No Profanity *** No Flaming *** No Advertising *** No Anti Trappers ***NO POLITICS
No Non-Target Catches *** No Links to Anti-trapping Sites *** No Avoiding Profanity Filter


Home~Trap Talk~ADC Forum~Trap Shed~Wilderness Trapping~International Trappers~Fur Handling

Auction Forum~Trapper Tips~Links~Gallery~Basic Sets~Convention Calendar~Chat~ Trap Collecting Forum

Trapper's Humor~Strictly Trapping~Fur Buyers Directory~Mugshots~Fur Sale Directory~Wildcrafting~The Pen and Quill

Trapper's Tales~Words From The Past~Legends~Archives~Kids Forum~Lure Formulators Forum~ Fermenter's Forum


~~~ Dobbins' Products Catalog ~~~


Minnesota Trapline Products
Please support our sponsor for the Trappers Talk Page - Minnesota Trapline Products


Print Thread
Hop To
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Snowshoes vs x country skis #7498692
02/16/22 07:14 PM
02/16/22 07:14 PM
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 271
MN
K
K9BeavCoon Offline OP
trapper
K9BeavCoon  Offline OP
trapper
K

Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 271
MN
I have heard and read a couple times now that skis are much more efficient at covering snow covered ground than snowshoes. But the only people I’ve seen using cross country skis have been hippies on groomed trails. Can anybody educate me on when and why a guy picks one over the other?

Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498704
02/16/22 07:22 PM
02/16/22 07:22 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,975
Wisconsin
8117 Steve R Offline
trapper
8117 Steve R  Offline
trapper

Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,975
Wisconsin
I used skis trapping beaver with my dad back in the 60s. You can cover ground faster with skis but if you are packing lots of beaver its probably better to build a good trail with snowshoes. That way in cold mornings you can usually run the trail without snowshoes.


Steve
WTA
NRA
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498713
02/16/22 07:26 PM
02/16/22 07:26 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,750
williamsburg ks
D
danny clifton Offline
"Grumpy Old Man"
danny clifton  Offline
"Grumpy Old Man"
D

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,750
williamsburg ks
If your in deep soft powder snowshoes work and skis do not. Get a trail packed in with snowshoes and you can scoot right along on skis. Or just regular dense snow. Sharp turns and hills are tricky. An argo with tracks is good when you get old and fat. Lots better than dragging a sled behind you.


Those who would give up essential liberty, to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety. Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790)
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498722
02/16/22 07:34 PM
02/16/22 07:34 PM
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,376
Green County Wisconsin
G
GREENCOUNTYPETE Online content
trapper
GREENCOUNTYPETE  Online Content
trapper
G

Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,376
Green County Wisconsin
there was a very good thread on this last year

someone who trapped a lot a few years on both had very good comments

I will go back and see if I can find it


America only has one issue, we have a Responsibility crisis and everything else stems from it.
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498740
02/16/22 07:57 PM
02/16/22 07:57 PM
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,376
Green County Wisconsin
G
GREENCOUNTYPETE Online content
trapper
GREENCOUNTYPETE  Online Content
trapper
G

Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,376
Green County Wisconsin
ok I searched but didn't find it , now I am wondering if I read it somewhere else.

the short version is

it all depended on snow conditions

the guy as I recall it trapped the same line for 5 years first 2 on skis and next 3 on shoes

breaking trail is harder on skis but if you have a nice trail broken it becomes faster day the next day and day after that, however if you have blowing snow or new snow and your tracks fill in your breaking trail again and lose your glide.

snow shoes made breaking trail easier and it was still easier day 2 and 3 and such but it never got as easy as skis but it also wasn't as hard as breaking trail with skis

where skis get very efficient is when you have a bunch of people going one place or you can take advantage of down hill runs

like the Finnish army and their ski patrols in the winter war each man could take turns breaking trail and once the 2nd or 3rd guy was over it it was very efficient for every one else behind
established trails stayed more efficient

if you have the right snow conditions late winter where the freeze thaw has left a nice hard crust you can glide over it might also be much easier to ski

but if new deep powder every day shoes are the way to go.


America only has one issue, we have a Responsibility crisis and everything else stems from it.
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498803
02/16/22 08:54 PM
02/16/22 08:54 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,263
james bay frontierOnt.
B
Boco Offline
trapper
Boco  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,263
james bay frontierOnt.
I prefer the Mechanical snowshoe.
In the deep powder of the boreal forest sometimes you need to go ahead of the mechanical snowshoe with the non mechanical snowshoes to make sure the mechanical snowshoe doesnt get stuck.
I always carry a pair of non mechanical snowshoes on my mechanical snowshoe. [Linked Image]

Last edited by Boco; 02/16/22 08:57 PM.

Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498814
02/16/22 09:07 PM
02/16/22 09:07 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,820
Frazee, MN
B
backroadsarcher Offline
trapper
backroadsarcher  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,820
Frazee, MN
When I had to I have a pair of outback skis. They are wider but shorter than cross country skis

Last edited by backroadsarcher; 02/16/22 09:09 PM.
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: backroadsarcher] #7498914
02/16/22 10:08 PM
02/16/22 10:08 PM
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2
MT
J
jbrowtine Offline
trapper
jbrowtine  Offline
trapper
J

Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 2
MT
I have been using a scaled base backcountry skiing set up. Wider than cross country skis and much better control in steeper terrain. Breaking trail in powder is much easier than snow shoes or xc skis. I just keep my toes clipped in “walk mode” and able to ski trap all day long comfortably. They run great on groomed trail and hard packed narrow forest service trails as well. Been impressed with the efficiency of these for over snow travel. One of the disadvantages would be a trap line repair(a boots or binding or if i broke a ski tip would be unlikely but difficult to fix miles from the trailhead) [Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


Montana trapper
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498931
