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Member: Mickeal

Last Visit: 06/19/2013 01:44PM
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SevenofNine

10/24/2011 08:32PM

My question concerns mode of travel. I was wondering what people typically use when pulling a sled, skis or snowshoes? What have you found for pluses or the minuses of your given equipment.

BTW, we typically snowshoe in as both of us like a more leisurely mode of travel.

The amount of satisfaction you get from life depends largely on your own ingenuity, self-sufficiency, and resourcefulness. People who wait around for life to supply their satisfaction usually find boredom instead.

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TuscaroraBorealis

10/25/2011 12:00PM

As you probably know? I use snowshoes.

The decision was/is quite simple for me. Snowshoes are much easier (for me) to get around in. Climbing/descending hills etc. Of course my TOTAL lack of skiing skills may have something to do with it as well? :)

I think it would be fun to try dogsledding sometime. :)

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inspector13

10/25/2011 01:13PM

In the winter I get to my cabin pulling a sled with snowshoes on. It is easier to learn how to use them in varying terrain. At the time I bought mine, snowshoes were cheaper and didn’t need any extra accessories to use. I also made them my choice since I didn’t understand the State Ski Pass rules. Snowshoes don’t require passes on public lands.

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hcarter

10/26/2011 02:49AM

I say snow shoes are better since you can really move about easier and it requires little skill to learn. I'm always hesitant to use a ski since i think it needs more practice and experience for one not to topple of on it. I also like snowshoes better because it does make me enjoy the surroundings better since a ski usually goes faster.

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SevenofNine

10/26/2011 07:32PM

Thanks to everyone so far. I pretty much track on the same reasons that you snowshoe. I was looking for a skiers perspective as well. Maybe as we get closer to winter some skiers will submit their comments.

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mocha

10/26/2011 07:42PM

i like snowshoes for following narrower trails with fresh snow, and if my goal is to take photos. i use cross country skis when i want to get some exercise, the trails are freshly groomed, or the area isn't the best for snowshoes due to deadfall or brushy conditions.
if i would have to choose between the two i would pick snowshoes.

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DanCooke

10/26/2011 09:07PM

I am in the ski camp. I prefer skiing across lakes and portages. I just find skiing typically less of a slog in my mind. I have had some days on skiis that have turned into long slogs.
You can bushwack on skiis, sleds make that very difficult. You just need to be creative. Sometimes it is faster going up hill to take the skiis off but you get joy when going down hill.
I have always used 3 pin 75mm Nordic norm bindings with below the ankle boots with gaitors. I have done trips with internal frame packs or with sleds/ pulks. You definitely travel faster with Packs, and typically pack with more restraint.

Dan Cooke

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yellowcanoe

10/26/2011 09:09PM

Skis are far faster on lakes. Snowshoes are more stable in the mountains.

Depends on the terrain you have to negotiate. When we go to the mountains with steep trails, skis even with skins make me nervous.

Travelling on lakes around here is an interminable slog with the same snowshoes. Skis are far more fun. I have several old Karhu Catamount skis.

I am kind of past whizzing down barely in control 1000 feet per mile traveled, with a pulk load pushing me.

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Rob Johnson

10/28/2011 02:02AM

I'll put myself in the oddball category here by saying...neither. We generally stick to the woods and have honestly found it easier to go with just boots. It makes going over logs and other obstacles much simpler. Then there is always that whole "able to back up" thing. We have been romping around in northern Wisconsin...maybe we just don't get the same depth of snow you do. We've tried snowshoes with only limited success. We save lake walking for fishing when all we are carrying is a bucket.

You are never lost, late, or lagging behind if you are on an adventure.

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Arlo Pankook

10/28/2011 09:00AM

If the conditions are right skis are much faster. That being said, on slush or steep hills, snowshoes work better.

We had a mixed group last year and by the end of the trip everyone was saying "I'm definately bringing skis next year". You can travel much further in a day on skis.

Bring both! Snowshoes are lightweight and can be strapped to the top of your sled. (if your pulling a sled)

Hold that thought....fish on!

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bruceye

11/03/2011 11:56PM

quote Rob Johnson: "I'll put myself in the oddball category here by saying...neither. We generally stick to the woods and have honestly found it easier to go with just boots. It makes going over logs and other obstacles much simpler. Then there is always that whole "able to back up" thing. We have been romping around in northern Wisconsin...maybe we just don't get the same depth of snow you do. We've tried snowshoes with only limited success. We save lake walking for fishing when all we are carrying is a bucket."

Ditto; The only time I might legitimize using snowshoes would be in really deep snow or deep snow with that kind of crust that barely holds you up. Other than that, my LaCross Icemans have served me well through many cold tent camping trips.

Bruceye

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jwartman59

11/06/2011 12:10AM

snowshoes are useless unless the snow is really deep, plus there are muscles in your legs that will be screaming in agony as your legs gets used to the odd motions of snowshoeing. skiing is definitely faster,especially with the right snows. personally i prefer skiing.

my boy is in this group somewhere (mpls loppet), he finishes in top fifteen.

my genius son,should be getting his phd but is making too much money. wouldn't listen to his dad when i said late march could be really iffy snowshoeing.

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Rob Johnson

11/08/2011 10:36PM

quote bruceye: "quote Rob Johnson: "I'll put myself in the oddball category here by saying...neither. We generally stick to the woods and have honestly found it easier to go with just boots. It makes going over logs and other obstacles much simpler. Then there is always that whole "able to back up" thing. We have been romping around in northern Wisconsin...maybe we just don't get the same depth of snow you do. We've tried snowshoes with only limited success. We save lake walking for fishing when all we are carrying is a bucket."

Ditto; The only time I might legitimize using snowshoes would be in really deep snow or deep snow with that kind of crust that barely holds you up. Other than that, my LaCross Icemans have served me well through many cold tent camping trips."

That's funny...my boot of choice is a LaCrosse IceKing!!!

You are never lost, late, or lagging behind if you are on an adventure.

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bruceye

11/11/2011 11:10PM

Tell ya what else is funny, I just read your personal quote. First 3 letters of my last name are, Ier.

Twins from different mothers perhaps :)

Bruceye

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OBX2Kayak

11/12/2011 10:18AM

Both. Depends on conditions and terrain.

"I go because it irons out the wrinkles in my soul" -- Sigurd Olson

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mc2mens

11/17/2011 07:43PM

I prefer to ski unless the terrain or snow depths require snowshoes. Skis are much faster and you'll burn fewer calories than snowshoes. I would bring both.

"Big fish eat little fish."

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ZaraSp00k

11/28/2011 12:13AM

quote Rob Johnson: "I'll put myself in the oddball category here by saying...neither. "

When people have preceded you with snow shoes, I have often found that wearing snow shoes is superfluous, boots alone are fine, especially if the snow was blown since it is already compacted. Obviously in exceptionally deep snow, you'll still need snow shoes.

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Trailpatrol

11/28/2011 05:45PM

Have both, use both, like both, but travel longer distances is more fun with a dogsled!

"My country isn't a country, it is winter" by Gilles Vigneault

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MrBreeze

12/21/2011 03:09PM

AM in the snow shoe camp. Have found skiing requires more effort for the results. ALso have a hip that is not happy most days and skiing seems to be harder on it.
Most of snow shoeing is in sierras so skiing up hill is more prevelant and snow shoeing is just easier.

I wish I were, I wish I might, I wish I was in the BWCA tonite!

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