Snowshoes or Skis in Deep Snow?

Подписаться 370 тыс.

Просмотров 61 тыс.

50% 1

I've never been much of a cross country skier, although I like the idea of it and think there is a time and place for skis rather than snowshoes. I plan on making a set of skis for when the conditions are just right, so this was a good chance to try out a pair of commercial skis from Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville, Ontario.
Thanks to Nate ( / natemuskoka ) who works at AO, for setting me up for the day. As he told me, the 145cm skis would probably work better than the 125cm pair he lent me and with my lack of experience with them, I did not do them justice. As you can see at the end of the video, I really do need my snowshoes in most times and places, and my modified bearpaw traditional shoes give me the loft and maneuverability that I need to cut and hauls firewood and building materials. I can see next year using skis for ice fishing and possibly for exploring if there was less snow in the bush and/or it was harder packed from wind or mild thaw spells.
Thanks for watching!
Please subscribe:
My Self Reliance: bit.ly/2G7ncW9
Shawn James Channel: bit.ly/2xzZHpB
Playlist Links
Building the Forest Kitchen: bit.ly/2GSjkJa
Log Cabin Build Step by Step Playlist: bit.ly/2LttALh
Food, Wild Edibles, Recipes: bit.ly/2sc1riW
Log Cabins: bit.ly/2sdl0HF
To see what I’m up to during the rest of the week, please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance.com/
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Instagram - / myselfreliance
My Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada
Links to gear used at the cabin:
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants - amzn.to/2rhEiMn
Tilley Endurables Airflo Hat - amzn.to/2Ia4xy1
Apeman Trail Camera - amzn.to/2HRZSNT
Mora Knife - amzn.to/2BOiv35
Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 Saw - amzn.to/2BPV6OF
Axe - www.torontoblacksmith.com/
Moka Pot - amzn.to/2DEomvO Canada amzn.to/2ndmtw6 USA
Virtus Knife- www.virtusknives.com/
Canon 6D - amzn.to/2EdaZjs
DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2DHuJib
Solar LED light bulb 15W - amzn.to/2BQvSQ2
Copper Fairy lights - amzn.to/2BCmF0X
Solar String Lights - amzn.to/2DvgU2n
Lodge Dutch Oven - amzn.to/2kHuxDQ
Bragg’s Sprinkle - amzn.to/2EdouzK

Опубликовано:

22 фев 2019

Ссылка:

Скачать:

Готовим ссылку...

Добавить в:

Мой плейлист

Посмотреть позже

Комментарии : 234

@nikrijavec47 5 лет назад

3 years ago I bought the cross country/freeride skis, they are specially made for deep powder snow and are amazing for walking in deep snow. They are much bigger and wider than yours, around 2m, but no matter how much snow there is you always stay on top, I walked on snow even deeper than 3 or 4 meters and it's like walking on 15cm of snow! I love them and I'm never going back to the snowshoes.

@ladyofthemasque 5 лет назад

It's the surface area. Fancy lightweight materials only reduce fatigue if it's comparable in surface area to what they're replacing. Shawn's Huron style snowshoes have way more surface area than those little things he put on, & that's why your own skis work so well; they're narrower than snowshoes, but if they're 2 meters long (over 6 feet long), then they've got a lot of surface area to redistribute the weight.

@ladyofthemasque 5 лет назад

One of the things that can make a big difference is to use the right shape of snowshoes for the terrain. Long distance travel with trails or across snow-covered frozen lakes, you want a long shape, similar to a ski. But if you're in tight woods or brush, fatter oval shapes are best, because they're easier to make a lot of turns to get around trees, etc, without sacrificing surface area. If you're not sure, or you're crossing between trail/wide open and close-packed woods, you can go for a compromise, not too long, not too wide. Length on a wide-open path, across a big grassland, or a frozen lake, is better than width because it helps in at least a couple of ways. One, the tail end can drag on the ground with each step a lot more easy, which means you're not lifting the entire weight of the snowshoe with each step. And two, because it's dragging, it's creating its own natural 'ramp' to compress, so you don't have to lift your leg quite as far to get the toe edge lifted up out of the powder to take the next stride. Turning, however, is a real pain in the woods.

@straubdavid9 5 лет назад

They sound like the bee's knees ..... enjoy!

@TokyoCraftsman 5 лет назад

I went deer hunting up in Hokkaido once with a Japanese buddy, I had snowshoes good ones, he has that kind of ski, he was MUCH more mobile than I was and I think at the end of the day he was less tired. Now the snow was only about 2-3 feet deep. Cheers from Tokyo!

