I’ve been snowshoeing for over two decades so I know a thing or two about what kinds of things snowshoers like. Here is my list of the best gifts for snowshoers. There’s something for every snowshoer on this list, from beginner to expert, and snowshoeing gifts for every budget.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Gifts for Snowshoers Under $25

Handwarmers

Snowshoeing can get chilly so give the gift of warmth. A couple packs of these chemical handwarmers make a great stocking stuffer. (I’ve got lots of other outdoorsy stocking stuffer ideas if you need them!) Or splurge on a rechargeable electric handwarmer that they can use again and again.

Wool Hiking Socks

Keep their feet warm and comfortable on snowshoe trips. I always wear Smartwool merino wool blend hiking socks since they wick sweat, don’t chafe, and keep me warm. My favourites are the Smartwool Performance Hike Light Cushion. (Psst: good socks are sooo important. Read my tips for preventing blisters.)

Eat-on-the-Go Snacks

The best snacks for snowshoeing are ones you can eat on the go and ones that don’t freeze. Nuts, dried fruit, and jerky all hold up well in cold weather. Or hit the bulk section at the grocery store and put together a custom trail mix with all their favourite things. So far I haven’t met anyone who doesn’t like dried mango!

Snowshoeing Guidebook

Need more ideas about where to go snowshoeing? Pick up a guide book for their area. I use this one for Vancouver, but there are great ones for pretty much anywhere that gets winter weather.

Merino Wool Buff/Neck Tube

I bring a merino wool buff, also known as a neck tube or neck gaiter on pretty much every hiking, camping, or snowshoeing trip.

You can wear them around your neck, but there are also tons of other ways to wear them. I like to fold them over into a headband to keep my ears warm.

They are super soft and warm without being too heavy. I have this Smartwool one since I LOVE the tree pattern, but you can get Buff merino wool neck tubes in lots of different colour and pattern options.

Gifts for Snowshoers Under $50

Foam Seat Pad

Sitting in the snow to take breaks can be cold and wet. I always pack this super light Therm-a-rest foam seat pad. It folds down accordion-style so it doesn’t take up much room in my pack and I can pull it out in seconds. It’s also great to have to kneel on while I put on snowshoes at the trailhead.

Budget tip: The Forclaz Trekking Foam Seat from Decathlon is MUCH cheaper and is nearly identical. The foam also feels a bit more substantial but it isn’t any heavier.

Beanie Hat in Fun Colours or Designs

Known as a toque in Canada, a beanie hat is an essential piece of snowshoeing kit. You lose a lot of heat through your head! Get them a fun one that they will be excited to wear.

Some ideas: their favourite sports team or an fun pattern. I have this reversible Smartwool hat that lets me have two different looks.

Insulated Water Bottle

Staying hydrated is important while you are snowshoeing, but it can be tough if your water keeps freezing. I used to try to use hydration bladders or plastic water bottles, but they kept icing up.

A few years ago, I switched to a double-walled Hydro flask bottle. So far my water hasn’t frozen! I also use it daily since it keeps my water cold. It goes everywhere with me and I jokingly refer to it as my emotional support water bottle.

Thermos or Insulated Food Jar

Warm-up on the trail with a mug of hot chocolate, coffee, or even some soup. I have this basic no-name Thermos for liquids. It keeps my tea warm for hours. (And if you’re going to give the gift of a thermos… make sure you throw in a couple packets of hot chocolate to go with it!)

For eating hot lunches (think pasta, soup, or chili), I use go a wide mouth Hydroflask insulated food jar.

Snowshoe Carry Bag

Snowshoes have sharp points that can snag on gear or the interior of your car. I pack mine inside an old, discontinued snowshoe carry bag to minimize damage. The snowshoe bag I have is pretty minimalist, but I’ve seen nicer MSR snowshoe bags that have a mesh panel so your snowshoes can dry off.

Budget tip: There are a few cheaper versions on Amazon.)

Windproof Fleece Gloves

I usually carry two pairs of gloves when I snowshoe: a pair of super warm ski gloves and a lightweight pair of windproof fleece gloves.

I find I wear the fleece ones way more often since it’s easy to overheat in the ski gloves. The fleece is good for a bit of warmth, but the real benefit here is the lightweight windproof fabric. Mine are an older version of these MEC ones.

Polarized Sunglasses

When it’s sunny, the rays bouncing off the snow can be blinding… literally. (Read up on snowblindness if you haven’t heard of it.) I always bring sunglasses on snowshoe trips to protect my eyes. I like polarized sunglasses since they cut the glare and offer better clarity than traditional lenses.

Polarized sunglasses are often stupidly expensive, which is why I was happy to discover these ones from Goodr. They have a classic look that I like, they last a long time, and they don’t cost a lot.

Budget tip: Amazon has tons of inexpensive polarized sunglasses.

Gifts for Snowshoers Under $100

Headlamp

It gets dark early in the winter, but if you bring a headlamp, you can extend your snowshoe trip. One of my favourite things to do is watch the sunset, then snowshoe back to the trailhead in the dark.

I also always pack a headlamp when I go snowshoeing, just in case the hike takes long than I planned. I use this Petzl headlamp. It’s really bright, water-resistant, and super-dependable.

Gaiters

Nothing is worse than snow trickling down into your boot. I always wear gaiters when I snowshoe to close the gap between the top of my boot and the bottom of my pants. You can also use them in the summer to keep mud, sand, and gravel out of your boots while hiking. 

I like these MEC Gore Tex gaiters since they aren’t too hot. Plus they have a velcro closure which is easy to use with gloves on. For snowshoeing, any tall waterproof or water-resistant gaiters will work, but the Outdoor Research Crocodile Gore-Tex Gaiters are the gold standard.

Park or Trail Pass

Depending on where you want to go snowshoeing, you may need a National Park pass or a trail pass for your local area. Some ski hills also have snowshoe trail networks. An annual pass makes a great gift since you know it’s something they’ll use over and over. You can buy passes for national parks, state recreation areas, and national forests at local parks offices or at REI.

Microspikes (Mini-Crampons)

I spend most of my time snowshoeing in BC’s Coastal Mountains. We often get hard-packed and icy snow which means that I don’t always need my snowshoes for flotation. But I do need traction underfoot. That’s why I usually bring both my snowshoes and my microspikes since I never know what the conditions are going to be like.

The microspikes are a big game-changer for me: They are mini-crampons that grip really well on icy and packed snow, so they add a lot of safety on steep slopes. In general, snowshoeing is pretty safe, but it’s easier than you think to get into trouble. Read my tips for snowshoeing safety.

Curious about the differences between microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes and when to wear them? I got you covered in this guide to winter traction devices.

Budget option: These knock-offs on Amazon get great reviews, although they aren’t as rugged. But they sure are cheaper!

Jetboil Stove

One of the easiest and most satisfying ways to warm up while snowshoeing is to whip up a hot meal or a fresh cup of coffee. The tiny Jetboil stove systems integrate the stove and pot into one sleek unit so they disappear inside a backpack. They are also super-efficient and designed to conserve fuel in cold temperatures.

Insulated Skirt

I know insulated skirts sound a bit crazy, but hear me out! Women feel the cold more than men, especially in our core and upper legs. It’s easy to put on a warm jacket to warm up our core, but what about our legs?

Enter the insulated skirt. A friend recommended them and I tried one for the first time a few years ago. Such a great idea! They pack down small so you can pull them out of your backpack to warm up when you take breaks. Mine is this Smartwool one.

READ NEXT: Best Insulated Skirts to Keep Your Butt Warm on the Trails

Base Layers

Staying warm and dry while snowshoeing starts with base layers. I wear these super soft merino wool ones from Smartwool. They wick sweat and keep me warm without adding too much bulk. (Also I love the cute patterns.) Not sure what to wear snowshoeing? Read my guide to snowshoeing clothing.

Best Gifts for Snowshoers Under $200

Budget Snowshoes

The best gift for snowshoers is… snowshoes. Hahaha yup. My husband actually bought me my first pair of snowshoes the first Christmas we were dating. (Before that, I had always rented.)

If you’re buying someone their very first pair, I recommend these all-purpose budget snowshoes from MSR. (Not sure how to shop for snowshoes? Read my how to choose snowshoes guide.)

Winter Backpack

You can use any old hiking backpack to go snowshoeing, but I love using the winter-specific Deuter Freerider. Sometimes you have to walk a few minutes (or hours) up the mountain to get to the snowline and being able to lash my snowshoes to my backpack easily is a huge plus.

Look for packs with snowboard straps – they work best for carrying snowshoes. Another great winter feature: no mesh that can collect snow.

Trekking Poles

Snowshoeing is waaaay better with poles. They help you keep your balance and reduce the impact on your knees. I use adjustable height trekking poles for backpacking in the summer, then in the winter, I put snow baskets on them to use for snowshoeing.

Make sure you get ones that have snow baskets or buy the snow basket accessory – otherwise they will just sink into the snow! I have these Black Diamond ones and I love that they have foam grips below the handles so I have lots of hand position options.

Insulated Hiking Boots

If you snowshoe in really cold weather or get cold feet, you’ll want to snowshoe in insulated boots. Regular winter boots don’t have the ankle support you need for snowshoeing so grab them some insulated hiking boots instead.

They have the same support and grip as regular hiking boots, but with a thin layer of insulation inside. I wear these insulated Salomon boots. Need more recommendations? I wrote a whole guide to the best boots for snowshoeing.

Best Splurge Gifts for Snowshoers (Over $200)

Heated Socks

If the snowshoer on your Christmas list gets cold feet, treat them to some heated socks. They can even control the temperature from an app on their phone! They provide better heat than disposable toe warmers and are much more low profile inside boots.

Budget Option: There are lots of heated socks on Amazon. They aren’t as good as the high end ones since they aren’t as reliable, the batteries don’t last as long, and they don’t have a phone app to control them. But they are much more affordable.

Ultralight Snowshoes

If money is no object, get them the best snowshoes on the market. I  got a pair of these super-lightweight MSR snowshoes a few years ago and can’t believe I didn’t get them earlier.

So much more comfortable to wear and LOTS of traction for steep slopes. These are a definite must for serious snowshoers, especially if they are heading to the mountains.

(Not sure how to shop for snowshoes? Read my how to choose snowshoes guide.)

Breathable Insulated Jacket

Snowshoeing can get your heart rate up, which can make you warm and sweaty. But it’s also cold outside, so you want to stay warm.

The secret is a breathable insulated jacket. It keeps you from getting too sweaty by using a breathable fabric and synthetic insulation to let sweat out. But it also traps warm air so you don’t get chilled. I love my Mountain Hardwear Kor Stasis jacket for snowshoeing and winter hiking.

Satellite Messenger

Being able to call for help in the wilderness is important. I’ve had the Garmin inReach Mini 2 satellite messenger for a few years. It lets you send text messengers via satellite to let loved ones at home know you are OK, or that you will be late.

And it also has an SOS button so you can summon search and rescue in an emergency. It’s not cheap, and you need to pair it with a monthly service plan, but it’s a great piece of safety kit.

Avalanche Safety Gear

If they’re snowshoeing in the mountains, they’re snowshoeing in avalanche terrain. Help keep them safe by making sure they have essential avalanche safety gear: a probe and transceiver to help locate them or their companions if they get buried, and a collapsible shovel to dig them out.

This avalanche safety gear bundle from Backcountry Access includes all three.

Avalanche Safety Course

Buying avalanche safety course is not that helpful without knowing how to use it. Buy them a gift certificate for a basic avalanche safety course.

They’ll learn how to recognize and avoid avalanche terrain and how to search for and recover avalanche victims. When I took my course a few years ago I was shocked to learn how many unsafe places I had unknowingly snowshoed!

In the USA find course providers through avalanche.org. In Canada, check avalanche.ca.

Final Thoughts

So that’s all of my recommendations for the best gifts for snowshoers. Do you have any other suggestions for snowshoeing gifts? Leave them in the comments.

MORE GIFT GUIDES:

• 40 Best Gifts for Backpackers
• The Best Eco-friendly Gifts for Hikers
• 25 Stocking Stuffers for Hikers Under $25
• 10 Best Canadian Hiking Gear Gifts in 2025
• Romantic Valentine’s Gifts for Hikers and Campers
• Black Friday Deals for Hikers

MORE SNOWSHOEING POSTS:

• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: What’s the Difference?
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)
• Best Insulated Skirts to Keep Your Butt Warm on the Trails

The post Best Gifts for Snowshoers in 2025 (25+ Ideas) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been snowshoeing for decades and have put in countless hours on snowshoe trails over the years. I also used to work at an outdoor store, both in the head office and on the store floor, so I know lots about snowshoeing gear.

I’ve put together a complete guide to choosing the best boots for snowshoeing. It has everything you need to know to buy your first pair and it’s totally updated for winter 2025/26. Here’s what you’ll learn:

• What type of boots are best for snowshoeing? Should you snowshoe in traditional winter boots, summer hiking boots, or insulated hiking boots?
• My recommendations for snowshoeing boots: I’ve got picks for boots that are lightweight, extra warm, budget-priced, for wide feet, and more.
• Which features to look for in snowshoeing boots: How important are waterproofing, insulation, support, and fit?
• Which snowshoeing boot accessories will help keep you warm and dry? Learn about gaiters, warm socks, thermal insoles, heated socks, and heated insoles.
• Snowshoe boots FAQ – All your questions answered.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Why You Should Trust My Advice

I’ve been snowshoeing most of my life. My dad used to take us out on borrowed snowshoes once a year or so. Over 20 years ago, I got my first pair of snowshoes. I’ve been going snowshoeing every winter since then.

I also used to work in the outdoor industry. In my twenties, I spent three years working in an outdoor store helping people choose boots.

Later, I spent six years writing marketing materials at the head office of a large Canadian outdoor retailer. I wrote product descriptions, gear guides, and staff training materials for tons of different products. And one of my areas of expertise was snowshoeing.

So I know A LOT about snowshoeing and which features are actually important when choosing the best boots to wear with snowshoes.

What Type of Boots Do You Need for Snowshoeing?

There are a few types of boots you can wear for snowshoeing: classic winter boots, hiking boots, and insulated hiking boots. Here’s the lowdown on each of them. (Spoiler: I REALLY don’t recommend one of these types of snowshoeing boots.)

Old-Fashioned Winter Boots

Have you ever tried snowshoeing in big and soft old-fashioned winter boots? (Think Pac boots like ones you get from Sorel or Baffin.) They are nice and warm and fit a lot of people, but they offer no support – the whole foot, ankle, and upper is floppy and your foot slides around inside.

On one of the first overnight snowshoeing trips I did years ago, I wore a pair of Baffin winter boots. They were super warm, but I got blisters from my foot sliding around and wrenched my ankle badly a few times since they offered no support. I haven’t worn them snowshoeing since. (But I have worn them for winter car camping and around the city – they’re great for that!)

If you already own old-fashioned winter boots you can use them for snowshoeing if you stick to flat trails and don’t have ankle issues. However, for the reasons mentioned above, I really don’t recommend winter boots for snowshoeing. Read on to learn about better snowshoeing boot options.

Hiking Boots

If you already own hiking boots, great – you don’t need to buy anything new! As long as they are waterproof, your summer hiking boots will work for snowshoeing. I’ve worn summer hiking boots snowshoeing dozens of times.

If you find your feet are getting cold, warmer socks, heated socks, or special winter insoles can help. (See the accessories section of this post for details on those.)

Hiking boots plus warm socks are often all you will need if it’s not that cold out or you tend to run hot.

Insulated Winter Hiking Boots

I used my summer hiking boots for snowshoeing for years. Eventually, I found that my feet were always cold, so I switched to a pair of insulated winter hiking boots.

Gear companies often make winter versions of popular hiking boots simply by adding a little bit of synthetic insulation. If you snowshoe a lot, I suggest getting a pair of insulated winter hiking boots.

I never thought I needed them, but now that I have warm snowshoeing boots, my trips are a little bit more pleasant. No more cold toes! I’m definitely a believer: Insulated winter hiking boots are the best boots for snowshoeing.

