Snowshoeing, the Other Winter Sport
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by Dena FoltzSnowshoe Gift Guide
Great ideas for everyone from neophytes to serious winter paraphernalia collectors.
Playing in the snow is not limited to high-adrenaline sports like skiing. Snowshoeing is a great way to get out and experience the quiet solitude of winter. Sometimes it is just the right tool for the job. If you are dealing with shopping for the gearhead who is already stocked up or if you are shopping for someone who enjoys the cold fresh air but isn’t into tossing themselves full speed down a snowing slope, stock them up on snowshoe gear. It may be just the thing they wouldn’t have bought for themselves and they will thank you for it every time they are out peacefully exploring a winter wonderland.
Tubbs Discovery Series Snowshoes and Starter Kit
The Tubbs Discovery Series Snowshoes and Starter Kit strikes me as the ideal gift for those new to the wonderful world of snow travel. It is the perfect package for folks who want a simple entry into snow sports. This complete set comes with a pair of Discovery Series Snowshoes, a pair of easily adjustable trekking poles and a “How to Get Started” CD-Rom. Just add snow.
Atlas 10 Series Snowshoes
I put these on my Christmas wish list. I need a good, all-around pair of snowshoes that I can use for something as simple as taking the dogs out hiking, but I also want them to keep me afloat on my backcountry recon missions. The Atlas 10 Series Snowshoe sports a simple design and a lightweight aluminum frame so you won’t get bogged down in the deep snow. Experienced snow travelers who are looking for a snowshoe that will go anywhere their adventures take them, will appreciate the lightweight durability of the Atlas 10 Series Snowshoe.
MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes
Looking for a pair of snowshoes for someone who has everything except snowshoes. MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes are an affordable addition to their quiver of snow gear. MSR fans will appreciate the reliability, functionality and user friendly design associated with all MSR products. And they are reasonably priced enough to buy for the person who hasn’t been able to justify the cost-to-use ratio of snowshoes.
Life-Link Variant Approach Poles
Unless you enjoy falling on your face you will need poles for snowshoeing. Snowshoe trekking poles are simpler than they sound. These versatile, lightweight poles pack at 30 inches and, thanks to an easy-to-use screw cone, can be adjusted up to 49 inches for use on all types of terrain. The bonus is they double as trekking poles, so they won’t sit in your shed all summer.
Salomon Powder GTX Boots
Good boots are the key to a happy snowshoe adventure. All the other gear is important too, but wet, soggy shoes will surely dampen your spirits. Salomon Powder GTX boots women's and men's, come with a rating of –40 degrees Fahrenheit. So your feet should stay warm even if you are snowshoeing near the North Pole.
Crescent Moon Booties
If new boots aren’t in your gift budget, transform your shoes into winter footwear with Crescent Moon Booties. These 6mm neoprene booties with a wear-proof reinforced toe slip right over your most comfortable pair of shoes. I think it would be a really cool gift for the boss. Warm their feet, warm their heart. Then maybe they will get out more – fresh air does a body good.
CamelBak Thermal Kit
Another affordable gift for the snowshoer in your life is the CamelBak Thermal Kit. I would actually be very psyched to get one of these. Chances are, the person you are buying for aldeady owns a Camelbak. Help them keep hydrated this winter; stick one in their stocking.
Backcountry Access Tracker DTS beacon
Snowshoers aren’t immune to avalanche danger. Everyone who ventures into the backcountry should own an avalanche transceiver and know how to use it. The Backcountry Access Tracker DTS Beacon is one of the most popular and easy to use beacons. Personally, I’d prefer my backcountry partner to be carrying the Tracker. So give it to them as a gift. Who knows, this gift may save your life someday.
Looking for something special for the snowshoer in your life and want to explore all the options that Backcountry.com has to offer click here.