@richsan4808 5 лет назад

The Tokyo Craftsman Tokyo craftsman one of the lucky half dozen that have a hunting license here As a former I know how hard it is to get that license

@trishpurden7131 5 лет назад

🐶🐾🙏 love that Cali is wagging her tail so much.

@wertfreund2480 5 лет назад

Cali ist a new breed of "snowswimming Goldies" so she needs her long backvane on her tail to create enough forward thrust with her tail! ..she ist literally able to "swim" and kind of sidewind in snow with her well isolating dens air sealing fluffy undercoat.👍😊 That's why they breed in some New Foundlands with that b i g paws and dens coat. And that's why Cali sometimes looks like a dolphin diving into the powder with her nose and ist so keen in water. Great dogs that! 👌

@young-soonkim6730 5 лет назад

Cali is one happy puppy🐕!

@DianneC8287 5 лет назад

Look at that Cali tail swish! 😆

@kkoktan1601 5 лет назад

Love the wife’s giggles as you set out with the skis. Lol. Cali ❤️

@nealhumphrey8259 7 месяцев назад

Good review. I'm a skier. I've been alpine skiing since 1953 and cross country skiing since 1971. I own some ancient but completely functional long "Trapper Nelson" style ash/rawhide snowshoes and modern MSR snowshoes. I live in Utah and Idaho, both locations in snow country. When I cross country ski on groomed trails I usually use my 45-year-old Fischer racing skis. My Idaho cabin was almost buried last winter. When I'm working around my cabin I pretty much leave the snowshoes on the rack these days and use my Hok skis. But then, I'm a skier. I've even shot deer while on cross country skis, so my preferences are colored by experience. The Hoks are great for scooting across lakes while ice fishing, by the way.

@chrlmlln9018 5 лет назад

Thanks a lot! By the way, in Finland we use as the functional back-country cross-country-skies in rather deep new fallen and still lose snow, between 2.3 meters and as best up to about 3 meters long skis, as the good back-country ski equipment, in order to make sense in deep and loose snow, with maybe added weight, if you happen to carry a back-pack on your back, or if you instead can use a snow sledge (toboggan) pulling after you, and you can have your heaviest items packed, when you are out for sleeping for many days outdoors, during the snowy winter season! Thank you for the interesting test of these special (I have never seen such exotic skis before)! ATB wishes!

@L2FlyMN 5 лет назад

CHRL Mlln My back country skies are 3 inches or around 76.3 mm. So how wide are yours? Interesting to see from around the world.

@chrlmlln9018 5 лет назад

@@L2FlyMN Hi! Yes your BC skies are just fine! We can choose from 95 mm, 84 mm, 62, mm, 74 mm depending. Also it is quite OK to use around 185 m to about 220 m long skies! Here in north Europe (Norway, Sweden and Finland) we can find suitable skies to fit different needs or depending mainly where you will be skiing, only in forest, or both forest and mountains, (fell) or more moderate snow conditions in south of our countries! Wishing you nice and wonderful skiing hikes, sir! ATB wishes to and for you, sir!

@TheLoxxxton 5 лет назад

Love the way cali just naturally started following in your tracks! Clever dog🐶

@charlesd.8333 5 лет назад

When I watch your videos, I'm struck by the great respect that you have for nature. You are a positive impact on your viewers. Peace be with you.

@alanaward7183 5 лет назад

Sending love to the James family from Nashville. We are stuck in the city being envious of you.

@ruthiewrangler9864 5 лет назад

That was cute hearing your wife chuckle. I was surprised how well they worked. That snow is crazy deep. Thanks for the video.

@young-soonkim6730 5 лет назад

Good Saturday morning Shawn & Cali🐕! Cali loves snow and very happy puppy! You can tell by the way she is wagging her beautiful tai!🐕

@mikedeclerck1421 5 лет назад

It was worth a try! Cali is the one that needs snow shoes LOL. Thank you for sharing the beautiful landsape with us. Give Cali a BIG HUG from Mike & Ronnie

@jamesbockenstette4332 5 лет назад

Thanks for posting. Cali is game for anything outdoors. She struggled with the snow depth. It didn’t take her long to figure out that is was easier to follow in your tracks. Love that Cali girl. She is a delight.

