How Snowshoes Keep You Afloat
There's something truly exhilarating about stepping out into a fresh blanket of snow, the world hushed and pristine. But for anyone who's tried to walk through deep powder in regular boots, that magic can quickly turn into an exhausting struggle, sinking with every step. That’s why man invented snowshoes so many years ago, the unsung hero of winter exploration.
How do these seemingly simple contraptions defy gravity and keep you on top of the snow? It all comes down to a fundamental principle of physics:
Dad joke: ‘Look kids, I’m walking on water…like Jesus’
How Snowshoes Keep You Afloat. The Science of Flotation: Spreading the Load
Imagine trying to stand on a soft mattress. If you wear high heels, your weight is concentrated on tiny points, and you'll likely sink right in. But if you lie down flat, your weight is distributed over a much larger area, and you'll stay on the surface. Snowshoes work on this exact same concept.
The ability to stay on top of the snow is called flotation, and here's the breakdown:
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Increased Surface Area: The primary job of a snowshoe is to significantly expand the "footprint" of your body. Instead of your weight being concentrated on the small area of your boot sole, it's spread across the much larger surface of the snowshoe.
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The Pressure Equation: Pressure is defined as force (your body weight) divided by the area over which that force is applied ($P = \frac{F}{A}$). By dramatically increasing the area ($A$) that your weight is distributed across, snowshoes effectively decrease the pressure ($P$) you exert on any single point of the snow.
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Bypassing Snow's Breaking Point: Most snow is a delicate structure of ice crystals and air. It has a certain "bearing capacity" a limit to how much pressure it can withstand before collapsing. When you wear regular boots, your concentrated weight often exceeds this capacity, causing you to "posthole" (sink deeply). Snowshoes reduce your pressure to a point below the snow's breaking point, allowing you to stay on or near the surface.
This ingenious design means less effort for you and more enjoyment of the winter wonderland!
Beyond the Float: Essential Snowshoe Features
While a wide wooden frame does the heavy lifting for flotation, snowshoes incorporate several features to enhance your experience:
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Decking or Webbing: This is the main body of the snowshoe, typically made from a coated fabric, nylon lace, or traditional raw hide. It's the part that actually "catches" the snow, providing the lift you need.
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Crampons: Beneficial for grip, these sharp metal teeth on the underside of the snowshoe bite into ice, packed snow, and inclines, preventing slips and slides. We recommend the crampons made by Brautigam Expedition Works sold on Snowshoe.com.
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Binding: This is where your boot attaches to the snowshoe. A well-designed pivot allows your heel to lift freely while the tail of the snowshoe remains on the snow. This natural walking motion conserves energy and makes traversing varied terrain much easier. There are many binding and options and styles out there. My favorite is a good leather binding that gives you great control and does not stretch over time.
Sizing Up Your Adventure: Finding the Right Snowshoe
We are often asked to help customers choose the right size snowshoe for optimal performance and comfort. We are glad to help, but it's not a one-size-fits-all situation, as several factors come into play:
1. Your Weight (and Gear Weight!)
This is the most critical factor. Snowshoes are rated for a maximum weight, which includes your body weight plus the weight of your pack, clothing, and any gear you're carrying. Be honest about this total weight to ensure adequate flotation.
2. Snow Conditions
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Light, Powdery Snow: This type of snow offers very little support, so you'll need larger snowshoes to achieve sufficient flotation.
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Wet, Heavy, or Packed Snow: Denser snow provides more support, allowing you to use smaller snowshoes.
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Temperature: Generally speaking, the colder the temps, the more surface area of snowshoe is required to stay afloat.
3. Terrain Type
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Flat, Open Trails (e.g., groomed paths, rolling hills): You can often get away with slightly smaller snowshoes here, especially if the snow is packed.
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Backcountry, Steep Slopes, Untracked Powder: Larger snowshoes are generally preferred for deep snow and off-trail exploration, as they provide maximum flotation. Shorter, narrower snowshoes are more agile for technical terrain.
General Sizing Recommendations:
Important Considerations:
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Women's Models: Snowshoe style and sizing typically recommended for women are often narrower to accommodate a narrower gait and shorter stride.
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Activity Type: Are you leisurely walking groomed trails, or are you aggressively tackling mountain ascents? Your activity level can also influence the ideal size and features.
Don't let deep snow deter your winter adventures! With the right pair of snowshoes, you'll discover a whole new way to experience the beauty of the colder months, gliding effortlessly where others might struggle. Happy trails!