stupid question?

[sava 0]

This is probably a really silly question, but anyhow:

 

For those of you that hike up backcountry, what do you wear on your feet while hiking?

 

ski/snowboard boots?

[SplendidSeekerOfMatferon6 0]

GOOD question!

[montoya 0]

Actually a quite complex question. I'd say it depends on the snowpack/steepness/length and how much energy you want to use.

 

Lots of people use snowshoes unless it's really hardpack snow. Postholing and sinking up to your knees and sometimes waist is pretty tiring. But if it's really short, maybe postholing is ok.

 

On firm hardpack, sometimes you don't need snowshoes. Then again, you may need crampons if it's icy or steep.

 

Then again, if you are on a splitboard (like me) or skis, you could use skins. But then, skiers sometimes also kickstep with their boots when it's too steep or they don't have skins..

 

Sometimes, though, I see people pulling their board or skis by rope. They were either on snowshoes or ski boots.

 

I find skinning up the easiest by far, although I carry verts snowshoes in case I screwed up my traverse out and need a short hike up, or there's too much snow on the skins and they aren't working anymore. Verts are cool, they are ultra cheap, about $75 for a pair and pretty damn light.

[scoobydoo 0]

What exactly are "snowshoes"? I think I know, but any pics to help out?

[montoya 0]

here ya go..

 

 

 

[mattlucas 0]

 Quote:

Originally posted by sava:
For those of you that hike up backcountry, what do you wear on your feet while hiking?

ski/snowboard boots?

You answered it yourself

Either ski or Snowboard boots

[Fattwins 0]

skis and skins for this chap but I got to admit that snowshoes are getting better. those verts dont look good for long hikes.