  Bought them about 7 years ago.  Have used them a lot. They were about $100.00.  Typical basic design.. although aluminum frames etc. The straps have to be buckled and hooked etc.  Kind of grunt work sometimes getting them on etc.  I think they are pretty long... not sure of length, but over 2 feet.  One issue is at least one of them always tends to 'pigeon toe' in while hiking... aggravating... some binding issue that is common with these according to online accounts.
< http://www.redfeather.com/ >(none of the current ones on this site look anything like mine.  I guess mine are old.

So, I met this guy who was wearing a 'small' pair of shoes.  He's a pretty big guy, so I inquired about the shoes.  He was happy to share....
The ones he has are Dion brand < http://www.dionsnowshoes.com/ >
I researched it... and set out to purchase a pair.
Buying from the Dion store/factory, the ones I wanted would cost me over $240.00 shipped. 
So I continued to look around... and found this company online < http://www.orssnowshoesdirect.com/ >
Cost me considerably less... and I can not wait to use them.  They are 'modular'... so you pick out your bindings, frame and cleats.
< http://www.orssnowshoesdirect.com/dion-snowshoes.html >

2013 Dion Snowshoes 132    dion-snowshoes-132-frame   1   63.95
Frame - Dion
Running-Fitness Snowshoes
Component
2013 Dion Quick Fit        dion-snowshoes-quick-fit-binding       
1   58.49  choose bindings size = Large - fits
Binding - Dion   feet up to size 14
Running-Racing Snowshoes
Component
2013 Dion Snowshoes Ice    dion-ice-cleats   1   40.49
Cleats Snow Shoe
Component
Subtotal  162.93
Coupon discount  -16.29 (use code snowshoe10)
Subtotal  146.64
Shipping    0.00
Total  146.64

Maybe you will find this interesting...

[jeast]

My redfeather shoes are a bit newer I guess.  30 inch shoes and easy ratchet clamps get them on and off quite quickly and easily...although it always takes my breath away whenever I bend over to tie my shoes, or ratchet on my snow shoes...something about my belly...

I had an issue for a time with the shoes going pigeon toe on me, but once I got the straps adjusted correctly, no more issue.

Keep me informed on those new shoes you got, I would like to know how you like them in deeper snow. 

[Houndhead]

I have a pair of Yanes snowshoes I bought a couple winters ago. I think they are the 36" ones. I don't use them as much as I should, but they are nice walking in. I also have a pair of handmade ash snowshoes that I bought from an older gentleman that made them in Bessemer, MI. They have been great shoes, I just need some new binding for them. Will the modern bindings work on the older wooden shoes? We have plenty of snow on the ground for snowshoeing, probably 12-16 inches.

[imnofish]

I used to do some snowshoeing and I definitely enjoyed it.  When my knees starting getting older than the rest of me, I gave my snowshoes to my son.  There are now lighted snowshoe and cross country ski trails in the woods by our home, so I am sometimes tempted to borrow my old shoes.  Occasionally, he takes a trek through there and says it's a nice hike.  You guys who still have young knees get out there and enjoy the snowshoes this year, cause we are apparently going to have lots of snow.

[Houndhead]

I had a seat cushion in one of my ladder stands that I didn't want to leave in the woods all winter. Today I put the snowshoes on and walked in to get it. Rather than remove the snowshoes, I climbed the 15' ladder stand with the snowshoes still attached. As I was walking back out, I was wondering to myself, how many people have ever climbed a ladder stand with snowshoes on?

[imnofish]

I had a seat cushion in one of my ladder stands that I didn't want to leave in the woods all winter. Today I put the snowshoes on and walked in to get it. Rather than remove the snowshoes, I climbed the 15' ladder stand with the snowshoes still attached. As I was walking back out, I was wondering to myself, how many people have ever climbed a ladder stand with snowshoes on?

...without somehow breaking some bones. 

[Houndhead]

I had a seat cushion in one of my ladder stands that I didn't want to leave in the woods all winter. Today I put the snowshoes on and walked in to get it. Rather than remove the snowshoes, I climbed the 15' ladder stand with the snowshoes still attached. As I was walking back out, I was wondering to myself, how many people have ever climbed a ladder stand with snowshoes on?

...without somehow breaking some bones. 

I weighed the risk/reward and decided I could do it without injuring myself. Coming down was the tricky part.

[imnofish]

I had a seat cushion in one of my ladder stands that I didn't want to leave in the woods all winter. Today I put the snowshoes on and walked in to get it. Rather than remove the snowshoes, I climbed the 15' ladder stand with the snowshoes still attached. As I was walking back out, I was wondering to myself, how many people have ever climbed a ladder stand with snowshoes on?

...without somehow breaking some bones. 

I weighed the risk/reward and decided I could do it without injuring myself. Coming down was the tricky part.

Coming down should have been easy, but the landing could have been rough.   

[TomM]

My Dions are great!  Have a few walks in.
Have to check on the tree climbing certification on these though.  Maybe need a chain to wrap around the tree like those lumberjacks.

[Houndhead]

My Dions are great!  Have a few walks in.
Have to check on the tree climbing certification on these though.  Maybe need a chain to wrap around the tree like those lumberjacks.

I checked the shoes and the tree stand for warning labels and  I didn't see any so I figured it was good to go.