02/16/22 10:16 PM
02/16/22 10:16 PM
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 607
UP Michigan
Yooper1978 Offline
trapper
Yooper1978  Offline
trapper

Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 607
UP Michigan
Many years ago the skis were much wider and much longer. I would guess that they would stay on top of snow better than todays cross country skis. My 3xgreat Uncle said they would use skis on their trapline to cover more ground. I’m guessing if the trail was started early and continued being used, it would be a solid trail. If a trail needs to be made in deep snow, I would say the snowshoes are the way to go. I’m not talking about them “snowshoes” the yuppies use on a groomed trail. I’m talking a real pair like Boco’s picture shows. I have a nice pair of Iverson Green Mountains 12x44 for when the snow is deep. I also have a pair of the old military magnesium shoes for the “shallow” snow. I don’t own a pair of skis but my Dad does have my Grandpas old wide and long wood skis. I should wax them up and give them a try.

Last edited by Yooper1978; 02/16/22 10:26 PM.
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498933
02/16/22 10:17 PM
02/16/22 10:17 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,925
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John Offline
trapper
Yukon John  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,925
Aliceville, Kansas 43
I thought this was about rabbits!


Act like a blank, get treated like a blank. Insert your own blank!
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: Yukon John] #7498934
02/16/22 10:18 PM
02/16/22 10:18 PM
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 607
UP Michigan
Yooper1978 Offline
trapper
Yooper1978  Offline
trapper

Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 607
UP Michigan
Originally Posted by Yukon John
I thought this was about rabbits!


Did someone say cottontail?

Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498944
02/16/22 10:22 PM
02/16/22 10:22 PM
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,925
Aliceville, Kansas 43
Yukon John Offline
trapper
Yukon John  Offline
trapper

Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 4,925
Aliceville, Kansas 43
You got me! I guess snowshoes are hares aren't they? crazy


Act like a blank, get treated like a blank. Insert your own blank!
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: Yukon John] #7498948
02/16/22 10:23 PM
02/16/22 10:23 PM
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 607
UP Michigan
Yooper1978 Offline
trapper
Yooper1978  Offline
trapper

Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 607
UP Michigan
Originally Posted by Yukon John
You got me! I guess snowshoes are hares aren't they? crazy


Lol, yup

Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7498952
02/16/22 10:24 PM
02/16/22 10:24 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,263
james bay frontierOnt.
B
Boco Offline
trapper
Boco  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,263
james bay frontierOnt.
I got a big pair of Trapping snowshoes custom made in Fort Albany-I would break trail all day long in the deepest powder and never tire.
I also have a pair of winter moose hunting snowshoes made in Moose Factory.Smaller than the Albany shoes for quieter slower travel.in heavier bush.
The ones I carry on the snowmachine are just a commercial snowshoe,for checking ahead on the trail or for walking out on the snowmachine trail in case of breakdown.
You would tire very quickly in those shoes if you were travelling all day breaking trail in deep powder.

Last edited by Boco; 02/16/22 10:28 PM.

Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: Boco] #7499306
02/17/22 09:07 AM
02/17/22 09:07 AM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62,658
Minnesota
330-Trapper Offline

trapper
330-Trapper  Offline

trapper

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62,658
Minnesota
Originally Posted by Boco
I prefer the Mechanical snowshoe.
In the deep powder of the boreal forest sometimes you need to go ahead of the mechanical snowshoe with the non mechanical snowshoes to make sure the mechanical snowshoe doesnt get stuck.
I always carry a pair of non mechanical snowshoes on my mechanical snowshoe. [Linked Image]

Good explanation Boco
But we all know you're maniacal grin


NRA and NTA Life Member
www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com




Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7499421
02/17/22 11:30 AM
02/17/22 11:30 AM
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,684
Henry Co, IL
3
3togo Offline
trapper
3togo  Offline
trapper
3

Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 1,684
Henry Co, IL
Boco, can you post a picture of the other 2 pairs of shoes?

Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7499653
02/17/22 02:49 PM
02/17/22 02:49 PM
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,263
james bay frontierOnt.
B
Boco Offline
trapper
Boco  Offline
trapper
B

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,263
james bay frontierOnt.
Fort Albany trapping shoes.many hundreds of miles on those.
[Linked Image]

Moose Factory hunting shoes-not used much.
[Linked Image]

Traditional Cree snowshoes flex like a spring when you put your weight down and help lift your foot and shoe with each step when you learn the proper technique,why you dont tire on long treks especially with a heavy pack.
Poorly made commercial shoes will tire you out after a relatively short distance..


Last edited by Boco; 02/17/22 02:55 PM.

Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: Boco] #7499671
02/17/22 03:07 PM
02/17/22 03:07 PM
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,194
Maine, Aroostook
Posco Offline
trapper
Posco  Offline
trapper

Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 11,194
Maine, Aroostook
Originally Posted by Boco
Fort Albany trapping shoes.many hundreds of miles on those.
[Linked Image]

Are shoes made like that still available?

Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7499685
02/17/22 03:18 PM
02/17/22 03:18 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62,658
Minnesota
330-Trapper Offline

trapper
330-Trapper  Offline

trapper

Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 62,658
Minnesota
Awesome Boco


NRA and NTA Life Member
www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com




Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis [Re: K9BeavCoon] #7499826
02/17/22 06:41 PM
02/17/22 06:41 PM
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 271
MN
K
K9BeavCoon Offline OP
trapper
K9BeavCoon  Offline OP
trapper
K

Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 271
MN
https://us-store.altaiskis.com/product/hok-skis-with-universal-pivot-bindings-copy/

After reading comments, I looked around and found these. There’s a few reviews of em out there from hunters and woodsmen. They certainly are interesting in concept.

Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread