Well today we are going to get those questions answered. Plus we’ll be diving into the anatomy of a snowshoe in order to dissect the function of each little part. This way understanding the
Now, Surface Area isn’t the only Physical aspect going on in order to make snowshoes work and function properly. As if this was the case, as simple piece of plywood could essentially be classified as a snowshoe, given that it would basically provide you with the surface area required in order to stay closer to the surface of the snow. But if you were to use a piece of plywood by its self, how would you take each step, How would you walk in a natural manner, what’s keeping you from sliding down hills, and on ice…etc..
Anatomy Of A Snowshoe (What Each Part Does)
Now given that snowshoes are designed the way they are, as well as equipped with specific equipment. I think it’s a good idea if we go over each part of a snowshoe so you can get a better understanding as to what each part does, and how it affects the snowshoe, along with the user…
- Frame
- Deck
- Crampon / Cleat
- Binding
- Nose
- Tail
- Heel Lifts
Lets go in to greater detail of each component.
Frame
The Frame of a snowshoe is simply what gives the snowshoe its structure, and shape. Depending on the
Snowshoe frames can be made up using many different materials such as: Wood, Aluminum, Carbon fiber, Composites… and so on. Given that snowshoe frames can come in a vast array of different styles, shapes, sizes, and materials it begins to make you question which snowshoes are the best, and will work the best for you. Now that’s a topic for another time, but you
If you ever do find yourself wondering as to what type of snowshoe will work best for you, then be sure to checkout my latest post on Selecting the correct snowshoe type for your needs.
Deck
The Decking of a snowshoe is basically what makes up the surface area a snowshoe provides. The Deck is meant to disperse your weight across the surface of the snow under the snowshoe. I
The Deck of a snowshoe can be made of many different things. Anything from rigid plastic, or thin aluminum to rawhide, string, or even sticks. You could probably even make the decking of a snowshoe out of a T-shirt… It likely wouldn’t work as well as the preferred materials, but I’ll bet there is a way.
Crampon / Cleat
If you’ve done much snowshoeing in the past odds are you’ve been saved by your Crampons when crossing an Icy section of the trail! You see, the function of the Crampons, otherwise known as the Cleats on the bottom of a snowshoe is to provide traction at a point when little traction is likely to be had. For example, imagine yourself crossing a patch of ice in your regular
Now, Imagine you had some large metal, pointy, teeth like spikes mounted to the bottom of each snowshoe that will dig down into the ice each time you take a step… You likely are going to
And given that where there is snow their is likely Ice to be had which makes Crampons a must in most snowshoeing situations. Now, given in fresh snow you aren’t likely to be crossing on
But Do note, not all snowshoes have crampons. Typically snowshoes that are equipped with Crampons are usually made for a vaster array of applications. For example, many traditional wooden snowshoes don’t have Crampons. This is because these types of snowshoes are designed for trekking through deep, fresh, powdery snow where little ice is likely to be seen. Where as most modern snowshoes have Crampons to make them apply to a greater array of uses…
Binding
The binding of the snowshoe is simply meant to hold your feet to the snowshoe. Now, bindings do come in many different shapes, and sizes. But the overall goal is to hold your boot, which keeps your foot mounted to the snowshoe firmly. This allows the user to easily walk with the snowshoe firmly planted under their feet. Snowshoe bindings are likely to have some sort of
Traditional snowshoes, or Home made snowshoes will typically utilize string / rope, or even rawhide as the binding.
However, there is a major difference between bindings that need to be considered. Especially if you plan to purchase a set of snowshoes in the future. You see, there are
Pivoting Binding Vs Non-Pivoting Binding
Simply put pivoting bindings move with the motion of the user. Where as Non-pivoting bindings don’t. For example Let’s use the plywood example above, say you had a 30″ X 10″ flat piece of plywood. There is one way many would assume to mount it to your boot so you could walk through the snow, that way includes: Mounting your boot in a fixed position in the center of the board. But there is a large problem with this, it would seem as if you are walking around in a pair of Fins (You know, Fins Meant For Swimming In. Like What Scuba Divers Wear) due to the
I don’t know about you but I have tried to walk in fins many times on land, and it just doesn’t seam natural at all… The amount of focus required in order to do so can be quite extensive, otherwise you are likely to fall… Well same sort of idea applies when you are using a fixed binding snowshoe.
But when using a binding that Articulates with the motion of the user it can make snowshoeing a much more effortless, and natural task. As with an articulating binding you can walk with a
This makes getting the nose of the snowshoe up, and over the fresh snow ahead of it effortless, and natural. Now, good thing that most snowshoes nowadays have a binding that articulates with the motion of the user. As it makes snowshoeing much easier, As well as a much better experience.
Nose
The Nose of a snowshoe, well is pretty straight forward. It’s the front end of the
Not to mention the odds of tripping over the snow in front of you would be drastically grater then with a nose that lifts upwards in the front. In most cases, that is the biggest reason as to why the nose of a snowshoe is shaped that way. Now, some are shaped differently, and if so it is likely due to the nature of what that specific snowshoe was designed for.
Tail
Like the nose of snowshoes, the tail is also designed how it is for specific reasons. I mean otherwise why don’t we just make snowshoes squared and call it good, right!? You will likely notice on most snowshoes that the tail is quite a bit skinnier than the mid section and nose of the shoe. This is mostly because of the stride people have when they walk. Most walk with their toes facing outward slightly.
This makes the tails of a snowshoe come close together, sometimes even making contact with one another, Even With The Tails Tapering At The Ends. Plus the tail of the snowshoe is easier to drag through the snow when there is less surface area holding it back. Any way the main reason as to why the tail end (Back) of a snowshoe tapers and becomes skinny near the end is
Heel Lift
Heel Lifts are more of an optional item / Equipped only on a specific types of snowshoes. At Least in most cases… Typically you are going to see
Heel lifts are great if your going to be climbing steep mountains, as it will provide the user with support under the heel of the foot, as well as angle the foot to the point to make it seem as if you are walking on flat land. Where in reality you are walking up a steep hill…
Conclusion
All in All, snowshoes come in many different shapes, sizes, makes, models…etc.. But they all share major traits that have slowly been evolved into what we have today. These traits allow the user to better experience the overall capabilities of snowshoes… Not to mention understanding what is going on under your feet can drastically help you to improve the setup, or snowshoe you are using. Simply knowing what is going on and what each part does can greatly help in the selection process when it comes time to either purchase your first pair of snowshoes, or 10th!
This Is Colt Signing Off!