Best Boots for Snowshoeing

If you’re looking to buy snowshoeing boots, I’ve got a bunch of recommendations in this section for you. These recommendations are based on my personal experience snowshoeing, my years of work in the outdoor industry, and recommendations from my newsletter readers.

Just a heads up that all the boots on this list are insulated hiking boots designed for snowshoeing and winter hiking. You won’t find any regular hiking boots on this list because you probably already own some.

But… if you’re looking for ways to turn your regular hiking boots into snowshoeing boots, scroll down to the snowshoe boot accessories section at the bottom for some tips.

Best Boots for Snowshoeing: Quick Picks

Best All-Around Snowshoeing Boots: Columbia Bugaboot

Best Budget-Priced Snowshoeing Boots: Merrell Thermo Chill Mid

Best Ultra-Durable Snowshoeing Boots: Oboz Bridger Insulated

Best Lightweight Snowshoeing Boots: Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot

Best Snowshoeing Boots for Wide Feet: KEEN Revel IV Polar

Best Extra-Warm Snowshoeing Boots: The North Face Chilkat V

Best Leather-Free Snowshoeing Boots: Salomon Shelter Waterproof

Columbia Bugaboot: Best All-Around Snowshoeing Boots

Columbia’s Bugaboot series has been around for years – they were one of the most popular winter boots I helped people buy back in my boot fitter days. They’re reasonably priced boots that aren’t the highest tech or the lowest weight but are still well made and work great for snowshoeing.

The waterproof uppers are fully seam-sealed to keep moisture out. They have cozy warm synthetic insulation and they use Columbia’s OmniHeat reflective technology to keep the heat your body generates in. I have a different pair of Columbia winter boots for city use that have OmniHeat and it’s shocking how much extra warmth it adds.

The soles and construction of these boots are pretty burly, which means they are a bit heavy and bulky. But for the price and the warmth, the Bugaboots are great all-around winter boots to wear with snowshoes.

Check prices:

Merrell Thermo Chill Mid: Best Budget-Priced Snowshoeing Boots

If you’re looking for insulated hiking boots that won’t break the bank, check out the Merrell Thermo Chill Mid boots. They don’t have as many high-end features as Merrell’s other winter boots, but they still have the basics that make them a great choice for snowshoeing.

The outers are made of leather with a waterproof polyurethane coating and an interior waterproof breathable membrane.

Inside, they have low-bulk insulation to keep you warm. The overall package is fairly lightweight, so they don’t look like bulky winter boots. They also come in both wide and standard widths.

Check prices:

Oboz Bridger Insulated: Best Ultra-Durable Boots for Snowshoeing

Many hikers I know swear by the Oboz Bridger Insulated boots for their summer hikes. They are super-durable, provide lots of ankle support, and are known for their great fit thanks to their slightly wider forefoot. Thankfully for snowshoers, Oboz also makes the Bridger in a winter insulated version.

They’ve taken the regular Bridger and added cozy insulation, a plush lining, and a wool-topped insole with a thermal layer to retain heat. They come in both mid and high top, depending on how much support you like. (The high top version has even more insulation so it’s better for very cold weather or people who get chilled feet easily.)

Oboz is really dedicated to creating boots that fit well, so they adjusted the fit on these boots so that you can buy your regular size but still have enough room for thick winter socks. They come in both wide and standard widths too. That’s thoughtful design!

Check prices:

Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot: Best Lightweight Boots for Snowshoeing

I’ve been wearing the regular version of Salomon’s X Ultra boots for summer hiking for years. (I’m on my third pair.) So Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot (the winter version of those boots) looked like the best snowshoeing boot option for me.

They have lightweight Thinsulate insulation and all of the mesh patches on the summer version are upgraded to full leather for better waterproofing. They’re mid-cut boots with a cushy midsole that feels like a trail runner, so they aren’t very bulky or heavy.

Like most Salomon boots, they have a very forgiving fit that works great for most people’s feet.

Check prices:

KEEN Revel IV Polar: Best Snowshoeing Boots for Wide Feet

Back when I worked as a boot fitter, I saw a lot of people with wide feet who had trouble finding boots. I always recommended they try KEEN boots, and 99% of the time, that was the answer.

KEEN’s most popular winter hiking boot is the Revel IV Polar. Like all KEEN boots, they have an extra-wide toe box and wide fit throughout, making them the best snowshoeing boot for wide feet. Reviewers online and in my FB group with wide feet talk about how well these fit.

The Revel IV Polar comes in both a mid and full height version so you get the amount of ankle support you prefer. It’s a full leather boot with a waterproof breathable internal membrane to keep water out.

To keep you toasty warm, they have compact but cozy synthetic insulation. They also have thermal insoles that reflect your body’s heat back to you.

Check prices:

MORE BOOTS FOR WIDE FEET: The Oboz Bridger Insulated and Merrell Thermo Chill come in standard and wide widths.

The North Face Chilkat V: Best Extra-Warm Boots for Snowshoeing

If you snowshoe in a cold climate, or your feet get cold very easily, you need boots with extra insulation. The North Face Chilkat V boots use 400g synthetic insulation (compared to 200g in most of the other boots on this list), so there is lots of toasty warmth. They’re so warm that The North Face says they are good down to -40!

Other winter-ready features include waterproof leather uppers, soles designed to grip on ice, and cozy faux-fur lining. They even have a built-in D-ring to secure your gaiters.

Check Prices:

More extra-warm snowshoeing boot options: The Salomon Toundra, Oboz Bridger 10″ (men’s), Oboz Bridger 9″ (women’s), and Columbia Bugaboot Celsius Plus all use 400g insulation too.

Salomon Shelter Waterproof: Best Leather-Free Boots for Snowshoeing

If you’re trying to avoid leather, check out Salomon’s Shelter Waterproof boots. Instead of using leather, these mid-height boots have a synthetic exterior. They also have a waterproof breathable membrane inside to keep you totally dry. For warmth, they have lots of low volume Thinsulate synthetic insulation.

The Shelter boots are a bit less technical than some of the other boots on this list and have less ankle support, but they are they are still a good option casual snowshoeing. Honestly, I had a hard time finding leather-free options so this was the best I could find.

Check prices:

Features to Look For in Boots for Snowshoeing

If you’re buying boots for snowshoeing, there are some key features you should keep in mind like waterproofing, ankle support, insulation, and fit. Some of these are personal preferences but NEVER compromise on fit.

Waterproofing

Since you’ll be walking in the snow (which is made of water) waterproof boots are a must for snowshoeing. Leather and some synthetic materials have excellent water resistance on their own.

But to make them totally waterproof, most hiking boots have a waterproof-breathable membrane sandwiched between the outer fabric and inner lining. GORE-TEX is the most well known waterproof-breathable technology, but eVent and brand-specific technologies can work just as well.

Foot and Ankle Support

The amount of foot and ankle support you choose is a matter of personal preference. However, on snowshoes, you often end up landing off-camber with the inside or outside edge of your snowshoe tilted. This can wrench your ankles into an uncomfortable position unexpectedly. Supportive boots can protect your ankles.

As well, you will be tightening your snowshoe bindings over your toes and forefeet. You want to wear boots that cradle your feet and aren’t too soft. Otherwise, your bindings will squish your toes, which can be really uncomfortable.

Hiking boots and insulated winter hiking boots offer great support for your ankles and cradle your feet better than traditional floppy winter boots. Hiking boots also fit more snugly so your feet won’t slide around, which can cause blisters. (Psst: Read my tips for preventing blisters!)

My recommendation: wear boots with foot and ankle support for snowshoeing.

Insulation

Depending on where you snowshoe and how much you feel the cold, the best boots for snowshoeing are winter hiking boots with insulation. Many hiking boot companies make winter versions of their summer hiking boots by adding a little bit of insulation.

Don’t worry about getting exceptionally warm polar expedition-worthy snowshoeing boots rated for -40. Big, heavy-duty winter boots are designed for standing still or sitting in very cold conditions (like ice fishing or snowmobiling).

Snowshoeing is an aerobic activity that will warm up your body so you don’t need tons of warmth. If you pick boots with too much insulation, your feet will just get sweaty and wet when snowshoeing.

For most hikers, boots that use 200g synthetic insulation will be perfect. This is a moderate amount of insulation that won’t make you overheat too much but will still offer lots of warmth.

Comfortable Fit

Don’t buy boots based on which ones work for your friend’s feet or some reviewer on the internet’s feet. Buy comfortable snowshoeing boots that fit your unique feet. Some brands are better for wide feet, while others are better for narrow ones. (I’ve got details on that in the boot recommendations above.)

Make sure you have enough room to wear thicker winter socks (if that’s what you prefer) and that your insoles or orthotics fit inside too.

If possible, try on boots later in the day after your feet swell a little bit. Lace them up all the way, then walk around for a bit.

Try walking up and down a ramp or stairs to see if your heel slips (which means they are too big) or your toe bumps (which means they are too small).

If you’re ordering online and trying on at home, order a few pairs to compare, then return the ones that don’t work.

Snowshoeing Boot Accessories to Keep You Warmer and Drier

Keeping your feet comfortable while snowshoeing doesn’t end up with choosing boots. I’ve got tips for accessories to keep you warm and dry. These accessories are good add-ons for insulated hiking boots and are essential for making your summer hiking boots snowshoe-ready.

Gaiters to Keep the Snow Out

One of the quickest ways to get cold and wet feet while snowshoeing is to let snow go down the tops of your boots. If there’s fresh or deep snow, I always wear gaiters. They are fabric covers that bridge the gap between the bottom of your pants and the top of your boots to keep the snow out.

There are lots of different gaiters on the market, but for snowshoeing, you don’t need anything too fancy. Look for gaiters that are waterproof or water-resistant. I also like ones that are easy to put on with gloves on, like gaiters with Velcro closures. Consider sizing up to make sure they fit over bulkier winter boots.

I wear an old pair of MEC Kokanee Gaiters. The REI Traverse Gaiters are also great. If you want cheap ones, the Unigear Gaiters on Amazon get good reviews.

Pro tip: You can skip gaiters if you wear pants with built-in gaiters. I also like mountaineering pants that have eyelets at the bottom that let you attach your cord to secure the pants under your boots and a hook at the front to clip on to your boot laces. See which ones I recommend in my post about what to wear for snowshoeing.

Waterproof Socks to Keep Your Feet Dry

If it turns out that your boots are not as waterproof as you’d like, consider some waterproof socks. They look like regular (if a bit thick) hiking socks, but have a hidden waterproof breathable membrane inside. They will keep your feet dry, but also let them breathe so they don’t get too sweaty. (Be careful: sweaty feet get blisters!)

Pro tip: The membrane makes them a bit less stretchy than regular socks, so be sure to get the right size, or else you’ll have uncomfortable fit issues.

Sealskinz waterproof socks get great reviews. In my experience, all waterproof socks are a bit thick but they work well and they add some warmth too.

Winter Insoles to Add Warmth and Support

I’m not going to sugar-coat it: The insoles that come with most boots are crap. They are made of thin foam with no real shape or support. They also don’t last very long before getting squished paper-thin.

I replace the insoles in pretty every pair of shoes or hiking boots that I buy with cradling insoles like Superfeet. (I have them in all of my boots.)

If you’re looking to boost the warmth of your regular hiking boots for snowshoeing, adding a winter insole is a great trick. Winter insoles add warmth with insulating foam and reflective foil layers to keep heat in. They are sometimes made with cozy materials like wool or fleece to add more warmth.

The Oboz Thermal insoles use a thermal reflective layer for added warmth.

Thick Wool Socks to Add Warmth

In the summer I like to wear thin hiking socks that let my feet breathe. (My favourites are the Smartwool Hike Light Cushion.) But in the winter I wear thicker wool-blend socks to add extra warmth.

If you’re choosing socks for snowshoeing, look for a wool-synthetic blend for a balance of durability and warmth. Choose ones that are thicker than your usual summer hiking socks, but don’t pick extra thick ones – you need to make sure they will fit inside your boots without being too tight!

Lately, I’ve been loving the Darn Tough Hiker Cushion Socks for snowshoeing. They are a bit thicker for extra warmth but don’t feel too bulky in my boots.

Psst: Wearing the wrong socks is a surefire way to get blisters. Get my tips for preventing blisters.

Heated Socks for the Ultimate in Warmth

A friend of mine has Reynaud’s Disease (a circulatory disorder where you always have very cold hands and feet). She says heated socks are a game-changer for snowshoeing. Unlike disposable heat packs, they last for hours and can be used over and over again. Plus they are very low profile so they don’t bunch up in your boots.

Heated socks have small battery packs mounted on the calves. There are lots of heated socks out there, but the quality can vary a LOT. (Pro tip: Pay attention to what you are buying – sometimes you have to buy the battery packs separately.)

Lenz heated socks are really pricey but get great reviews. They are made with merino wool so they are super soft. The batteries last for up to 14 hours and you can control the temperature via an app on your phone.

Heated Insoles for Affordable Warmth

Heated socks can be very expensive and need careful washing. If that’s a turn-off for you, heated insoles are a more affordable way to add hours of warmth to your snowshoe trip. They work the same way, except that they have battery packs that strap on to your ankles or shins.

Thermic’s heated insoles get good reviews, but they are pretty expensive. They have several options for insoles and separate battery packs.

There are lots of crappy and cheap heated insoles on Amazon. If you want budget-priced ones, Thermrup makes reliable heated insoles at a reasonable price.

Snowshoe Boots FAQ

Final Thoughts

So that’s the lowdown on the best boots for snowshoeing. Now you should have all the info you need to choose snowshoeing boots. If you have more questions, leave them in the comments. I’d love to help.

MORE SNOWSHOE ADVICE:

• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• Best Insulated Skirts to Keep Your Butt Warm on the Trails
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)

The post The Best Boots For Snowshoeing (Winter 2025/26) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been hiking and backpacking for two decades (I even wrote a hiking guidebook) and have tried a lot of different technical outdoor clothing, including lots of Merino wool. I also spent seven years working at the head office of a large Canadian outdoor brand. While I was there, I worked closely with the design and fabric teams and wrote staff training material. So I have a pretty good grasp on outdoor fabric technologies.

In this article, I’ll break down the pros and cons of Merino wool so you can decide if it’s worth it for you. This Merino wool guide includes:

• Is Merino wool worth it? My quick answer
• What is Merino wool? How is it different than regular wool
• Merino wool pros and cons plus some neutral factors where wool is equivalent to other fabrics
• Which Merino wool clothing is worth it? Should you buy Merino socks, shirts, base layers, and more.
• Merino wool tips: My advice for buying merino, taking care of it, and repairing it
• Comparing Merino wool to other fabrics: How does it stack up to polyester, regular wool, alpaca, and more
• Merino wool FAQ: Answers to common questions like is Merino good for summer and does it shrink

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Is Merino Wool Worth it?

My short answer: Most of the time, no.

The longer answer: Merino wool is a fabulous high-performance fabric. But it’s not magic. In many ways, Merino wool is comparable to high-tech polyester fabrics. The only place where Merino clearly outperforms is its ability to resist odors.

Some people really love the feel and performance of Merino. And if that’s you, and you find the expense and lack of durability of Merino don’t deter you, that’s great. If you love, Merino, keep on loving it.

But I think that a lot of people get sucked in by the premium price and slick marketing of Merino wool. They assume that because it is expensive, it must be the best. I’ve talked to lots of people who bought into the hype, then fell out of love with Merino after using it for a few years, mostly due to its lack of durability and high price.

If you are comparing a cheap big box store base layer to Merino wool, of course, Merino wool is going to be better. But if you compare Merino wool to high-end performance synthetic fabrics from innovative outdoor apparel companies, you’ll find that the synthetics provide equal or better performance at a cheaper price and with better durability.

What is Merino Wool?

Merino wool is the wool from a breed called Merino sheep. Although Merino sheep are originally from Spain, today they are found all over the world (and most famously, in Australia and New Zealand).

