When it comes to snowshoes you are likely to wonder at some point whether or not snowshoes have a weight limit? Which is totally understandable, as, given that snowshoes work based on weight dissipation across the surface of the snow in order to keep you from sinking. And given the fact that snowshoes are sized based on the weight of the user and their gear it would make sense for snowshoes to have a weight limit… Right?
Well we will most definitely be covering this in great detail as it is quite important, especially if you are using a snowshoe that is under rated for you current personal, plus gear weight. Now, first of all, if you have a pair of snowshoes that you are beginning to question as to whether your pushing the limits of the snowshoe size / weight. I want you to remember sizing, and weight ratings of a snowshoe are based on the overall weight of the user.
This means you need to put on all your gear, clothing, food… Anything you will have on you when snowshoeing you need to put on. Then simply weigh yourself, then based on the weight reading you get you need to compare it with the weight rating of the snowshoe (That is if you have those metrics, sometimes it can be found on the shoes themselves, other times its on the box, or website / store you purchased them from.)
If you are unable to find the weight rating of your specific snowshoe? Then do a simple web search of the make and model of the snowshoe. You may need to take some measurements of the shoe so you know what size you’ve got (This is important) if your unsure of the size of them. Otherwise you could check out my article that goes over Snowshoe Sizing, and get an estimate as to the weight rating.
Anyway, onto snowshoe weight limits and what you need to know!
Do snowshoes have a weight limit?
Yes, but it’s not like you may think. You see, snowshoes work based on weight dissipation. The heavier someone is, the bigger the snowshoe they require. But if you are using a snowshoe that is underrated / undersized for your current weight you can expect to sink much deeper in the snow then you would if you had a properly sized snowshoe.
I think many believe that if they use a snowshoe that is under rated for their weight they will break the shoes. Which I mean, that is definitely a viable conclusion. However, typically this is not the case (But doesn’t mean it’s unlikely, as the snowshoes were designed for less weight). As the reasoning behind why manufacturers typically put a max weight rating on a snowshoe is because during testing they came to the conclusion that anything over the max weight (Will say for this example is 200 lbs) will cause the snowshoe to sink deeper than desired in the snow.
Caveats To Snowshoe Weight Ratings
Now, it is important that we discuss the fact that snow density can allow a user with a snowshoe that is under rated to be able to still get out and use them. By snow density I mean, the condition of the snow. Powder, Packed, Slush, Ice…ect are all different snow conditions you are likely to be snowshoeing in at some point or another. Anyway, Powder snow, and or fresh, untouched snow is typically the biggest factor considered when deciding the max weight recommendation for a specific snowshoe model, and size.
This means if you intent to be snowshoeing on packed, or icy snow. Even groomed snow likely is going to be packed enough you could make it work potentially. Anyway, if you intend to be traveling across snow that is packed, or riged you can make a pair of snowshoes that are rated for 200 lbs work for someone who weighs in at 250 maybe more. This is because when your trekking on packed snow or snow alike you aren’t necessarily relying on the size of the snowshoe to keep you from sinking.
In a situation like this you may even be able to get away without snowshoes. Depends heavily on the condition of the snow under your feet. However, it pays to have snowshoes in situations like this, because most modern snowshoes are equipped with what are known as crampons, or ice cleats. These allow the user to travel across packed snow and Ice with ease. Because well, obviously the biggest problem when crossing Icy sections of the trail is the risk of slipping and falling…
Not to mention, many who know they are going to be traveling a packed or well groomed trail in their snowshoes will opt for a pair that are smaller than recommended, as this makes walking easier. Due to the fact that there is less material around their feet. This makes using your natural stride easier to assume.
Where Smaller Snowshoes Can Work Better
Given that the weight rating of a snowshoe is based on the size of the shoe in is important to pay close attention to the overall dimensions of the snowshoes. But say you have a pair that are to small, or under rated for your weight can you still use them, and where?? Yes! You can, but you need to take this with a grain of salt. Because a snowshoe that has a recommended max weight rating of 160 lbs, probably won’t hold up well if you were to place 300 lbs on them.
As structure, and material use can have a large part to play in structural integrity of the snowshoes. However, do I think a snowshoe with a max weight rating of 160 lbs could work fine for someone weighing around 190 lbs? I Do! But only in the following snow conditions:
- Packed Snow
- Frozen Snow
- Ice
- Groomed Snow (Potentially)
Where Smaller Snowshoes Can Cause Troubles
Simply if you are likely to be snowshoeing in powder, or merely snow that has yet to be discovered by others. You should expect a snowshoe that is undersized to become more of a hinderance. As the shoes will be unable to do the job to which they were intended for… Below is a few examples where undersized snowshoes could put you into trouble… The reason why is trouble is because you will be exerting so much unnecessary energy when compared to someone who has properly sized snowshoes for the snow conditions.
- Powder Snow
- Fresh Snow (Not Necessarily Powder More Heavy Snow)
- Way Over Snowshoes Max Weight Rating (Using A Shoe Way Underrated For Users Weight)
Conclusion
Simply put, snowshoes do have a weight limit but its not necessarily so the snowshoe avoids damage. Snowshoes typically have a recommended max weight limit due to the fact that snowshoes work based on the weight of the user and their gear, and if you exceed the recommended weight rating you can expect the snowshoes to fall short in terms of usability. As in deep powder snow they struggle to do their job.
However, that being said, snowshoes that are under sized for the user can actually work well if you are going to be trekking on packed or icy snow. As they aren’t so much relying on surface area at that point. The snowshoes are now being used for their ability to provide the user traction. But this is heavily dependent on the fact that the snowshoes even have crampons or not…
All in all, me personally I prefer to hike with a properly sized snowshoe, because they are simply just more versatile. If I am to come across a patch of the trail where powdery snow is present, i’m already prepared. Now, that doesn’t mean an undersized snowshoe will be useless, just more effort is required to cross a powder covered section.
But I’m sure many who will read this likely will be using a friends pair of snowshoes, or you’ve simply found a pair of snowshoes that you think are going to struggle do to you exceeding the recommended weight limit. For you I would suggest, dependent on how much you exceed the recommended weight rating you may potentially be alright using the snowshoes. For example, if the shoes have a max weight rating of 200 lbs, and your overall weight is 215 lbs. I think your close enough you’d be alright.
But keep in mind, when traveling in fresh, powder snow. Expect to sink around 8″, to 12″ in the snow. But again this depends heavily in the snow density.
If you have come to the conclusion that you need to get a new pair of snowshoes, or you simply want to go with a bigger snowshoe be sure to check out These Snowshoes (Listed on Amazon). They are some of the top rated snowshoes on the market. Because they are so versatile. And they have made many additional parts that can be purchased in order to make the snowshoes excel greater than the competition.
I hope you were able to find some value here! If you need any further information regarding snowshoeing then be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge. But be for doing so, take a look at the “Next Resources To Consider” listed below.
This Is Colt Signing Off!
Next Resources To Consider
Having the proper sizes snowshoes can be extremely important Check out my recent post, where I go into great detail on Snowshoe Sizing So You Get It Right The First Time!
It is important you know How deep you should sink in the snow when walking in your snowshoes. This will greatly help you in deciding whether or not you need to get a new pair of snowshoes that are larger!
If you need some Tips to make Snowshoeing In Deep Snow Easier? Besure to check out my article that covers the topic greatly!