So the walk of shame is bad enough without adding deep snow to the mix. What I am wondering is how important would it be to have something like snowshoes. I try to prepare for lots of possibilites when I kite and have wondered this. People who go large areas like Snowkite Soldier or the mountains of Montana might need something to help them get back to the car. Anyone have any experience with this and wished they had snowshoes? Thanks for the input.

I'm sorry, you miss spelled snowmobile, it's not spelled snowshoes.
I like your vid you sent me, we need to talk.:bigok:

hi...if your on a snowboard and you don't have a SNOWMOBILE......to help you out..I would def. carry at least some small snowshoes to get you out. Either that or invest in a split board (for snowboarding) or a AT set up for skis.

I, here in NH especially up on the mountains, have to carry the gear to walk out and be self reliant,....and on some of the bigger lakes where my car may be 14 miles away...I would be dammed if I didn't bring at least skins for the skis and warm clothes food water etc.

hope that helps.

By the way, there are some really really light weight and easy to pack snowshoes out there....MSR TUBBS etc

A snowmobile would be best I agree. One would be good for reaching those high open snowfields too. I unfortunately can't afford one so snowshoes or skis are my best options I think. I sometimes over plan things but I like to be self reliant too. It would be the kind of thing I would hope to never use but wouldn't want to be stuck somewhere, needing them and wishing I brought them. When I go hunting I take some extra stuff and once I almost needed it. I keep thinking a $100 pair of snowshoes might be the cheapest and easiest option.

Anyone ever have to use them to get back to the car?

Quote:

Originally posted by crabnebula hi...if your on a snowboard and you don't have a SNOWMOBILE......to help you out..I would def. carry at least some small snowshoes to get you out. Either that or invest in a split board (for snowboarding) or a AT set up for skis. I, here in NH especially up on the mountains, have to carry the gear to walk out and be self reliant,....and on some of the bigger lakes where my car may be 14 miles away...I would be dammed if I didn't bring at least skins for the skis and warm clothes food water etc. hope that helps. By the way, there are some really really light weight and easy to pack snowshoes out there....MSR TUBBS etc

@Stetson:

Just for you...

Recently cycling through Kickstarter... and accepting pre-orders on their website.

If ordered through the website $180 plus shipping. If ordered through Kickstarter $150 (+35 for international shipping). 38 slots left at this price. 3 additional pledge levels with either free upgrades or free upgrade for up to 6 shoes.

Kickstarter Page

Product Page

Snowshoe Magazine Article

Some pics and video ....













Specs for those who like to read that kind of stuff

• Lightweight: <2 lbs, per snowshoe
  
  
• Recommended for snowshoers up to 250lbs
  
  
• Compact: 2.7"x 4.5"x 33" (folded pair nested in bag)
  
  
• Snow flotation: 182 in^2 (comparable or better than Atlas 1025/1225 and MSR Ascent 25)
  
  
• Traction: Toe Cleat + Unique X shaped heel cleat. RapidTraction system: Toe cleat stays planted in the snow even as your boot flexes. Prevents breakaway during stride
  
  
• Strong aircraft aluminum frame
  
  
• Easy on and off: Finally a truly simple "1-buckle" binding for secure fastening to any footwear. Binding collapses completely to wrap around snowshoe when folded.
  
  
• Improved stride vs. conventional snowshoes: Our patented X frame has a "waist" which gives better clearance as you plant one foot in front of the other.
  
  
• Snowshoes fit men and women
  

No relation to any of the involved parties in the project... just thought it looked cool.

Yes, Virginia.... I spend waaaaaay too much time cruising all the obscure nooks and crannies of the 'Net.

Of course, your other option is to pack along gear/supplies to keep you warm, a sat beacon, and wait for help to arrive





ATB,
Sam

I think the ideal back country setup may be some backcountry skis but I peeked at the kit this weekend and choked at the approximate grand it'd take to convert from my downhill gear. Buddy of mine has a setup and "skis" out to the launch while we trudge through the snow....you know, the snow we USED to get......STILL waiting up here these days.........

Like they say, do go farther out than you're willing to swim (or post hole) back.

I second Crabby's advice. Here in New England as well as other places with remote kiting, you can be hell and gone from your launch area and be in serious trouble if you can't fly back. A lot of places we ride don't have cell coverage so you have to be self reliant. Having some basic winter survival knowlege is a good idea as well as being prepared with the right equipement. On big lakes I've had friends who have been so far out that they skinned out well after dark. And on northern New England lakes like Moosehead where there are islands everywhere you can get really lost. And there is NOBODY out there.

If on a snow board, a split board and skins or a pair of snowshoes are a must if you're going out very far in deep snow. We ride skis with a alpine touring bindings and carry skins and that works best in my expirience. If something goes arwy and you have to ski out you just put the kite on your back and ski out XC style. Some people carry collapsable poles too which makes it even nicer.

Snowshoes will get you back as well I don't want to have to snowshoe any real distance with a kite or 2 on my back and my skis on my shoulder. And you don't get the same float on a snowshoe as you do a ski.

I prefer Marker Duke bindings (http://www.markerusa.com/bindings-royal-duke.php). As a true alpine tour binding it's a bit of a dog compared to something like a Fritsche Freeride (which is the other lighter AT we use) It's heavier and the release from "ski" to "tour" mode is not well designed for true touring BUT, it is bombproof, has a DIN range of 16, AND DOESN'T FLEX AT ALL when I'm really driving it.

All the true AT bindings I've used and still use flex quite a bit. Not good when trying to manage a kite especially on the ice.

Another option if you don't want to buy a dedicated AT binding is an Alpine Trekker ( http://www.backcountryaccess.com/product/trekker/) which can be had for around $150 USD brand new and will convert any apline binding into a touring system. It's based on the old Secura Fixs we use to have back when we were kids. They're small, cheap and reliable. Perfect for those on a budget or those who don't want to give up the solid performance of a race binding.

All the options still need skins. We use Black Diamond skins mostly (http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/ski/skins/). Some people use half skins that only go half the length of the ski. For in the mountains they aren't a good option but on lakes and fields they work great. Cheaper than a full skin. I used full skins myself because maybe someday I'll decide to start skiing New England's backcountry again but I doubt it. I get way more for my money on the kite.:wee:

I've never seen those shoes before Sam. Very cool. As usual I'm looking at your post and shaking my head at the wild stuff you've pull up. I'm starting to think you can "Out Google" Google. Keep it up.

@ Sam very cool. I too am amazed at what you find.

So it seems my worries are justified. I think if I actually get to go I might rent some snowshoes. I kept thinking about making some with PVC which I have seen on youtube. I don't think I want to trust my safety to an untested PVC contraption though.

I guess down deep I knew skis would be the best but I like the snowboard and didn't spend much on it. Besides, I just spent my money on a GoPro and don't have money for skis right now.