Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: K9BeavCoon]
#7498704
02/16/22 07:22 PM
02/16/22 07:22 PM
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Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,009 Wisconsin
8117 Steve R
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trapper
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 2,009
Wisconsin
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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
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Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: K9BeavCoon]
#7498713
02/16/22 07:26 PM
02/16/22 07:26 PM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,879 williamsburg ks
danny clifton
"Grumpy Old Man"
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"Grumpy Old Man"
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 29,879
williamsburg ks
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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)
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Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: K9BeavCoon]
#7498722
02/16/22 07:34 PM
02/16/22 07:34 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,574 Green County Wisconsin
GREENCOUNTYPETE
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Green County Wisconsin
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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.
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Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: K9BeavCoon]
#7498740
02/16/22 07:57 PM
02/16/22 07:57 PM
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Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 18,574 Green County Wisconsin
GREENCOUNTYPETE
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Green County Wisconsin
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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.
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Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: K9BeavCoon]
#7498803
02/16/22 08:54 PM
02/16/22 08:54 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,502 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
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Posts: 45,502
james bay frontierOnt.
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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.
Last edited by Boco; 02/16/22 08:57 PM.
Forget that fear of gravity-get a little savagery in your life.
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Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: K9BeavCoon]
#7498814
02/16/22 09:07 PM
02/16/22 09:07 PM
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,851 Frazee, MN
backroadsarcher
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,851
Frazee, MN
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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.
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Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: K9BeavCoon]
#7498931
02/16/22 10:16 PM
02/16/22 10:16 PM
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Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 609 UP Michigan
Yooper1978
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Posts: 609
UP Michigan
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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.
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Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: K9BeavCoon]
#7498952
02/16/22 10:24 PM
02/16/22 10:24 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,502 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,502
james bay frontierOnt.
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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.
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Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: Boco]
#7499306
02/17/22 09:07 AM
02/17/22 09:07 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 63,077 Minnesota
330-Trapper
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Minnesota
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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. Good explanation Boco But we all know you're maniacal
NRA and NTA Life Member www.BackroadsRevised@etsy.com
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Re: Snowshoes vs x country skis
[Re: K9BeavCoon]
#7499653
02/17/22 02:49 PM
02/17/22 02:49 PM
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,502 james bay frontierOnt.
Boco
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trapper
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 45,502
james bay frontierOnt.
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Fort Albany trapping shoes.many hundreds of miles on those. Moose Factory hunting shoes-not used much. 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.
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