Merino wool is much softer and finer than regular wool. That means it is more comfortable to wear since it is less scratchy. The individual fibres of regular wool can be up to 40 microns in diameter. But Merino wool is always less than 24 microns. Premium fine Merino wool can go as low as 15 microns in diameter.

Merino wool is most often used for technical outdoor clothing. However, you can also find it in high-end casual sweaters and blankets.

Merino Wool Pros and Cons

Some people talk about Merino wool as if it is a miracle fabric. And it does indeed have lots of positive characteristics. However, there are also some negatives, which for some people (like me) often outweigh the positives.

Here’s my breakdown of the pros and cons of Merino wool. I’ve also included a few “neutral” factors – these are areas where Merino wool provides better performance than non-technical fabrics like cotton but has equivalent performance to technical fabrics like polyester.

Pro: Anti-Microbial

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial. That means that it doesn’t get as stinky and odor-causing particles won’t build up in it over time like they can in synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon. (Read my guide to getting the smell out of hiking gear for info on how that happens.)

Since Merino wool is less smelly, it’s a great choice for multi-day backpacking or situations where you can’t or don’t want to wash your gear as often. When I used to commute to work by bike, I wore a Merino wool shirt that I washed once or twice a week instead of every day.

But… Merino wool can still get stinky over time, especially if it is blended with nylon or elastane. It’s not magic. It just takes way longer to develop that signature hiker stank than other fabrics.

Pro: Temperature Regulation and Breathability

Merino wool is naturally thermo-regulating. That means that it can help you feel cool when it’s hot out and provide warmth when it’s cold. This sounds crazy, but there’s actually science behind it.

Wool fibres are crimped, which creates little air pockets. In cold weather, these air pockets trap warm air and hold it close to you. When it’s hot out, wool pulls moisture and heat from your body. As the wool dries and releases the moisture, the crimps trap cold air, keeping you cool.

Many people love Merino wool because they can wear the same Merino wool clothing in both summer and winter. The temperature-regulating properties of Merino wool also mean that you are less likely to need to add and remove layers as the temperature changes on a hike.

However, it is worth mentioning that there are lots of innovative premium synthetic fabrics that can compete with Merino on temperature regulation. But there are also lots of crappy synthetics too.

Pro: Warm for its Weight

The natural air pockets that give Merino wool its temperature-regulating properties also mean that it can provide more warmth for its weight than other fabrics. (Although the construction of some synthetic fabrics can mimic the air pocket structure and perform just as well.)

The excellent warmth-to-weight ratio means that you can choose thinner Merino wool garments than their synthetic counterparts.

Neutral: Next to Skin Comfort

You might hear Merino wool described as being comfortable to wear or soft against your skin. That is certainly true, especially when you compare it to traditional wool.

But it’s not any softer or more comfortable than some other technical fabrics like polyester. (Of course this depends a lot on the specific technical fabric. I find Merino wool much more comfortable than the polyester in my Outdoor Research Echo Sun Hoodie. But I also like the feel of my soft Mountain Hardware Crater Lake Sun Hoodie more than the feel of Merino wool. (I reviewed both of these in my guide to the best sun hoodies for hiking.)

Some people prefer the way Merino feels on their skin, but some still find it a tiny bit itchy.

Neutral: Provides Warmth When Wet

Merino wool still provides insulation even when it is wet. By itself, that sounds like a pro, and Merino wool cheerleaders often list “warmth when wet” as one of Merino wool’s strengths. But it’s only a pro if you compare Merino to cotton, since cotton makes you colder when you are wet. Synthetic fabrics also provide warmth when they are wet, so Merino doesn’t have a leg up over other technical outdoor fabrics.

Neutral: Moisture Wicking

Here is another neutral factor that masquerades as a pro. Yes, Merino wool does a good job of wicking moisture away from your skin thanks to the unique air pocket-forming structure of the wool fibres. But many technical synthetic fabrics are comparable when it comes to wicking, so it’s not a true pro. (However, some synthetics achieve high wicking performance via chemical finishes that wash out over time, so it’s not an easy comparison to make.)

Neutral: Ethical and Sustainability Issues

Merino wool is an animal product, so it is not vegan-friendly.

It is also important to know there have been issues around animal cruelty associated with Merino wool production. Some Merino sheep farmers subject their animals to mulesing, a painful practice that removes strips of skin around the anus. Mulesing protects the sheep from flystrike infections. It is done without anesthetic and is considered inhumane and unethical. Most developed countries no longer permit mulesing.

Before you buy a Merino wool garment, check to see if the manufacturer has a statement about the treatment of the sheep they source their wool from. You can also check to see if there are measures in place to prevent overgrazing and the excessive use of pesticides. There are many reputable and ethical Merino wool brands on the market including Smartwool, Icebreaker, Darn Tough, Ibex, Patagonia, Ridge Merino, and Woolx.

However, it’s worth pointing out that there are ethical issue around polyester too. It’s made from petroleum, which isn’t a renewable resource (unlike wool). And given the current climate crisis, fossil fuel extraction is something we should be moving away from rather than increasing

As well, fleecy fabrics release microplastics, which is a big problem when they are washed as it ends up in our waterways and oceans.

If you are concerned about the sustainability of your clothing, buying used base layers is the best choice.

Con: Doesn’t Dry Quickly

Merino wool is often touted as being great at moisture-wicking since it can absorb more moisture than other fabrics. The “moisture-wicking” part of that sentence is a pro. But the “absorb” part is a con because Merino wool really hangs on to moisture. It can take 40% longer for a Merino wool garment to dry compared to a synthetic one.

I sweat a lot (in all temperatures and during all activities). Merino wool just stays wet way too long for me. It takes forever to dry, and in the meantime, it’s heavy and gross.

Con: Durability

Unfortunately, Merino wool has a poor track record when it comes to durability. The fibres of Merino wool are very fragile. That means they are prone to ripping, tearing, and snagging. Even high-quality Merino wool garments are likely to develop holes.

There are a few things you can do to maximize the life of your Merino wool clothing. Garments that use a blend of Merino wool and synthetic fabrics are much stronger and last longer. I have lots of Merino wool socks from Darn Tough and Smartwool that have lasted years since they use a Merino wool/nylon blend.

You also have to be really careful with your Merino wool. Snags on zippers, watch straps, backpack buckles, jewellery, and belts are common ways to get holes. But friction holes are sometimes unavoidable, especially in the armpits and crotch.

Con: Special Washing Required

Merino wool requires special washing and drying. Like all wool, it shrinks if it is heated too much, which means it needs to be washed in cold water and hung to dry.

Due to its poor durability, it also is best to wash Merino wool clothing on the delicate cycle. I also always wash my Merino wool by itself to protect it. I don’t allow zippers, buttons, Velcro, or buckles in the washing machine with my Merino!

While it isn’t required, it is a good idea to use a wool-specific laundry detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash). Regular detergent can strip the wool of its natural wicking properties and can contribute to pilling. Avoid enzyme cleaners at all costs as they can actually break down the fibres in Merino wool. (More tips in my guide to washing hiking gear.)

Con: Expensive

If you’ve ever shopped for Merino wool gear, you have probably been shocked by how expensive it is. Close to $100 for a t-shirt?? What?! Yup, Merino wool prices are crazy.

While there are billions of sheep in the world, most are raised for their meat or for regular wool. Merino sheep are a specialized breed and there just aren’t that many of them. It costs a lot more to raise a sheep than it does to harvest a plant or make fabric from petroleum. As well, the fine fibres of Merino wool mean that you need more of them to make fabric.

And while Merino wool is a natural fibre, it still needs to be heavily processed before it is turned into clothing. The fibres are extensively cleaned to remove dirt, impurities, and lanolin (a greasy substance that naturally occurs in sheep’s wool.)

Which Merino Wool Clothing is Worth It?

My answer to whether Merino wool is worth it depends on what kind of clothing you’re talking about. For things like socks, I recommend it 1000%. For shirts, base layers, underwear, and mid-layers, the answer is a bit more nuanced.

Are Merino Wool Socks Worth It?

Yes! I swear by Merino wool hiking socks.

Since socks need to be extra durable, Merino wool socks are usually expertly blended with nylon and elastane. This means that you get the anti-microbial and temperature-regulating properties of Merino. But you also get better durability thanks to the nylon. And you get the wicking power of both Merino and nylon – it dries quicker than Merino alone.

I hike exclusively in Merino wool blend socks. My favourites are the Smartwool Hike Light Cushion Crew Sock and the Darn Tough Light Hiker Micro Crew Lightweight Hiking Sock.

Are Merino Hiking Shirts Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

Many hikers love wearing Merino wool hiking shirts. They love the temperature regulation that Merino provides. And the anti-microbial properties of Merino make it ideal for backpacking trips when you don’t want to stink day after day.

However, when you wear a Merino wool hiking shirt, the poor durability of Merino wool becomes pretty apparent. And if you sweat a lot when you hike (like me) then you will find yourself soaking wet a lot of the time because Merino wool shirts absorb more water than synthetics and take longer to dry.

I think Merino wool hiking shirts are great for backpacking and for people who don’t sweat too much. They are also great for people who are careful with their gear.

Smartwool’s standard Merino Short Sleeve Tee is a really popular choice for a Merino hiking shirt. My husband has three of them and loves them. He likes that they don’t stink.

I have an Odlo Kinship Performance Wool long sleeve top that I love for cold weather hiking. It’s a wool/polyester/nylon blend that hits the sweat spot of performance for me. (Read my review in my fave gear of 2023 post.)

Are Merino Base Layers Worth It?

Yes, but only for some people.

The main purpose of a base layer (also known as thermals) is to move moisture away from your skin. Base layers also add warmth through insulation. (However, most of your warmth should come from your mid-layer.)

The thermo-regulation of Merino wool base layers is great for stop-and-start activities like skiing where you generate a lot of heat, but then slow down or stop for long periods and get cold.

Merino’s high warmth-to-weight ratio makes it great for base layers since you can get more warmth with less bulk. I usually sleep in Merino wool base layers when backpacking since they are smaller to pack.

However, for those who sweat a lot, Merino isn’t a good choice for active base layers since they absorb more moisture and take longer to dry.

Durability is also a factor with base layers – the repetitive rubbing of base layers against mid and outer layers in your crotch and armpits leads to pilling and holes far faster with Merino wool than with synthetic fabrics.

Merino wool base layers are great for skiing as long as you don’t run too hot and are ok with the durability issues. They also are great for sleeping in. Otherwise, I think synthetic base layers perform just as well so there isn’t any reason to spend more money on Merino wool.

I love my Smartwool Classic Thermal Base Layer Bottoms for sleeping on backpacking trips since they are lightweight, cozy, and come in fun prints. For snowshoeing, I wear Smartwool Intraknit Thermal Base Layers since they combine Merino and polyester for faster drying times.

Is Merino Wool Underwear Worth It?

Not really.

I’ve heard lots of rave reviews about Merino wool underwear. (And I included a few Merino wool pairs in my guide to the best hiking underwear since some hikers swear by them.) People love it for the same reason they love Merino wool hiking shirts – they are great at temperature regulation and they don’t stink.

But if you sweat a lot, Merino wool underwear is a disaster since it holds moisture, which can lead to uncomfortable chafing. Merino wool undies are also notorious for getting tons of holes. They often lose their shape a lot faster than synthetics too.

Lots of Merino wool underwear is heavily blended with nylon and elastane to increase durability and dry quicker. This is especially true of sports bras, which need to fit tightly. Some underwear and sports bras marketed as Merino wool contain less than 30% Merino wool… but still carry a full Merino wool price tag! Shop carefully.

If you love the feel of Merino wool and think the expense of Merino underwear is worth it, that’s great. But I don’t think Merino wool underwear is a great option for most people – if you are buying a $40 pair of undies, they shouldn’t get holes, bag out, and chafe your butt!

The only merino wool underwear I can recommend are the Branwyn Essential, although I find they are better for cold weather or less sweaty trips. But the highest rated Merino wool underwear are the women’s Icebreaker Merino Siren and Men’s Icebreaker Anatomica. If you want a Merino sports bra, I like the Smartwool Intraknit Strappy Bra – but keep in mind that it is only 28% wool and can definitely can get stinky. (Mine is a bit gross.)

Are Merino Wool Mid-Layers Worth It?

No. Synthetics greatly outperform Merino in this category.

Merino performs best when you wear it next to your skin to wick sweat and absorb heat. Merino wool does work as a mid-layer for insulation, but it doesn’t work any better than fleece, synthetic insulation, or down. And you need a much thicker wool mid-layer to get the equivalent warmth that you’d get with fleece, down, or synthetic insulation.

If you like the feel of wool, a blended wool and polyester fleece is a nice option for a casual mid-layer. But it will be heavier than a pure synthetic, dry slower, and be more expensive.

I have an older Smartwool Smartloft Jacket that I got years ago when I was a Smartwool brand amabassador. It has a Merino wool interior that is cozy, especially when layered over a short sleeved shirt. But I don’t find it as versatile to wear as a fleece.

Are Merino Wool Toques/Beanies Worth It?

Yes, if you don’t have sensitive skin.

I love my Smartwool Merino Beanie (called a toque here in Canada) – I’m wearing it in the photo above. It is really warm for the weight, so it doesn’t take up tons of space in my pack. Since I won’t be sweating much when I wear it, I don’t have to worry about it not drying quickly.

However, if you have sensitive skin, you might find that Merino wool itches your forehead a bit. In that case, a grid fleece hat like the Outdoor Research Trail Mix Beanie is a better option. It has the same warmth-to-weight as Merino wool.

Merino Wool Tips

From what to look for when shopping for Merino to how to wash and repair it, here are my top Merino wool tips:

• Choose the right Merino wool weight for your activity: Merino comes in weights from ultra-fine/ultralight light to heavy-weight. Lighter weights are good for warmer weather and more vigorous activity compared to heavier weights. Some brands list the grams per square metre (gsm) weight of the fabric. Look for around 150gsm for lightweight, year-round layers and 250-300gsm for extra warm winter layers.
• Get a close fit: To benefit from Merino wool’s thermoregulating properties, Merino clothing needs to fit close to the skin. It can’t be too baggy.
• Consider Merino wool blends: Merino wool blended with nylon, polyester and/or elastane is more durable, stretchier, and absorbs a bit less water than pure Merino. Some budget brands mix Merino with nylon to bring prices down. But other performance brands like Smartwool, Icebreaker and Odlo, mix Merino wool with other fabrics in innovative ways that boost function and fit. Pay attention to the percentages. You want at least 50% Merino, or else it’s not worth buying. If you prioritize the benefits of Merino but want more durability, look for 80-90% Merino.
• Buy from a brand that specializes in Merino: For the best performance, buy from a Merino wool brand like Smartwool or Icebreaker or an outdoor brand that makes lots of base layers like Patagonia, Odlo, Helly Hansen, and Arc’teryx. They will have the best fit, seam placement, and fabric blends. You can buy cheap Merino base layers from Costco, etc. but in my experience, they are poor quality and don’t last very long.
• Wash Merino carefully. If you baby your Merino wool, it will last. For the longest lifespan, always wash on delicate with wool-specific detergent (like Nikwax Wool Wash) and hang to dry. The care label might say regular wash and tumble dry is ok, but that’s because they don’t want to scare you off buying Merino. Trust me, stick with the delicate cycle and hang dry no matter what.
• Repair your Merino. Holes are inevitable, but that doesn’t mean you have to throw away your gear. Even if you are a terrible sewer, a few minutes with a needle and thread is all it takes to fix a small hole. For big ones, I sew on patches made from a pair of retired Merino base layer bottoms that was beyond repair.

Comparing Merino Wool to Other Fabrics

Most marketing material touts the performance values of merino wool, but doesn’t tell you how Merino stacks up in comparison to other common outdoor fabrics. I pitted Merino wool and against several other outdoor fabrics commonly used for base layers and hiking shirts.

Merino Wool vs Polyester

Merino wool wins over polyester in a few categories, but definitely not all of them. It’s important to note that there are tons of types of polyester fabric on the market. Higher-end tech fabrics with branded names will out-perform cheap unbranded polyester.

Merino wool is naturally anti-microbial, while polyester is prone to getting stinky. You can buy polyester with anti-odor properties, but it’s either a finish that washes out, or very expensive if it’s embedded in the garment.

For a lot of polyester fabrics, whether it is better than Merino or not, really depends on the type of polyester. In general, Merino is equivalent to or better than some (but not all) polyester fabrics when it comes to breathability, temperature regulation, warmth for weight, next-to-skin comfort, warmth when wet, and moisture-wicking.

All polyester will work better than Merino wool when you compare quick drying, durability, price, and washing instructions.

Merino Wool vs. Regular Wool

For hiking and other outdoor sports, Merino wool beats regular wool in pretty much every category except durability and price. It has better temperature regulation, breathability, next-to-skin comfort, and wicking than regular wool. Merino wool and regular wool score about the same when it comes to warmth for weight, warmth when wet, quick drying, and washing instructions.

Merino Wool vs. Polypropylene

Polypropylene is similar to polyester, but a bit less common. It wicks better, dries faster, and costs less than both polyester and Merino wool. It also gets stinky incredibly easily.

Polypropylene was commonly used in base layers in the 1990s but it is less prevalent now. Helly Hansen makes a lot of polypropylene base layers, some of which they blend with Merino wool. Choose polypropylene over wool if wicking and quick drying are your primary concerns and you can live with the stink.

Merino Wool vs. Modal/Tencel/Lyocell/Viscose/Rayon

Modal, Tencel, Lyocell, Viscose, and rayon are all semi-synthetic fabrics made from wood pulp. Some are softer and more eco-friendly than others (which makes them cost more.) They don’t provide any warmth. These fabrics don’t wrinkle and feel really soft (even softer than Merino), but they aren’t as good at wicking or quick-drying compared to Merino wool or synthetics. None of these fabrics are very good for outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool vs. Alpaca

Alpaca wool fabric is made from the wool of alpacas, a relative of the llama that lives in the South American mountains. Currently, most alpaca garments on the market are intended more for casual wear than for hiking or other outdoor activities. As well, most alpaca garments are heavily blended with other fabrics like nylon for durability or Tencel for softness.

Alpaca wool is softer than Merino. It is also a bit more durable, but still very fragile compared to synthetics. Alpaca is a bit warmer than Merino since its structure creates larger air pockets. (Alpacas need to stay warm in the chilly Andes Mountains!) Alpaca also retains a bit less water than Merino (but still doesn’t dry as fast as polyester or polypropylene).

The alpaca market is still growing so there will likely be a lot of options available in the next few years. But for now, most alpaca products are not high-tech enough for hikers.

Merino Wool vs. Cashmere

Cashmere is made from the wool of Kashmir goats that live in Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, and Iraq. While cashmere is warmer and softer than Merino, it doesn’t beat Merino in any other category. Cashmere is less durable, harder to wash, and more expensive. As well, cashmere is typically only used in casual wear, not in technical outdoor clothing.

Merino Wool FAQ

Let me answer some of the most common questions about Merino wool:

Is Merino Wool itchy?

No. Most people do not find Merino wool itchy, especially compared to regular wool. However, some people still find Merino wool a tiny bit itchy compared to other fabrics. Merino wool blends are less itchy than pure Merino wool.

Is Merino Wool Soft?

Yes. Merino wool is very soft, especially compared to regular wool. However, it can feel a tiny bit rougher than super soft fabrics like Modal or even some types of polyester.

Is Merino Wool Warm?

Yes. Merino wool provides great warmth for its weight compared to other fabrics. However, it is also naturally temperature regulating, which makes it great in a range of temperatures.

Is Merino Wool Good for Winter?

Yes. Merino wool base layers can provide lots of warmth, especially mid- and heavy-weight Merino (200-300gsm). However, you will still need insulating mid-layers on top of your Merino.

Is Merino Wool Good For Summer?

Yes. Merino wool is great for temperature regulation so lightweight Merino wool pieces (150gsm) work well in the summer. However, keep in mind that Merino wool doesn’t dry as quickly as synthetics, so if you sweat a lot, you might not like Merino wool for summer use.

Is Merino Wool Washable?

Yes. But it has special washing instructions. To make your Merino wool last, it is best to wash it in cold water on the delicate cycle, use wool-specific detergent, and hang it to dry. The care label on some Merino wool clothing says you can wash it on the regular cycle and tumble dry. But I don’t recommend it unless the Merino is blended with another fabric (for example Merino wool blend hiking socks).

Does Merino Wool Shrink?

Yes. Like most wool, if you wash it in hot water or put it in the dryer, it will shrink at least a little bit. But if you wash it in cold water and hang to dry, it won’t shrink.

Is Merino Wool Expensive?

Yes, compared to other fabrics, Merino wool is quite expensive. That is because Merino wool is expensive to produce – raising and shearing sheep is more expensive than growing cotton or processing petroleum.

So that’s my big explanation of why I think Merino wool isn’t always worth it. I’m sure some of you will disagree, and that’s ok. I’ll be the first one to say that Merino wool is an awesome fabric. It’s just not always the best one to choose for every application.

Do you have more Merino wool questions? Ask them in the comments.

READ NEXT:

• How to Get the Smell Out of Hiking Clothes
• Why Do Rain Jackets Wet Out?
• My Favourite Hiking Gear – 2023 Edition
• Best Hiking Underwear For Women and Men
• 20+ Ways to Reduce Your Backpack Weight

The post Is Merino Wool Worth It? Pros and Cons appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I’ve been winter hiking and snowshoeing for over 20 years. I also used to work at the head office of a large outdoor retailer where I wrote about hiking gear, including writing staff training materials. So I’ve got a fair amount of winter knowledge to share.

This guide to winter traction devices includes:

• A comparison chart for microspikes, crampons and snowshoes showing their strengths and weaknesses
• Microspikes: What are they? When to use them? And my picks for the best microspikes.
• Crampons: What are they? When to use them? And my picks for the best crampons.
• Snowshoes: What are they? When to use them? And my picks for the best snowshoes.
• Other winter traction devices: A quick overview of other traction devices including Yaktrax, STABILicers and more and how they stack up against microspikes.

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes Comparison Chart

Microspikes

Best for: Hiking or trail running on packed snow or icy trails

Pros: Inexpensive, lightweight, can be worn with any footwear, good traction, easy to take on and off

Cons: Not safe for steep slopes, don’t provide flotation in deep snow, not as durable

What are microspikes?

The term “microspikes” can mean a lot of things. It gets even more confusing because even though “microspikes” is actually a trademarked name from Kahtoola, people tend to refer to all similar products as microspikes. (It’s kind of like how everyone calls adhesive bandages band-aids, even if they aren’t made by Band-Aid brand.)

In general, microspikes have a flexible rubber-like plastic harness that stretches to fit around all kinds of boots and shoes. Some also have a velcro toe strap.

On the bottom, they have metal teeth connected by stainless steel chains. The teeth are usually fairly short (less than 1/2″/1.25 cm). You can wear microspikes with flexible footwear like trail runners since the metal chains aren’t rigid.

Heads up: You might see products with a stretchy harness and then studs or just chains on the bottom. These are NOT microspikes. While these go by a lot of other names, they provide less traction. More on these in the Other Traction Devices section below.

When to use microspikes?

Microspikes are best suited to hard-packed snow or icy trails. They excel on flat and low-angle terrain – they don’t provide enough secure grip for steep slopes, especially where a fall could be dangerous. The spikes on microspikes also aren’t very long. That means that if there is a thin layer of snow over ice, the spikes might not be long enough to bite into the ice.

I think microspikes are great for winter trail running and hiking. The spikes are fairly durable, which means you can wear them for short periods on bare dirt.

I keep my microspikes in my backpack for winter trips when I expect freezing temperatures. They are good to have when conditions are too slippery for hiking boots.

I also bring them snowshoeing as they are much more secure in steep terrain than snowshoes. (More on that in the snowshoes section below.) In hard-packed snow, they are also much more comfortable to wear than snowshoes since you have a more natural stance.

Check trail conditions before you go to figure out if microspikes are the right choice. My guide to how to find trail conditions has lots of resources.

My picks for the best microspikes

I have both the original Kahtoola Microspikes and Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra (which despite the name are NOT crampons). They are both great, but I have a slight preference for the Hillsounds since they have a velcro toe strap, which improves the fit.

Other good microspike options include Black Diamond Access Spikes and Black Diamond Distance Spikes.

There are lots of cheap knock-off microspikes on Amazon. The reviews on them aren’t great – lots of people say that the spikes bend and the plastic harnesses rip. But if you want budget microspikes, the best ones on Amazon are the Cimkiz microspikes.

Crampons

Best for: Mountaineering, ice climbing, or hiking on steep ice or snow slopes

Pros: Very secure attachment to boots, tons of grip, durable

Cons: Bulky, heavy, expensive, requires training to use, may require specialized footwear, doesn’t provide flotation in snow, time-consuming to take on and off

What are crampons?

Mountaineers developed crampons to help them traverse steep and precipitous slopes on glaciers, ice, and frozen waterfalls. They consist of a two-piece metal frame that fits under the sole of your boot. The frame is linked by a center bar that is sometimes a bit flexible for easier walking. The frame usually has plastic plates under the ball and heel of the foot to prevent snow build-up

Spikes stick out of the bottom of the frame. There are usually four spikes under the heel and six or eight under the forefoot. Some crampons have two front points as well, which can be used to kick your toe into vertical slopes. One of the main differences of microspikes vs. crampons is that on crampons, the spikes are sharper and longer.

Crampons attach to your boots very securely with a system of straps and wire bails that only work with specialized mountaineering boots – these boots have special welts or grooves on the heels and toes for the crampons to attach to. These are called step-in crampons.

It is also possible to get crampons that only attach with straps and be used with any boot. These are called strap-on crampons. However, since they don’t attach as securely as step-in crampons, they are best for less technical terrain.

When to use crampons?

Crampons are the most helpful on steep slopes with firm snow or ice. They bite much deeper into the ice and provide better traction than microspikes, so they are the best choice (along with an ice axe) for any situation where falling would result in injury or death.

You should use crampons for mountaineering, ice climbing, and any time the slope is steep enough that a fall would have high consequences.

Using crampons requires mountaineering training as there are special techniques for walking and climbing in crampons.

My picks for the best crampons

I’m not a mountaineer, so I have limited experience with crampons. However, I spent seven years writing about gear for a big outdoor retailer including writing staff training materials, so I know a fair bit about crampons.

Grivel’s G12 New-Matic are a popular choice since they are quite durable and are easy to adjust. These hybrid step-in style crampons have 12 spikes but the front points aren’t designed for ice climbing, making them a good all-around crampon for pretty much everything else. The downsides are that they are on the heavier side and they only work with mountaineering boots.

If you’re looking for inexpensive, non-technical crampons, the Kahtoola K 10 Hiking Crampons or the Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro are both good choices. These are both great for hiking on steep slopes, but not enough grip or security for mountaineering.

Snowshoes

Best for: Hiking in deep snow

Pros: Can be worn with any footwear, provides flotation in deep snow

Cons: More expensive than microspikes, bulky, don’t provide enough traction for icy slopes, harder to walk in, time-consuming to take on and off

What are snowshoes?

Snowshoes increase the surface area of your foot to help you float in deep snow. There are two basic designs for snowshoes: a solid, one-piece deck or a perimeter frame with a floating deck made of fabric (or traditionally of laces).

Snowshoe bindings use straps to attach to any kind of footwear including trail running shoes, hiking boots, and sometimes bigger winter boots or snowboard boots to the snowshoes. Most snowshoes have a bit of traction underfoot, especially under the toe.

My guide to choosing snowshoes has tons more details about snowshoe construction and features.

When to use snowshoes?

Snowshoes are designed to provide flotation in deep snow. They work best when trails are snowy, especially when the snow is fresh. When the snow is shallow or when it is so hard-packed that you don’t sink in, snowshoes aren’t helpful.

Snowshoes can also be dangerous on steep slopes since they don’t provide enough traction. That, combined with the wide platform of the snowshoes, makes it easy to slip and fall while wearing snowshoes. On steep slopes with long run-outs, that can result in injury or death. I’ve got more detail on this in my guide to snowshoeing safety.

My picks for the best snowshoes

I’ve been snowshoeing for over 20 years and I think MSR makes the best snowshoes. They are durable, provide great traction, and have bindings that are easy to use and fit lots of types of footwear.

My budget pick for snowshoes is the MSR Evo Trail. My upgrade pick is the MSR Lightning Ascent because they are much lighter and more comfortable to wear. You can read more about my snowshoe recommendations in my guide to choosing snowshoes.

Other Winter Traction Devices

There are also tons of other winter traction devices on the market so it can get confusing. In general, these other traction devices provide less grip than crampons and microspikes. They are all best for use in the city.

In general, I don’t recommend any of the traction devices below. I think microspikes are the best choice, even for the city. And if Kahtoola microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras aren’t in the budget, get the Cimkiz microspikes on Amazon – they are a better price than all of the other winter traction devices below and provide a better grip.

Here’s a quick run-down on a few other winter traction devices you might have heard of:

Kahtoola NANOspikes: These are made by the same company that popularized microspikes. They have a similar harness, but they have rubber plates underfoot with small metal studs. Snow can build up under the rubber plates.

Kahtoola EXOspikes: The EXOspikes also have the same harness as microspikes and NANOspikes but have slightly more aggressive studs than the NANOspikes and less rubber underfoot so snow won’t build up as much.

Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip: These have a stretchy harness that holds beefy chains with small metal cleats under your foot. These are good for the city but could cross over into a bit of hiking use.

Yaktrax Diamond Go: Similar to the Diamond Grip but less expensive since they just have a circle of cleats under your forefoot – there’s nothing under your heel. Due to the lack of heel traction, I don’t recommend these at all.

Yaktrax Run: A rubberized plate under the forefoot has short metal studs while the back has steel coils. Designed to be lightweight for running. In my experience, snow clogs in the coil style and it doesn’t provide very good grip.

Yaktrax Walk: A set of steel coils underfoot. I don’t recommend these because I find they don’t grip well.

Hillsound FlexSteps: Similar to the Kahtoola NANOspikes but with much more burly studs set into a flexible plate. Snow can build up under the plate.

STABILicers Walk: Rubber plates under the forefoot and heel have short, blunt spikes. Ok for walking on a sidewalk but I wouldn’t recommend them for hiking. Snow can build up under the rubber plate and the spikes are not sharp enough to be helpful on most surfaces.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know the difference between microspikes vs. crampons vs. snowshoes, which ones will you be bringing on your next winter hike? I take microspikes on pretty much every winter hike – I even pack them in my backpack when I snowshoe to deal with steep terrain.

READ NEXT:

• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• How to Choose Snowshoes – Get the Right Ones for You
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• How to Find Trail Conditions

The post Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: What’s the Difference? appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

To get started snowshoeing, you need some winter hiking clothes, some snowshoeing boots and of course, you’ll need snowshoes.

But which snowshoes should you buy? How do you know what size you’ll need? How much do they cost? I’ve put together this complete guide on how to choose snowshoes for you.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to buy your first pair of snowshoes. I’ll also include my recommendations on the best snowshoes. Here’s what’s in this snowshoe buyers guide:

• Quick-picks: My top three recommendations for the best snowshoes
• How to choose snowshoes for the terrain: flat trails, steep mountains or snowshoe running
• What size snowshoes you should buy: consider your weight, the gear you are carrying, the snow conditions and your gender
• Which snowshoe materials you should choose: plastic snowshoes vs. metal-framed snowshoes
• Which type of snowshoe bindings are right for you: hinged or fixed
• What kind of snowshoe traction to look for: toe crampons, heel crampons, and side traction bars
• What about extra features and accessories: heel lift bars, extension tails, trekking poles, and micro-spikes
• How to shop for snowshoes: the best snowshoe brands, how much do snowshoes cost and what stores should you buy snowshoes from

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

Quick Picks for the Best Snowshoes

Here are my quick picks for the best snowshoes in a few categories:

• Best snowshoes for flat terrain: Atlas Access
• Best snowshoes for mountains: MSR Lightning Ascent
• Best running snowshoes: Atlas Snow Run

Why You Should Trust My Advice

I’ve been snowshoeing most of my life. My dad used to take us out on borrowed snowshoes once or twice a year. Then in my early 20s, I got my first pair of snowshoes and I’ve been going snowshoeing every winter since then.

