Snowshoes are a type of footwear and traction device used by hikers when traveling in winter. Snowshoes allow the hiker to stay on top of the snow rather than sinking into it when there is more than a few inches on the ground. This not only makes travel much faster, but also much safer.
Postholing
When a hiker sinks into the snow and creates a chasm, this is called post-holing. Postholing can cause snow to get into the shoes and socks of the hiker, creating dangerous conditions for the legs and feet. Postholing also requires a lot of energy, and the holes that are left behind can freeze over and create dangerous conditions for hikers who come after. Because of this, snowshoes are required in some areas such as the Adirondacks when there is a specified amount of snow on the ground.
Types of Snowshoes
As with all footwear, there are many types of snowshoes that can be used for a variety of different applications. The type that is needed will depend on the terrain that the hiker plans to travel. Snowshoes for flat terrain will be different than snowshoes used for mountaineering or steep uphill hiking, which will have things like built-in crampons, and teeth for better grip.
Alternatives
A common alternative to snowshoes are back-country skis, which can be made to go uphill using special attachments called skins. If the snow is not too deep, most hikers find that traveling over snow can be done with microspikes, or without any footwear attachments whatsoever (called bare-booting).
Safety
When setting out for a hike in the winter, it is important to bring traction devices such as snowshoes along with you, even if you think there is a low chance that you may need them, in case of developing weather or unexpected conditions.
