Basic Guide to Choosing Snowshoes

Two questions:

1. How much will you weigh when snowshoeing (body weight + clothes and gear)?

2. What snow conditions (typical to your region) will you be in: dry powder or heavy, wet snow?

Then, select the smallest snowshoe that can handle your typical load (combined body and pack weight).

SIZE	PACKED SNOW, MOUNTAINOUS OR DENSE BRUSH	POWDERED SNOW, FLAT OR HILLY
8”x 20”	Child to 150 lbs.	Child to 125 lbs.
8”x 25”	100 lbs. to 175 lbs.	50 lbs. to 150 lbs.
9”x 30”	150 lbs. to 210 lbs.	125 lbs. to 200 lbs.
9”x 34”	200 lbs. to 275 lbs.	175 lbs. to 250 lbs.
10”x 36”	250 lbs. to 350 lbs.	200 lbs. to 300 lbs.