I also worked in the outdoor industry for seven years. I wrote website descriptions and gear guides for tons of different products. I also wrote training materials for the staff. And one of my areas of expertise was snowshoes. So I know A LOT about snowshoes and which features are actually important.

How to Choose Snowshoes for the Terrain

You might think that all snowshoes are the same. Historically, indigenous people built snowshoes to help them walk across deep snow in the rolling hills of what is now Canada.

People still use snowshoes on flat terrain, but they also use them for climbing mountains and snowshoe running. So today, there are actually different kinds of snowshoes designed to suit different types of terrain.

Snowshoes for Flat Terrain

If you plan to snowshoe in an area with flat terrain or gradual hills, you should pick up some all-purpose snowshoes.  Flat terrain snowshoes are pretty no-frills, with just the basic features.

They don’t have a lot of traction underfoot so they won’t work well on steep slopes or in icy conditions. Since durability isn’t as important for casual users, they often are made of lower-quality materials.

This means they can be a bit heavy and clunky. However, that means they are usually budget-priced, which is great for beginners who aren’t sure if snowshoeing is the sport for them.

Best Snowshoes for Flat Terrain: I recommend the Atlas Access Snowshoes. They are made with quality materials and have an easy to use binding. The price is also low since they are a basic model.

Check prices:

Snowshoes for Mountainous Terrain

If you’re snowshoeing in the mountains, you will be climbing steep slopes or walking on icy terrain. And you need snowshoes that will keep you safe while you do that. Your life literally could depend on it. If you snowshoe near Vancouver, you definitely need mountain snowshoes.

Backcountry snowshoes have lots of traction to bite into ice and steep snow. They have spikes called crampons under the toes, and smaller tooth-like spikes under the heels and sometimes along the frame.

Mountain snowshoes are lighter than other snowshoes since you’ll be wearing them for a long time. You may also want to strap them to your backpack during an approach hike, and no one wants to carry extra weight.

They also have the most durable construction since a broken snowshoe deep in the backcountry may mean you have no way to get home.

These snowshoes often have fancier features than basic snowshoes such as heel lifts, extension tails, and more comfortable bindings. (I’ve got more details on these features below if you don’t know what I’m talking about.)

Best Mountain Snowshoes: When it comes to mountain snowshoes, you absolutely need to have MSR snowshoes. They are based in Seattle so their snowshoes are designed for climbing steep mountains. If you’re on a budget, the MSR Evo Ascent snowshoes are great. (I’ve had mine for almost 20 years!)

Check prices:

Upgrade Pick:

But if you’re looking for something lighter and a bit more high tech, I love my MSR Lightning Ascents. I upgraded to these a few years ago and wish I had gotten them sooner.

Check prices:

Snowshoes for Running

In the last few years, snowshoe running has grown in popularity. Most people snowshoe run on firm snow or packed trails. Since you need less flotation, they tend to be smaller than other snowshoes.

They are also lighter because it’s exhausting to run with heavy things on your feet. Running snowshoes also have minimal traction since the snowshoe trails aren’t usually icy.

To make sure you don’t whack yourself with your snowshoes with each stride, running snowshoes are generally smaller and have an asymmetric shape. Running snowshoes also have comfortable bindings that won’t pinch or chafe.

Best Running Snowshoes: The running snowshoe market is pretty niche, so there aren’t that many options to choose from. The Atlas Snow Run snowshoes get great reviews and are easily the most popular running snowshoes.

Check prices:

What Size Snowshoes to Buy

Have you ever tried to walk in deep snow without snowshoes? You sink right in, sometimes up to your crotch! But with snowshoes on, you have more surface area to spread out your weight so you “float” on top of the snow instead of sinking.

If you’ve ever wondered how snowshoes work, that’s your answer: they add surface area so you float.

Snowshoes come in different sizes to provide the right amount of flotation for each person’s weight. In general, the widths are similar, but they get longer to provide more flotation.

However, longer snowshoes are less maneuverable, so you’ll need to find the right balance between the two. You’ll also need different levels of flotation for different snow conditions. (You need more flotation in deep powder than on firmly packed trails.)

What Size Snowshoes Do You Need?

Follow the steps below to find the right size snowshoes for you.

1. Determine Your Loaded Weight

This weight isn’t just how much you weigh.

It’s the total weight of you, plus your winter clothes, plus the weight of your backpack. Add up these numbers to get your total loaded weight. Heavier people or hikers with lots of gear will need bigger snowshoes.

2. Use the Size Chart

Snowshoe brands publish recommended weights for each snowshoe size. Look at the size chart to see what size snowshoes they recommend for your loaded weight.

3. Factor in the Snow Conditions

If your region is known for fluffy powder, go up a size for more flotation. If you live in an area with heavy, wet snow or usually snowshoe on hard-packed trails, you can use smaller snowshoes.

4. Consider Women’s Snowshoes

In general women’s snowshoes are smaller than men’s snowshoes since lighter people generally need less floatation. But the biggest difference may be hard to see at first glance: subtle differences in shape.

Women’s snowshoes have a narrower profile and are more tapered. This accommodates the average woman’s stride, which isn’t as wide-set as the average man’s. Narrow snowshoes are also a bit easier to walk in.

The bindings on women’s snowshoes are also smaller. The crampons and underfoot grips are placed to sit under a woman’s smaller feet.

I used unisex snowshoes for years, but switched to these women’s snowshoes a few years ago. So! Much! More! Comfortable!

How to Choose Snowshoe Decks and Frames

There are two main types of snowshoes: molded plastic uni-body snowshoes and snowshoes with an outer frame that supports an inner textile decking.

Plastic Snowshoes

Molded plastic snowshoes are made of one piece of strong plastic with the binding attached to the top. Since you can attach metal crampons or teeth anywhere on the bottom, they also usually have great traction.

They are super durable and waaay less expensive than metal frame snowshoes. Molded plastic snowshoes are really common in rental programs since they are pretty much indestructible. I’ve had the same pair for over 15 years! I’ve replaced the bindings, but the decking is still totally fine.

However, plastic snowshoes are much noisier on icy or hard-packed snow. They also don’t flex as you walk, so your stride won’t feel as natural.

Best Plastic Snowshoes: If you’re looking for plastic snowshoes, MSR Evos are the original version and what I’ve had for nearly two decades. Every other plastic snowshoe out there is a copy.

Check prices:

Metal Frame Snowshoes

By far the most common style of snowshoe uses an outer metal frame that supports a flexible fabric deck. This style of snowshoe is lighter and quieter than plastic snowshoes. However, they are not as durable and they are more expensive.

There are a few different types of material for the decking, but in general, they are all super-durable and flexible synthetic fabrics. Some higher-end snowshoes will use lighter-weight fabrics that shed snow more and stay pliable in colder temperatures, but the average user won’t notice much of a difference.

The outer frames are typically aluminum that is lightweight and flexes slightly when you walk, for a more natural stride. The classic design uses round aluminum tubes, which you’ll find on the majority of metal frame snowshoes.

However, the round bottoms of the tubes are slippery on hard-packed or icy snow, so some snowshoe brands like MSR have started making snowshoe frames out of flat aluminum with teeth on the bottom for better grip. I really prefer this style of frame snowshoes as I think they are a LOT safer.

Best Metal Frame Snowshoes: I really believe that the flat-sided frames are a lot safer. My pick for the best metal frame snowshoes are the MSR Lighting snowshoes since they use a flat frame.

Check prices:

How to Choose Snowshoe Bindings

There are a seemingly infinite amount of snowshoe binding types out there. There are ones with buckles, ones with straps, ones with ratchets, ones with dials… the list goes on.

Most bindings are designed to fit over hiking and winter boots, but some companies make bindings large enough for snowboard boots too.

The snowshoe binding you choose will depend on your personal preference and how the binding fits you. If possible, bring your snowshoeing boots to a store and try on a few pairs of snowshoes to get a feel for each type of binding. Make sure you stand up and feel for pressure points.

It’s also a good idea to pick simple bindings that are easy to operate with gloves on. You don’t want to be messing with complicated adjustments in subzero weather!

The way the snowshoes attach to bindings is also important. There are two types of attachment: fixed and hinged.

Fixed Snowshoe Bindings

Fixed bindings attach to the deck with a flexible, elasticated strap. There’s tension on the strap so the tail of the snowshoe lifts up with each step for better striding efficiency.

However, when the elastic springs back, it can spray snow on you.

Atlas snowshoes use a fixed binding.

Hinged Snowshoe Bindings

Hinged bindings use a pivot to attach the binding to the deck near the ball of your foot. The design is better for climbing over things or kicking steps up a slope, which makes hinged bindings better for backcountry snowshoeing.

But this design does mean that the tail of the snowshoe drags, so it’s not as efficient as a fixed binding.

MSR snowshoes use a hinged binding.

Best Snowshoe Bindings

I prefer the super simple strap and hook bindings on MSR’s snowshoes. It used to be the only binding style they offered, but they have a few more choices now. Currently, you can find these bindings on the MSR Evo and Lightning snowshoes.

How to Choose Snowshoe Crampons and Traction

Traditional wooden snowshoes didn’t have any traction underfoot so they weren’t that helpful for climbing hills or icy trails. Thankfully modern snowshoes have the advantage of crampons and other traction. These are metal spikes and teeth on the bottom of the snowshoe that bite into the snow.

Toe Crampons

All snowshoes have toe crampons, attached under the toe of the binding so they can dig in as you walk. This is the main source of traction. More aggressive snowshoes for the mountains will also have other traction aids such as V-shaped crampons under the heels.

Side Traction

Plastic snowshoes and metal frame snowshoes with flat frames also have teeth along the sides. These are VERY important for off-trail and backcountry snowshoeing since they give you stability when traversing across the side of a slope.

Falls during traverses are one of the most common ways that snowshoers seriously injure themselves since most snowshoes provide NO side traction!

Best Snowshoes with Lots of Traction

MSR snowshoes have the best traction, hands down. They all have great toe crampons and side rail crampons. The lower-end models have a bit less traction than their higher-end ones. But compared to other snowshoe brands, they have waaay more traction overall.

Check prices:

Extra Features to Consider

Heel Lift Bars

If you do a lot of uphill snowshoeing, you’ll appreciate heel lift bars. Basically, they are wire bars that you can flip up to rest your heels on. It gives your calves a break and helps with traction.

But make sure you put them down when you’re on flat ground. Otherwise, it will feel like you’re wearing high heels!

You’ll find heel lift bars on mountain snowshoes, particularly on high-end ones. If you’re buying MSR snowshoes, look for ones with “Ascent” in the name to find snowshoes with heel lifts. Atlas and Tubbs also make snowshoes with heel lifts.

Snowshoe Tails

MSR designs all of their snowshoes to be modular. Basically, they sell tail extensions that let you add extra length (and therefore more flotation) to their snowshoes.

This is great for people who go out in a variety of conditions and need more support on powder days, or winter campers who sometimes need to carry very heavy packs. If you’re shopping for tails, make sure you buy the right ones for your snowshoes as they aren’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.

Trekking Poles

You may want to pick up a pair of trekking poles or adjustable ski poles for snowshoeing. I find I feel much more stable when I use them.

I also really appreciate them whenever the route is not totally flat: they add balance on ascents and descents and provide valuable grip on the slope during side-hill traverses.

If you use trekking poles, make sure you get some large winter baskets for them. Otherwise, they will just sink all the way in! I use my Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Cork trekking poles on hiking trails all summer, then switch out the baskets when winter hits.

Micro-Spikes

If you snowshoe in the backcountry you’ll likely get into some pretty steep terrain. Snowshoes are actually terrible for walking steeply downhill or on sidehills. That’s because the platform of the snowshoe gets in the way and the crampon can’t grip the snow.

On really steep slopes, I take my snowshoes off and wear micro-spikes instead. They are low-profile crampons that have stretchy straps to slip on over your boots. I love my Kahtoola Microspikes!

I also have a pair of the Hillsound Trail crampons. They are similar but have an added forefoot strap that helps them stay on better.

What’s the difference between microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes? Read my winter traction device guide to find out.

How to Shop for Snowshoes

The Best Snowshoe Brands

With the increased popularity of snowshoeing, there are TONS of different snowshoe brands on the market.

A few of them are excellent brands making quality snowshoes. A bunch of them are middle of the pack brands that have ok snowshoes, most suited for beginners and flat terrain. And then there are SO MANY terrible snowshoes made of crappy materials that won’t last.

In my opinion, the best snowshoe brands are MSR, Atlas, and Tubbs. If you’re going to buy snowshoes, I strongly advise you to buy from one of these brands.

If you buy from a cheap no-name brand, you’re likely getting snowshoes that will break. The binding straps will crack, the decks will separate from the frames or the crampons will bend.

Just take a minute to read some of the bad reviews of cheap snowshoes on Amazon to get an idea for what can go wrong when you cheap out.

It’s so much better for you and the planet to spend the extra money on a pair of quality snowshoes that you can use for decades instead of buying a new pair every year or two when your crappy ones break. Plus, if your cheap snowshoes break in the backcountry, you may not be able to hike back out!

How Much Do Snowshoes Cost?

In general, snowshoes aren’t cheap – expect to spend about $200 or more. You might be able to find snowshoes on Amazon or at big box stores for less than $100. Stay away! They are made with cheap materials that will bend and won’t hold up.

If you’re a beginner or plan to only snowshoe on flat terrain, you can definitely find snowshoes for less than $200.

But if you want high-end snowshoes that will last and let you tackle challenging terrain, you’ll need to spend more than $200.

If this all sounds too expensive, you can rent snowshoes to try them out. Ski hills and gear shops often have rentals.

You can also buy a used pair of snowshoes. You can usually find them on craigslist, facebook gear buy/sell groups, or from rental places selling off excess inventory. (Psst: Read this post about all the ways to save money on outdoor gear.)

Where to Buy Snowshoes

You can now buy snowshoes in lots of places: big box stores, Amazon, and traditional outdoor stores like REI and MEC. You can even buy snowshoes at Costco.

In general, I think it’s best to buy snowshoes from an outdoor store. They will have the best selection, have staff that can help you choose snowshoes, and usually have a very good warranty.

However, if you are buying quality snowshoes from a reputable brand, buying them elsewhere can also be ok since you know you’re getting a good product.

Final Thoughts

So that’s my HUGE guide on how to choose snowshoes. I hope it’s given you the info you need to buy the right snowshoes for you. If you’ve got more questions about what to look for in snowshoes, leave them in the comments. I’m always happy to chat about gear!

MORE SNOWSHOEING ADVICE:

• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (20+ Ideas)
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• The Ultimate Guide to Snowshoeing in Vancouver: 10 Places to Go

MORE WINTER HIKING TIPS:

• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)
• Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: What’s the Difference?
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Best Insulated Skirts to Keep Your Butt Warm on the Trails
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

The post How to Choose Snowshoes – Get the Right Ones for You appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

I definitely had all of these questions when I first started winter hiking and snowshoeing, and through years of trial and error (oh so many errors!), I’ve come up with a bunch of pretty good winter hiking outfits that work for a variety of cold temperatures.

So here it is – my guide for what to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing. In includes:

• How to dress in layers: What is each layer called and what is it for?
• Base layers for winter hiking: recommendations for long underwear tops and bottoms
• Mid layers: When do you want a fleece jackets vs. an insulated down or synthetic puffy?
• Outer layer jackets: What to look for in a waterproof breathable jacket
• Outer layer pants: What kind of pants should you wear for winter hiking? (Ski pants, rain pants, soft shell pants, or winter tights?)
• Boots for winter hiking: Insulation and waterproofness are key!
• Socks: Warm, cozy, and blister-preventing
• Gaiters: Keep the snow out of your boots
• Snowshoes and microspikes: Add traction and flotation in snow and ice
• Accessories to keep you warm: hats, gloves, and neck gaiters (buffs)
• Winter hiking checklist: use this list of winter hiking clothing to plan your next trip

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

How Cold Will it Be?

The first thing to do is figure out how cold it will be. Don’t just look at the weather forecast for your city – the temperatures can be MUCH colder in the mountains. Use my picks for The Best Weather Apps for Hiking to get a better idea of the forecast on the trails.

In my hometown of Squamish, BC, our winters are typically not that cold: temperatures between +5°C and -10°C (41°F and 14°F) in the mountains are pretty typical.

In that climate, as long as you are moving and not taking long breaks, you won’t need any Everest expedition-level super warm clothing.

If you are heading out in colder temperatures, you will obviously need warmer clothing.

Dress in Layers

The secret to staying comfortable while winter hiking or snowshoeing is layering. You take off layers when you get too hot and add more when it cools down.

It’s also important to wear the RIGHT amount of layers. If you wear too many, you’ll overheat and sweat. Then when you stop, all that cold perspiration in your clothing will cool you down too quickly, or even worse, turn to ice.

My winter hiking and snowshoeing mantra is “Be bold, start cold”. I always wear less layers to start with since I know I’ll warm up as I move. I carry warm gear in my pack to put on when I stop.

The classic layering system consists of a base layer, mid layer and outer layers. Here’s what each layer does:

• Base layer: Wicks sweat and provides warmth.

• Mid-layer: Provides customizable warmth that you can add or subtract depending on the temperature and how hard you are working.

• Outer-layer: Provides protection from wind and rain.

I’ve got details on each of those layers below.

Base Layers to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

A good winter hiking outfit starts with a warm and wicking base layer (also known as long underwear). If you are starting from scratch, choose mid-weight base layer pants and a long sleeved mid-weight base layer top.

Polyester and merino wool are both great options for fabric that retains warmth even if you get wet. I mostly wear polyester since it’s cheaper and more durable, but merino wool can be great if you can afford it. (Read my guide to whether Merino wool is worth it for more info.)

If you get cold easily, live in a very cold climate, or plan to go winter camping, consider getting heavy-weight base layers instead of mid-weight.

For synthetic base layers, I like Patagonia’s Capilene Midweight collection. It has a subtle grid-texture on the inside that traps warmth without adding bulk.

If you’re looking for merino wool base layers, I love the Smartwool Classic Thermal series. It provides the right amount of warmth for snowshoeing. Their base layer bottoms have a wide waistband that stays put. (And they come in fun patterns too).

Underwear

You’ll also need to wear quick-drying underwear underneath your base layer. (Skip the cotton – it will just get soggy with sweat!) Read my guide to hiking underwear to find out which ones are best.

Mid Layers to Wear Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

The next layer is the mid-layer. The main job of the mid-layer is to provide extra warmth. This is the most customizable layer – choose a warmer mid-layer for cold conditions and a lighter one for milder weather.

Your mid-layer is also the layer that you will take on and off the most as the temperature changes or your exertion level increases or decreases.

Mid-Layer Jackets: Fleece vs. Synthetic Insulated vs. Down

A lightweight insulated puffy jacket or a mid-weight high-loft fleece jacket is a good option to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing for extra warmth. Or just keep it in your bag to throw on while taking breaks.

There are two types of jackets to consider: fleeces and insulated jackets.

Fleece jackets provide a moderate amount of warmth and wick sweat, so they are great to wear when you are moving fast or in mild weather.

In colder weather you will want an insulated puffy jacket for extra warmth. I prefer to snowshoe and winter hike in a fleece jacket, then carry a lightweight down jacket to put on when I take breaks or if it’s extra cold.

For insulated puffy jackets you have a choice between down and synthetic insulation. Many people like the warmth and compressibility of a down jacket. A synthetic jacket can be a better choice in damp conditions such as humid coastal climates, temperatures close to freezing, or during sweaty activities.

Synthetic jackets dry faster than down and keep you warm even when wet. But they aren’t as light or compressible. Down jackets don’t provide any warmth once they are wet and take a long time to dry.

Fleece Jackets

I have a few fleece jackets but I love, but most of them are discontinued. In general, I look for fleeces that have a bit of stretch. I also like grid fleece since it breathes well but still provide lots of warmth.

One of my faves that is still available is the MEC Rockwall Fleece. It has a smooth water resistant outer face but is fleecy and soft on the inside. It’s also pretty stretchy.

Insulated Puffy Jackets

I have a ton of puffy jackets, so I find it hard to choose which one to bring on some trips. For a synthetic puffy, I reach for my Arc’teryx Proton most often. It’s really breathable, and the synthetic insulation keeps me warm even when its wet.

Sometimes I also pack my Arc’teryx Cerium down jacket if it is going to be really cold. It’s super warm and squishes down really small so it is great to have in my pack. Since it is down, I save it to wear when I’m taking a break since (like all down jackets) it doesn’t deal with sweat well.

Mid-Layer Bottoms: Fleece Pants

For midlayer bottoms some people like to wear lightweight fleece pants. I find fleece pants are too warm to wear when snowshoeing, especially if I’m wearing long johns or tights.  

Unless you are really a cold person or out in very cold temperatures, I’d go with either a baselayer or a midlayer on the bottom but not both. I have an older pair of MEC Trek pants that I wear for winter camping.

Outer Layers Jackets for Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

Even in nice weather, it’s important to have an outer layer for snowshoeing and winter hiking. Your outer layer protects you from wind, rain, and snow. I often winter hike in just my base layer under my outer layer (no mid-layer).

For hiking in any season, you need a rain jacket since it can rain or snow at any time of year in the mountains.

Make sure you choose a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable so you don’t sweat inside it.  That usually means a jacket with Gore-Tex or another waterproof breathable technology. (Check out my guide to why rain jackets wet out to learn more about waterproofing.)

There are lots of technologies out there and many brands use their own, but as long as the jacket is advertised as a waterproof breathable garment, you can be sure it is waterproof.  

If you spend more money for Gore-Tex or another branded technology you’ll often get more durability and a lot more breathability, but the waterproofness straight off the shelf will be comparable to the cheap jackets.

I like high quality waterproof breathable jackets to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing since the consequences of getting wet are so much higher when it’s cold out.

I just upgraded to the Outdoor Research Aspire Jacket. (The men’s version is called the Foray.) It’s a durable 3-layer waterproof breathable jacket with a bit of stretch so it’s comfortable to wear. I also love the huge pit zips which are great for venting heat when I’m working hard or giving me access to the pockets in my mid layer.

Outer Layer Pants for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

You have a few choices when it comes to picking a type of outer pants for snowshoeing or winter hiking. The type you choose will depend on your budget, how cold it is where you hike and what style of hiking you do.

Below I’ve got info on winter tights, soft shell pants, rain pants, insulated ski pants, and insulated skirts.

Winter Tights/Leggings

In mild-weather or when I plan to do a short hike where I’ll be working hard, I often wear winter tights for snowshoeing.

I have a pair of Athleta Altitude Leggings that I love so much I bought a second pair. They are made of stretchy and warm Polartec fleece. (These aren’t the crappy yoga tights with a fuzzy lining that you see on Amazon.) I wear them on their own without a base layer when it’s cold but not windy.

If it’s windy, I like leggings with a fleece lining and wind resistant outer fabric. I keep a pair of rain pants or an insulated skirt in my backpack to put on overtop in case it gets cold. (More on those below.)

I have an older pair of discontinued winter biking tights that I wear for snowshoeing and winter hiking. They have a cozy fleece lining and windproof panels on the front only, since they’re designed for biking.

Tights designed for cross-country skiing will also be great for snowshoeing since they have windproof panels. Craft, Swix, and Salomon all make great options.

READ NEXT: 18 Best Hiking Leggings

Soft Shell Pants

For most trips, I like to wear softshell pants for winter hiking and snowshoeing since they are wind resistant and water resistant.

Key point: they aren’t waterproof so they won’t hold up to constant rain, siting in the snow, or bum sliding.

They are also quite breathable so they are good for days when you are working hard or it’s not that cold.

There are a few softshell pants on the market designed for snowshoeing or winter hiking, but I’ve found that pants designed for ski touring also work really well for snowshoers. Many softshell pants designed for winter have a thin fleecy layer inside for extra warmth so on warmer days you can skip a baselayer.

I have an old pair version of the MEC Tobo soft shell pants. They breathe well but still block the wind. They also shed snow but won’t stand up to heavy rain.

Ski touring pants like the Outdoor Research Cirque pants are similar. They are built for ski touring and have a fleece lining.

Rain Pants

Many people (including me) like to wear waterproof breathable rain pants over their base layer for winter hiking and snowshoeing. They are windproof so they’ll retain body heat. This means you might get overheated in them, so get ones with zippered leg vents if you run hot.

They also tend to be light weight and packable so you can take them off on bluebird days and just go in your tights or long johns. And since they are totally waterproof they are the best option for days where it is sleeting, for sitting in the snow, or for bum-sliding.

The bonus is that you can use them as rain pants at other times of the year so you don’t have to buy a dedicated pair of winter pants.

I have the MEC Hydrofoil Stretch Pants. I love them since they have 3/4 length zips for easy on/off. I’ve worn them on countless summer backpacking trips and winter hikes. I also love that the fabric stretches a little so they are more comfortable.

Insulated Ski Pants

Another option for winter hiking and snowshoeing is to wear ski or snowboard pants.  Many people already have these in their closets. If you don’t, they are easy to find at used gear shops or on clearance at ski stores. 

Most of them have good waterproofness, although they often aren’t as waterproof as rain pants.  Most ski pants are insulated which can be too warm for hiking in, especially in warmer weather. It’s waaay too easy to overheat and start to sweat.

If you want to snowshoe or winter hike in ski pants, I recommend you buy a cheap pair. You don’t need to worry about durability the way you would with ski pants since you won’t be falling down on them. (Or I hope you won’t anyway!)

There are tons of budget options on Amazon, but insulated ski pants from Arctix get the best ratings.

If you want insulated pants from a more reputable brand, Columbia’s Bugaboo Omni-Heat Snow pants are value-price, but great quality.

Insulated Skirts

When I first heard about insulated skirts I thought they were silly and for people who cared about fashion. But I’ve since come around to the conclusion that they are so functional!

Often when you’re exercising in cold weather your butt and thighs get cold but the rest of your legs are warm. That’s where insulated skirts come in.

I got an insulated skirt a few years ago and have worn it a LOT the past three winters. I like to layer it over winter tights. If I get really warm, I take it off and stow it in my pack, then put it back on when I take a break or cool down. Some have a full side zip so they are easy to take on and off.

I have a Smartwool Smartloft Skirt. It has stretchy and warm side panels with insulation on the front and back. Since it’s from Smartwool, the waistband and inside lining are cozy merino wool.

READ NEXT: Best Insulated Skirts to Keep Your Butt Warm on the Trails

Boots for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

If you already own waterproof hiking boots, they will work great for winter hiking and snowshoeing. Just make sure they are really waterproof. If they’re not, the heat from your feet will melt any snow on the outside, which will leak inside and cause cold feet. Brrr!

If you snowshoe regularly, I recommend investing in a pair of insulated winter hiking boots. Read my guide to the best boots for snowshoeing to learn what features to look for in snowshoeing boots.

(Tip: Winter hiking can cause blisters since the slippery snow moves your foot around inside your boots. Get my tips for preventing blisters.)

I wear Salomon Vaya Powder insulated hiking boots for snowshoeing. They are warm, have ankle support, and are totally waterproof. Unfortunately, they are discontinued.

I recommend you check out the Salomon X Ultra Snowpilot Waterproof Winter Boots. I’ve been wearing the summer version of these boots for years and love them.

Socks for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Comfortable hiking socks are one of the keys to happy winter hiking and snowshoeing. I wear thicker wool socks in the winter time to add warmth. Make sure your socks fit well and aren’t too thick for your shoes. Read my tips for preventing blisters.

My favourite socks for winter hiking are the Darn Tough Midweight Hiker Socks since they last forever.

If you get really cold feet, an easy way to add warmth when you snowshoe is heated socks. I haven’t tried them yet, but a friend with Reynaud’s disease (a circulatory disorder that causes cold hands and feet) swears by heated socks. The have a small battery pack and you can control the temperature with an app on your phone.

These heated socks from Amazon get good reviews are are pretty reasonably price. are a few different heated sock companies out there, but I’ve heard good things about Hotronic heated socks.

Gaiters for Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Even if you have waterproof boots, you can’t really go out in the snow without a pair of gaiters. These bridge the gap between the top of your boots and the bottom of your pants and make sure you don’t get snowy socks.  Even really basic and cheap water resistant ones will be fine, but you can’t skip these.

I’ve had a pair of MEC Kokanee Gore Tex gaiters for years. They have been on countless snowshoe trips and I also love them for coastal hiking.

Any waterproof or water resistant gaiters will work for winter hiking and snowshoeing (the Gore Tex is for breathability for summer use in sand and mud).

Snowshoes and Microspikes for Winter Hiking

For deep snow, of course you will need snowshoes. (I’ve got a whole guide on how to choose snowshoes if you need help!)

I love my MSR Lighting Ascent snowshoes since they are lightweight but grip well on steep slopes.

When the snow is not very deep or the trails are icy you still need something to keep you from slipping. (Slip and fall cause the most common snowshoe and winter hiking injuries. Read my post about snowshoeing safety to learn how to prevent them.)

That’s where crampons or microspikes come in. They come along in my pack for every winter hike since I never know when I might need them. (Read my guide to crampons vs. microspikes vs. snowshoes to understand the difference between these traction devices and when to use them.)

For microspikes, I can’t say enough good things about my Kahtoola Microspikes. They are easy to put on but provide lots of grip.

Accessories to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

When you’re out freezing weather, your hands and head often feel cold first, so make sure you wear a warm hat and some gloves.  

Actually you’ll probably want two pairs of gloves: one pair of lightweight fleece gloves and one pair of insulated and waterproof or water resistant ski gloves or mitts.  It’s good to have both since your hands will be warmer while you are moving, but cold when you stop or when you are exposed to the wind.

Pretty much any basic fleece gloves will be great for winter hiking or snowshoeing. I like ones with touchscreen pads so I can still use my phone.

Make sure you bring waterproof insulated ski gloves too. I actually prefer mittens since they keep your fingers warmer.

Another accessory that I like to bring is a wool or fleece buff/neck gaiter.  You can wear it as a headband, as a hat,  around your neck or over your nose and mouth – I always bring one and always find a use for it. I always bring a merino wool buff (in fact I have three of them!)

Winter Hiking Checklist

Make sure you have everything you need before you head out on your next winter hike or snowshoeing trip. Here’s a winter hiking checklist that includes everything you need to wear for winter hiking and snowshoeing:

• Mid-weight or heavy-weight synthetic or merino wool base layer top
• Mid-weight or heavy-weight synthetic or merino wool base layer bottoms
• Quick-drying synthetic or merino wool underwear and sports bra
• Warm merino wool or synthetic hiking socks
• Mid-layer jacket: insulated down or synthetic jacket and/or fleece jacket
• Mid-layer fleece pants (optional – likely only for very cold weather)
• Waterproof breathable rain jacket
• Outer layer bottoms: rain pants, winter tights, soft shell pants, ski pants, or insulated skirt
• Warm wool or fleece beanie hat/toque
• Wool neck gaiter (buff)
• Fleece gloves
• Insulated ski gloves or mittens
• Waterproof hiking boots or insulated hiking boots
• Snowshoes
• Microspikes
• Waterproof or water-resistant gaiters

So that’s my run-down on what to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing. I know that this layering system will  keep you warm and dry on your next winter hike. Just remember not to let yourself overheat and get sweaty! Do you have tips for winter hiking clothing? Leave them in the comments.

More Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking Posts:

• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)
• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (25+ Ideas)
• Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: What’s the Difference?

More Hiking Gear Posts:

• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Best Insulated Skirts to Keep Your Butt Warm on the Trails
• Why Do Rain Jackets Wet Out?
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

The post What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

Hiking is a year-round activity for me and I’ve been winter hiking for over a decade. (If there’s enough snow I’ll wear snowshoes, but really snowshoeing is mostly just hiking with weird things on your feet.)

Ensure your cold weather hikes are just as fun as your summer adventures with these tips for winter hiking:

• Check the weather forecast and trail conditions – know what to expect
• Be prepared – always pack the 10 essentials
• Be avalanche safe – check the avvy forecast and get training
• Bring the right gear – Bring snowshoes or microspikes to prepare for icy and snowy conditions
• Dress in layers – BUT, “Be bold, start cold”
• Stay hydrated – Avoid dehydration and keep your water from freezing
• Eat lots – And make sure your snacks don’t freeze
• Keep your electronics warm – batteries die in the cold
• Bring a big backpack – to carry all your gear

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support. -Taryn

Check the Forecast and Trail Conditions

Before I leave, I pick a destination based on the weather forecast and conditions. Checking the weather is something I do all year long.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

But in the winter, I also check trail conditions since harsh weather can do a number on the trails.  I want to know if there is ice, how much snow there is, and if there are any washouts or other issues with the trail.

For trail conditions I like to check a local Facebook groups and Reddit threads, Instagram, All Trails and the website of the park I plan to visit.

For snow conditions I use the closest ski resort forecast to my destination from snow-forecast.com since it will provide conditions and forecasts for various elevations. But watch out for artificially inflated snowpack numbers from man-made snow!

Be Prepared

I always carry The Ten Essentials when hiking and it’s even more important to do so in the winter.

I supplement my regular first aid kit and emergency supplies with some chemical hand warmers and a bright headlamp with fresh batteries (in addition to the small emergency light I always carry).

I also add in sunscreen and SPF lipbalm because the snow reflects light and no one likes sunburns and chapped lips.

I use a Petzl Actik Core headlamp. It’s super bright and easy to use without being too expensive. Plus the batteries last a long time on low power.

I also carry the super tiny Petzl E+Lite headlamp in my first aid kit as a backup emergency light. It’s tiny and has a battery that lasts up to 10 years. A couple years ago I met a family of tourists at dusk who had no lights. I was glad to have my E+Lite to lend to them for the walk down.

READ NEXT: The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike

Be Avalanche Safe

Avalanches are no joke.  Read avalanche warnings and information about the area where you will be hiking: avalanche.ca (Canada) or avalanche.org (America).

If you plan to regularly travel on snow into avalanche terrain take an avalanche course. You can also check out this great article on recognizing avalanche terrain from Avalanche Canada.

I learned SO much when I took avalanche training and it changed the way I look at mountains.

Bring the Right Gear for the Conditions (And Know How to Use It)

If there is lots of deep snow I wear my snowshoes. But sometimes there isn’t that much snow or it’s so packed down that snowshoes aren’t necessary.  That’s why I always pack my lightweight mini-crampons, also known as microspikes. They are great for packed snow, icy trails or steeper slopes.

Most winter accidents involving hikers occur when someone slips and falls on a steep icy or snowy slope.  Snowshoes are great for providing flotation in deep snow, but they aren’t great at gripping steep slopes.  Microspikes can be much safer! (Read my guide to the differences between microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes.)

READ NEXT: Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them

I wear MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes since they provide good grip on icy slopes. If you’re looking for something a little less expensive, any I recommend any MSR snowshoes. I used the budget-priced MSR Evos for years. They’re not as light, but they grip just as well.

READ NEXT: How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide

For mini-crampons I like the Kahtoola Microspikes. They are pointy enough to grip most moderate ice and the rubber straps stretch to fit both my trail runners and my bigger backpacking boots.

Dress in Layers, BUT “Be Bold, Start Cold”

A common winter hiking tip is to dress in layers. The trick is to avoid sweating since once you stop you’ll be wet and cold. 

A few years ago my avalanche course instructor taught me her winter mantra: “Be bold, start cold” and I’ve lived by it ever since. I wear as few layers as possible while hiking and save the warm layers for breaks.

The type of clothing I bring depends on the weather and how long I’m out for, but in general I consider the following items as must-haves in addition to regular three-season hiking clothing:

• long underwear,
• a puffy jacket that is compressible,
• two pairs of gloves (one warmer than the other),
• a warm hat,
• a buff or neck warmer,
• gaiters,
• warm socks

It’s also worth keeping in mind that if you take off any article of clothing that is wet from sweat, it will soon freeze and be virtually unwearable. That’s why I always bring extra gloves and often bring extra hats and hiking shirts.

READ NEXT: What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing

Stay Hydrated

When its cold out I find that I just don’t feel as thirsty and tend to drink less water.  The downside of this is that I’m often horribly dehydrated after winter hikes.  It’s important to keep drinking, but in temperatures below freezing, but it can be hard.

If the temperature is around freezing you can get away with using a hydration bladder. Follow these tips to keep the hose and mouthpiece from icing up:

• Fill it with warm water at home. 
• Keep as much of the hose inside your pack as possible. 
• Take small sips of water often to keep water moving through the hose and mouthpiece. 
• After each sip, blow air back into the hose to force the water back down into the reservoir. 

You can buy an insulated tube cover and put a chemical hand warmer pack next to your mouthpiece as well, but that strategy will only work for milder temperatures, not extreme cold.

For weather that is well below freezing you’ll need an insulated water bottle or a thermos.  You can also buy insulated water bottle covers or cozies (or just wrap your bottle inside an extra fleece in your pack). 

Fill your bottles at home with hot water, tea or hot chocolate.  You can also turn your water bottle upside down in your pack to ensure that the top doesn’t get frozen shut as the side facing up will freeze first.

For insulated bottles, I love my Hydro Flask. It keeps drinks warm for a reasonable amount of time and comes in lots of colours.

You can also wrap your water bottle in a cozy to keep it from freezing. There are also lots of water bottle cozies on Amazon.

Eat Lots

As well not being thirsty, I’m usually not that hungry when it’s really cold and sometimes it’s not that pleasant to stop for long breaks. 

I like to bring along high calorie snacks like gummy candies, energy chews, nuts, jerky and chocolate that I can keep in my jacket pocket and eat as I hike. 

Traditional hiking food like sandwiches tends to freeze into solid lumps in the winter – not appetizing! (Pro tip: keep your food in your pockets to keep it from freezing.)

Another great option is an insulated container full of warm soup. I bringing a warm meal in my Hydro Flask Food Jar.

If you have the time and can find a good place to stop out of the wind, bring along a backpacking stove and an easy to prepare warm meal (think just add boiling water).

Keep Your Electronics Warm

Cold weather kills batteries.  There is nothing more frustrating than arriving at a beautiful viewpoint only to find that your camera is too cold to function. 

If you are using a GPS for navigation or are carrying a mobile phone that could be used to call for help in an emergency, you’ll want to keep them operational as well.  Carry electronics in a jacket pocket to benefit from your body heat and bring spare batteries just in case.

Bring a Big Backpack

With all the extra stuff you’ll need to carry for winter hiking, you’ll need a bigger backpack.  In the summer I typically carry a smaller 20L daypack, but for winter trips I upgrade to a bigger pack – usually about 30L. 

When considering a pack for winter hiking you’ll want one that has lash points or compression straps that allow you to carry your snowshoes and trekking poles in case you don’t need them. I also like packs that don’t have a lot of mesh pockets on the outside since these can collect snow.

Right now I’m using a Deuter Freerider Backpack that has straps for my snowshoes and lots of interior pockets for organization.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it: my top winter hiking tips. I’m sure they’ll keep you warm, dry, safe and most importantly, happy as you hike and snowshoe this winter.

Do you keep hiking even when the cold weather comes?  What are your favourite winter hiking tips? Leave them in the comments.

More winter hiking tips: 

• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• Winter Camping For Beginners
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike
• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• 17 Ways to Save Money on Hiking Gear
• Best Insulated Skirts to Keep Your Butt Warm on the Trails

More snowshoeing tips:

• Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them
• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (20+ Ideas)
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing

The post 9 Winter Hiking Tips (You Don’t Have to Freeze!) appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.

But I don’t want to scare you off winter hiking and snowshoeing adventures. They can be so much fun, as long as you’re prepared.

In this post, I’ve partnered with a Search and Rescue expert to lay out all the ways you can get into trouble when snowshoeing or winter hiking. But we will also tell you how to prevent these issues AND what to do if something does go wrong despite your prevention efforts.

This post includes info and advice on:

• Hypothermia
• Slip and Falls
• Getting Lost
• Getting Caught Out After Dark
• Frostbite
• Falling Into Water
• Avalanches
• Glissading Injuries
• Tree Wells
• Dehydration
• Blisters
• Getting Caught in a Storm
• Cornices
• Your Ego

Hey there: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. Thanks for supporting my website! -Taryn

This is a sensitive wilderness area. Learn how to Leave No Trace to keep the wilderness wild. Make sure you are prepared by bringing the 10 Essentials. Get ready for adventure with this checklist of things to do before every hike.

Expert Advice

To really make sure I was getting the most expert info when it comes to snowshoeing safety, I chatted with Michael Coyle, a Search and Rescue volunteer with over 20 years of experience.

You’ll find advice from him throughout this post. Michael has been on countless rescues in the Vancouver area, and many of those rescues involved snowshoers. I’m so grateful that he shared his expertise on this subject.

Why is Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing More Dangerous than Summer Hiking?

At first glance, snowshoeing might seem pretty similar to summer hiking. You strap snowshoes on your feet, wear a few more clothes and set out on the same trails, right? Well not exactly. As Michael put it:

“Winter reduces the margin for error: Winter has shorter days. Travel in the snow is always slower than walking. Snow creates more problems route-finding because it blocks trail markers and landmarks. The combination of those three factors turns a winter expedition into a more serious thing because you’ve got less time, you’re moving slower, and you’ve already got a challenge navigating. And of course, cold weather reduces survivability. Somebody who gets lost in the winter is automatically in a life-threatening situation.”

– Michael Coyle, Search and Rescue volunteer in Coquitlam, BC

That’s why being prepared and knowing the basics of snowshoeing safety is so important.

Here are 14 ways you can get into trouble snowshoeing, how to prevent them, and what to do if they happen.

Hypothermia

What is hypothermia?

There’s feeling a little chilly, and then there’s hypothermia. A person is hypothermic when their core body temperature drops too low (35°C/95°F). It’s easy to get hypothermic when it’s really cold out, but it can also happen in wet and windy weather that isn’t below freezing.

People with hypothermia shiver, slur their speech, lose their balance, get clumsy, and generally act a bit “slower” than normal.

In the later stages of hypothermia, they may have shallow breathing, a weak pulse, and may lose consciousness. If left untreated, hypothermia can lead to death. Knowing the signs of hypothermia is an important part of snowshoeing safety, and hiking safety all year round.

How to prevent hypothermia

Prevention is key when it comes to hypothermia. Ensure you bring lots of warm clothing. Avoid sweating since it will cool you down when you stop. Pack dry clothes to change into if you do get sweaty.

Dress in layers so you can easily regulate your temperature. Read more about what to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing.

Check the weather forecast before you go out and make sure you have the right gear for the temperature and wind. And keep an eye on the weather as you snowshoe. If it looks like it’s getting worse, it might be a good idea to turn around early.

What to do if someone gets hypothermia

Hypothermia can be difficult to diagnose in the early stages, and the sufferer may not even think they are hypothermic since their mental capacity is diminished. Make sure you check in with your friends so you can recognize the symptoms of hypothermia in each other.

The only treatment for hypothermia is warming up the victim. First, get out of the cold. That may mean setting up a tent or just finding a sheltered spot and wrapping the patient in an emergency blanket.

Cuddling can also be really helpful. Remove any wet clothing and have them put on something dry and warm. Have the patient drink and eat lots of warm things. Bringing a stove on a winter trip can be the difference between life and death! Call Search and Rescue for help if necessary.

Slip and Falls on a Steep Slope

How do slip and falls on a steep slope happen?

Falls on steep slopes are actually one of the most common ways for snowshoers to injure themselves. In Michael’s experience, in places with steep and icy conditions, such as the mountains near Vancouver, slip and falls are far more common for snowshoers than avalanches.

Snowy and icy conditions make things more slippery in the winter, leading to more falls. A few other factors also come into play:

First, when you slip on ice or snow, you are much more likely to slide a long way down, possibly bumping into things along the way. This means that the consequences of a winter fall on a slope are often high.

Second, on a slippery slope, you need lots of traction, and snowshoers don’t usually have it.

How to prevent slip and falls on a steep slope

The first thing you can do is try to avoid steep slopes. Michael says snowshoers need to be careful in any steep terrain since the chance of a slip and fall will have more of a consequence.

Look for gentler, more gradual slopes to travel on. In particular, he says side-hilling and going steeply up or down a slope are the most dangerous.

1. Snowshoes don’t provide good traction

If you need to travel on a steep slope, make sure you have traction. Snowshoes are primarily intended to help you float on top of the snow. They have cleats underfoot for a bit of grip, but in general, snowshoes aren’t very good at biting into the snow. (Read more about how to choose snowshoes.)

Snowshoes can be particularly dangerous when you are traversing across a slope since, in that orientation, the cleats under the snowshoes aren’t biting into the snow at all! Going down is also problematic since the cleats aren’t designed to grip well in that direction.

2. Take your snowshoes off, then kick steps or use microspikes

On steep and snowy slopes you may want to remove your snowshoes entirely and kick steps into the snow using your boots.

If the slope is icy, I find using microspikes to be really helpful and Michael highly recommends them too. They are spikes that strap to the bottom of your shoes and give you a great grip on ice.

Michael recommends you change your footwear “earlier rather than later. Transition on flat terrain if you can or if you know you’re coming up on a steep area. And don’t be afraid of backtracking a bit.” Balancing on the side of a hill is not the best place to be fiddling with straps!

Read more about the differences between microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes.

3. Use trekking poles

You also need to add traction with your hands. I always bring trekking poles when I go snowshoeing. They add extra security on steep slopes.

Michael recommends removing the baskets or flipping the poles upside down so you can “plunge them deeper into the snow to get stability”. He says most people use poles as a balance tool, but that when you plunge a pole deep into the snow, you are essentially creating a self-belay to anchor yourself to the slope.

Another option he recommends is to “shorten the poles, then grab them above the basket and use them like little daggers.”

4. Use an ice axe

Mountaineers use ice axes for even better security. Many snowshoers don’t carry one, but it’s a good idea if you’re getting into steep backcountry terrain.

Michael recommends that you “get an ice axe and learn how to use it” to self-arrest. Take a mountaineering course to learn how. And definitely pick up a copy of Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, the mountain travel bible for hikers and mountaineers.

What to do if you do slip and fall on a steep slope

If you do start to slide on a steep slope, I hope you’ve got an ice axe. Doing a self-arrest maneuver with an ice axe, is the best way to stop a slide. If you don’t have an axe, you can use your hiking poles or try to dig into the snow with your hands, elbows, knees, and boots.

Getting Lost

How do snowshoers get lost?

It’s a lot easier to get lost in the winter since the snow can obscure summer trail markers. If the weather is good and you lose the trail, you can follow your footprints in the snow to backtrack. But that doesn’t work when it’s snowing.

Another way snowshoers get lost is when they lose the trail, they head downhill and end up going down a slope that is too steep to climb back up.

How to prevent getting lost while snowshoeing

In some areas, park rangers mark winter routes with long reflective wands. This makes it easier to find the trail. However, in a snowstorm, even the wands might be hard to find.

If you hike or snowshoe in the winter, you should brush up on your navigation skills. Carry a map and compass and know how to use it. A stand-alone GPS or GPS app on your phone like Gaia GPS is also a good idea. But make sure you pack extra batteries, especially if you use your phone since you’ll need it in an emergency.

What to do if you get lost snowshoeing

If you do realize you are lost, don’t panic. Stop and think. See if you can remember any landmarks you may have passed. If the weather is good, turn around and follow your footprints back the way you came. Look at your map or use your GPS to see where you are and where you might have gone wrong.

If you really aren’t sure where you are or how to get back to the trail, stay put and call for help. Don’t keep moving as it will be harder for rescuers to find you. And DON’T start blindly descending the mountain. Many snowshoers have been injured or died this way.

When you go downhill, you can get into very steep gullies that are hard to get out of or slip and fall off cliffs. Michael says that his Search and Rescue teams have rescued many people in these types of situations where they have gone down a slope and can’t get back up.

Getting Caught Out After Dark

How do snowshoers get caught out after dark?

Many snowshoers forget that there are fewer hours of daylight in the winter and don’t leave enough time to get back to the trailhead. They often also forget to pack a flashlight or headlamp.

How to prevent getting caught out after dark

Look up the sunset time for the day you plan to hike. If your hike takes you into a valley or is in a forest, keep in mind that it will be dark on the trail earlier than the forecasted sunset time.

Research the trail you want to snowshoe. Give yourself enough time to complete the hike before it gets dark.

And remember that snowshoeing can be MUCH slower than hiking. As well, travel times on snowshoes are very dependent on the snow conditions. I like to start my winter trips as early as possible to give myself a buffer of a few hours just in case it takes longer than I think it will.

I always pack a headlamp on every winter hike, just in case. You never know when you’ll end up hiking in the dark. A headlamp or flashlight is much brighter and will last longer than the light on your phone. And you should save the battery on your phone in case you need to call for help.

What to do if you have to hike out in the dark

Try to avoid using a light until you really need it to save batteries. Your eyes can adjust well to the dark. If you brought a headlamp or flashlight, use it once it gets really dark.

Be extra vigilant to make sure you stay on the trail – it’s a lot easier to get lost at night.

If it’s really dark and you don’t have a light, don’t keep hiking. You’ll just get lost or fall and hurt yourself. Stay put and call for help.

Frostbite

What is frostbite?

Frostbite happens when your skin and tissue get so cold that they freeze. Frostbite can cause permanent damage.

The most common way to get frostbite is when skin is exposed to cold air. The first symptoms of frostbite are numbness or a pins-and-needles feeling. As it gets worse, frostbite will start to feel painful and the skin will change colour and feel firmer.

How to prevent frostbite

Bundle up! Protect all your exposed skin from the cold winter air. Wear layers, warm gloves and a hat. (Read more about what to wear winter hiking and snowshoeing.) Consider bringing backups in your pack so you can add a layer or swap damp gear for dry.

In very cold temperatures you may want to wear a balaclava and ski goggles to make sure you have no exposed skin.

Check the weather. If exceptionally cold temperatures or high winds are forecast, stay indoors. The risk of frostbite increases greatly when temperatures are below -15°C/5°F.

What to do if you get frostbite

Frostbitten tissue is very sensitive and vulnerable. Don’t try to rub it to warm it up, as you can damage it. Get out of the backcountry and to medical attention as soon as possible to have professionals rewarm the affected tissue.

Falling Into Water

How do snowshoers fall into water in the winter?

Unfortunately, it’s pretty easy to accidentally fall through thin ice on lakes or streams. Or you might be crossing when you think is a depression in the snow, that turns out to actually be a creek bed. You could crash through the snow bridge over the top of a creek and end up in the water.

Being wet and cold in the winter is dangerous. It can lead to hypothermia and frostbite. No bueno.

How to avoid falling into water in the winter

Know your surroundings! Use a map or GPS app to figure out if you’re actually walking on a frozen lake or stream.

Ice needs to be at least 4″ (10cm) thick to safely walk on it. However, keep in mind that ice is usually not the same thickness across an entire body of water. It may be thinner in some areas, especially where there is moving water.

Keep an eye out for hidden stream crossings as well, especially early and late in the winter. If there’s a trench in the snow, it’s likely there’s a creek flowing underneath. You can use hiking poles to probe the depth of the snow to see if it is thick enough to cross. If in doubt, turn around.

What to do if you fall into water in the winter

If you fall through ice into deep water, try to remain calm and get out of the water as soon as possible.

Try to hoist your torso onto the ice, then use your feet to propel the rest of you onto the ice. Once all of your body is on the ice, roll towards the shore. If you get up, you risk breaking through the ice again. After you are onshore, begin treatment for hypothermia (see above).

If you plunge your feet or lower body into a creek by falling through a snow bridge, climb up out of the creek as soon as you can. The sides of the creek bed may be very steep, so consider taking off your snowshoes so you can kick steps.

Once you are out, remove your wet boots and socks. Try to get as much water out of your boots as possible before they freeze. Change into dry socks if possible. Get out of the backcountry to somewhere you can warm up and dry off as soon as possible. Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite.

Avalanches

What is an avalanche?

Many people associate avalanches with skiing, but avalanche knowledge is also an important part of snowshoeing safety. An avalanche happens when snow slides down a slope.

Michael says it’s easy to recognize avalanche terrain: “If it looks like you could ski it – it’s avalanche terrain. For snowshoers, if it looks like you could butt-slide down it – it’s avalanche terrain.”

Another thing Michael says is important to keep in mind: “avalanches are most often triggered by people... most of the time people are on the slope when the avalanche starts.” Avalanches can bury people, causing them to suffocate to death.

Even if people aren’t buried, avalanches also cause grave injuries since they carry people downhill, banging into trees and rocks along the way.

How to avoid getting caught in an avalanche

1. Take an avalanche training course

Every snowshoer should take an avalanche training course. You can find course listings and more information on Avalanche.ca or Avalanche.org. When you snowshoe keep the terrain in mind.

Michael says “steep terrain means more exposure to avalanches.” Avoid steep slopes and the area directly below steep slopes until you have avalanche training and can evaluate the risks.

Summer hiking trails often travel right through avalanche terrain. Just because somewhere is safe in the summer doesn’t make it safe in winter.

2. Check the avalanche forecast

If you don’t have avalanche training and the forecast is rated anything except “low”, don’t go. Michael says “Avalanche accidents don’t happen when the forecast is ‘extreme’, ‘considerable’, or ‘low’. They happen when the forecast is ‘moderate’. When the forecast is ‘extreme’ it’s obviously dangerous, and when it’s ‘low’, it’s obviously not dangerous. At ‘moderate’, people say ‘I think it’s okay’…” but then it isn’t.”

3. Bring avalanche safety gear

If you plan to travel in avalanche terrain (or if you’re not sure if it is avalanche terrain), you should bring avalanche safety gear. That means an avalanche transceiver (also called a beacon), a probe and a shovel. Everyone in your group needs their own gear and training in how to use it.

What to do if you get caught in an avalanche

If you are in an avalanche, try to grab onto something to avoid being swept downhill. If you are swept away, try to stay on the surface of the slide by “swimming”. When the avalanche slows down, try to push yourself towards the surface.

If possible, try to get part of your body sticking out of the snow.  Make an air pocket in front of your face so you can breathe. Try to relax and stay calm as you wait for rescue.

Rescuers will use their transceivers and probes to locate you under the snow, then dig you out using shovels. Take an avalanche class to learn the best way to locate and recover a person buried by an avalanche.

Glissading Injuries

How do snowshoers injure themselves glissading?

Glissading is just a French word for sliding down a snowy slope on your butt. Mountaineers use this technique to descend a mountain quickly and snowshoers often do it for fun. However, it’s easy to injure yourself by going too fast, sliding into something, or catching on something.

How to prevent glissading injuries

Assess the slope before you slide. Make sure you can see the run-out and there aren’t rocks, trees, etc. you will hit along the way. As well, don’t glissade on the main trail. You could hit other people and it makes the path icy and dangerous for others who choose to walk. Be mindful of avalanche conditions. Glissades can cause avalanches.

Remove your snowshoes or microspikes before you glissade. Having a spike catch on the way down is the most common way people injure themselves glissading. When you catch a spike it can send you flying head over heels, break bones, or sprain your ankles and knees.

Use an ice axe or ski pole as a brake to keep your speed under control.

What to do if you injure yourself glissading

Assess the injuries and administer first aid. Call search and rescue for help when necessary.

Tree Wells

What is a tree well? Why are they dangerous?

A tree well is a hollow area at the base of a tree. The branches above the hollow collect snow, causing an empty area of powdery snow to collect near the tree trunk. The same phenomenon can occur in a boulder field where gaps between the rocks get covered in snow, hiding the openings beneath.

When a person falls into a tree well, it can be difficult to escape since the snow is so powdery. Usually, people fall into the tree well headfirst. People have suffocated to death in tree wells when no one was around to help them.

How to avoid tree wells

Use caution when snowshoeing or hiking near trees. Assume all trees have tree wells. They may be well hidden. Always snowshoe with a friend and keep an eye out for each other. Clip a whistle on to the strap of your backpack to use to call for help if you do fall in.

What to do if you do fall into a tree well

Don’t panic. Keep your breathing steady and try to find an air pocket. Try not to move too much. If you move, it will just cause the loose snow to pack in around you. If you can, grab part of the tree and hang on to keep from falling in further.

Use your whistle to call for help. Friends can help dig you out, being careful to keep your airway clear.

Dehydration

How do snowshoers get dehydrated?

When it’s cold out, it’s easy to forget to drink. As well, water bottles can ice up and hydration pack hoses can freeze over, making drinking impossible.

Dehydration doesn’t just make you feel thirsty. It can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, and nausea. It can also make you feel so fatigued that you can’t keep hiking or so disoriented that you end up lost.

How to prevent dehydration when snowshoeing

Start by camel-ing up. Chug water in the car on the way there. Remind yourself (and your friends) to have a drink each time you stop for a break.

Pack your water in an insulated bottle to keep it from freezing. If you’re using a regular bottle, store it upside down to prevent the lid from icing up.

If you use a hydration pack get a tube insulator for it. Another pro tip: each time you take a drink from your hose, blow air back into the tube to force the water back into the reservoir and out of the tube. It freezes faster in the tube.

Bring a thermos of warm tea, coffee or hot chocolate to enjoy during your lunch break. Or pack a stove and make a hot drink or some soup.

Get more advice in my tips for winter hiking

What to do if you get dehydrated

Drink and rest until you feel better. Don’t try to eat snow – it actually takes more heat from your body to melt the snow than it’s worth. If it’s serious, call search and rescue for help.

Blisters

What causes blisters? Why are they a problem?

Blisters form when your skin gets irritated or damaged from friction or pressure. Blisters and other foot problems can be severe enough to make snowshoeing difficult or impossible.

Snowshoers and winter hikers are especially susceptible to blisters for a few reasons: They are often wearing heavy socks that can bunch up or cause your feet to get sweaty. Snow dripping into boots can cause blisters. The increased rubbing of snowshoe or microspike straps can cause blisters. And finally, the uneven snow surface causes your feet to be less stable in your shoes, causing more foot movement and rubbing than on the bare ground.

How to prevent blisters

There’s actually so much to know about this topic that I wrote an entire post about how to prevent blisters. Head over there to read it.

But here are the main points for snowshoers: Keep your feet dry, both from snow and sweat. Pay attention to the way your boots, socks, snowshoes, and microspikes fit. If it doesn’t feel good, change something. Don’t wait until a blister has formed.

How to treat blisters

There’s a whole section on blister treatment in my post about blister prevention. But in a nutshell, carry bandaids, medical tape, and blister dressings on every hike. Treat your blisters early so they don’t get worse.

Getting Caught in a Storm

Why are winter storms dangerous for snowshoers?

Winter storms can bring exceptionally cold weather and high winds. Swirling fog and snow can also reduce visibility, making navigation really difficult.

Winter storms often combine with other dangers on this list such as hypothermia, getting lost, avalanches, and frostbite, sometimes with tragic outcomes. Michael says: “when it’s actively snowing the visibility is bad, your tracks are getting buried, and the snow is becoming less stable, which makes avalanches more likely.”

How to avoid getting caught in a storm

Check the weather forecast before your trip and plan to go another time if it looks bad. Keep an eye on changing weather conditions as you snowshoe and be prepared to turn back. Carry extra warm clothing, navigation gear and an emergency shelter like a space blanket just in case.

READ NEXT: The Best Weather Apps for Hiking

What to do if you get caught in a storm

Bundle up in warm clothing and keep exposed skin covered. If you can stay on the trail and hike out, do it. If not, find a sheltered spot or dig a snow cave and settle down to wait it out.

Cornices

What are cornices? Why are they dangerous?

A cornice is a mass of overhanging snow that wind forms on the top of a mountain or ridge. They can break off unexpectedly, sometimes well back from the edge, causing anyone standing on them to fall.

In 2017, five snowshoers fell to their deaths when a cornice collapsed on Mount Harvey, near my home in Vancouver. Michael says that cornices are something that doesn’t get talked about often when it comes to snowshoeing safety, but more people should know about.

How to avoid cornices

Know how cornices form and be careful to stay well back from the edge on slopes where cornices can occur.

What to do if you are in a cornice fall

If you are on a cornice that collapses, you are essentially now in an avalanche. Follow the advice for surviving an avalanche above.

Your Ego

Why is your ego dangerous for snowshoers?

Accidents aren’t usually the result of one big mistake. Instead, a cascade of small mistakes or bad decisions builds up to cause a dangerous situation.

Our egos often make us push forward to the summit when it’s safer to turn around. Or they make us keep going when we are lost, instead of backtracking. Our egos also make us afraid to tell our adventure buddies that we aren’t confident in the situation since we don’t want to look weak.

We can also fall victim to confirmation bias. Essentially, confirmation bias makes us think that since we’ve done something like this before and nothing bad happened then, nothing bad will happen this time.

A lot of people don’t realize the potential dangers of a situation until something goes wrong. Sometimes that just means getting a little bit lost, but other times it can be far more tragic.

How to keep your ego in check when snowshoeing

Keeping your ego in check is a key component of snowshoeing safety. Stay humble. Be okay with turning around. Check-in with your snowshoeing buddies and make sure you are all okay with the conditions periodically.

Your number one goal each time you go into the wilderness should be returning safely. Summiting a peak, reaching a viewpoint, or getting a killer shot for Instagram are all lower priority.

In Michael’s experience, “intermediates get into trouble” most often, not beginners. That’s because people with an intermediate level of experience have enough skills to get themselves into more challenging situations, but they don’t always have the knowledge to assess the risks of those situations. In Michael’s words “they don’t know what they don’t know… and confirmation bias is kicking in.”

What to do if your ego gets the best of you

Try to take a step back and assess the situation with a clear head. The bravest thing to do is admit you made a bad decision and take steps to reverse it.

Final Thoughts

So there’s all the ways you could get into trouble snowshoeing and winter hiking. I hope you never find yourself in any of these situations, but if you do, at least now you’ll have a better idea of what to do.

And honestly, the wilderness gets the best of us sometimes, even if we think we are super-prepared and know about snowshoeing safety. Have any of these situations happened to you while snowshoeing? Leave a comment and tell me about it.

More snowshoeing and winter hiking advice:

• How to Choose Snowshoes: A Complete Guide
• Microspikes vs. Crampons vs. Snowshoes: What’s the Difference?
• The Best Boots For Snowshoeing
• Best Gifts for Snowshoers (20+ Ideas)
• What to Wear Winter Hiking and Snowshoeing
• 9 Tips for Winter Hiking (You Don’t Have to Freeze!)
• How to Stay Warm in a Tent: Over 40 Tips

More outdoor safety advice:

• The 10 Essentials: Things You Should Bring on Every Hike
• How to Prevent Blisters When Hiking
• 16 Things to do Before a Hike

The post Snowshoeing Safety: 14 Ways to Get into Trouble and How to Prevent Them appeared first on Dawn Outdoors.