@suziqbrown7073 5 лет назад

WOW looks like a lot of work! How beautiful your world is

@janetdoecke4391 5 лет назад

Hello Shawn, from Australia! Don't hurt yourself!once again, Cali in the background is hilarious, while she waits for you to stop talking to us! See you next time!

@Mister510 5 лет назад

The Russian hunter skis that Lars uses on Survival Russia would be awesome in snow like that.

@EvertfromNederland 5 лет назад

you beat me to it Mister.

@terijohnson3110 5 лет назад

Hope you have an early spring🌷🌷🌷

@johnmccormick175 5 лет назад

Wow lots of snow...and from what i see on the weather a huge storm starting tomorrow morning (i live in southern Ontario)....thanks for sharing and stay safe and warm

@167curly 3 года назад

Callie was smart walking in Dad's tracks in the deeeeeeep snow.

@steeltree-fabricatingandcu3796 5 лет назад

Cali knew to get in your trail she’s such a special dog So impressed I’m so glad I’m dealing with rain instead of 4 feet of snow ❄️

@westend3019 5 лет назад

Russians use a similar ski for trapping and traveling through the bush. Their Birch skis are wider, longer, and have fur across most of the bottom. Since the fur is laid directionally, it's possible to "ski" forward but the fur holds from sliding backward. I'd imagine the pair you used was similar. They have their place in traveling across snow, as do snow shoes.

@MrTacklebury 5 лет назад

Yes and they make theirs a bit longer too. "Happy People" siberia I believe was a video series that showed how they made theirs start to finish. I think they used poplar due to light weight and flexibility.

@mushercdn 5 лет назад

I have those same skis and use them several times a week. I do not use snowshoes very much anymore because I prefer the skis.Snow is a couple of feet deeper here. You nailed it in saying that they are for travel and not for work. I would not use a chainsaw wearing them. But if you want to get somewhere faster and with less fatigue they beat snow shoes. Just remember to slide them and not walk with them. They are crap once the snow softens up as it clumps on the skins. They are great as emergency gear for the snowmobile. They will get you back to your truck faster than snowshoes if your machine breaks down. If you use a trail on a regular basis, you end up getting quite the highway for quick travel. They never go very fast regardless of snow conditions so do not worry about the hills. Enjoy feeling like a 12 year old again as you putter down the slope. Thanks for the videos.

@dougm5341 5 лет назад

Too funny to see Callie trying to manoeuvre in the deep snow... Keep the videos coming Shawn.

@mountainmamaandherman7206 5 лет назад

I love snow shoeing and cross country skiing..so depending on what you’re doing in the bush would determine which you would use. Also cross country skiing does better on an already groomed trail or with less snow. Thank you for the video👍🏻

@AndreiGajzago 5 лет назад

Thumbs up, thanks, Shawn!

@CliffLewis28 5 лет назад

Your Snowshoes seem much more practical, for your main purposes, Shawn, I'd stick with them, in your situation. It was nice of him to let you try them out though.

@kia_yamaha5051 5 лет назад

Love the video Shawn 🤟🤟

@ericl2969 4 года назад

I just stumbled upon your channel for the first time. THAT is some incredible snow! Anyway, I have seen descriptions in really old books about the use of cross-country skis back then. Back then, many "standard" cross-country skis were as wide or wider than the ones you were using, and the bindings would accept big, bulky boots. Also, back then, the recommended length matched the maximum height that you could comfortably reach upward with one hand, so nearly 8' long for a 6-foot man. Those long, wide skis had excellent flotation and they couldn't be beat for long-distance travel, but not in thick woods or steep terrain. Every method has it's good and bad points and surely that's the case for those stubby skis you tried here.

@chrishamilton3569 5 лет назад

I have a woodlot in the Laurentians north of Montreal with a small cabin 2km back from where I park. I use a mix of back country skis with skins (like the Hok style skis you're using in this video) and snow shoes. For covering ground the skis are more efficient because you don't have to lift your feet to move forwards, you simply push and slide forwards. My typical setup is to get in and out of the bush on skis while pulling a sled with my gear, including my snow shoes. Once in the bush I'll switch to snowshoes for working, especially anything involving trees. Each piece of kit has its use!

@BraxxJuventa 5 лет назад

The snowshoes are obviously more efficient than those skis in such snow conditions. Good video Shawn! Thank you for sharing! 👍😁

@jeanettec6212 5 лет назад

That’s some deep snow! Calli and you taking turns using the paths you made!

@ermis33 5 лет назад

2:34 best part of the video. Hearing your wife laughing when you sink down to waist level is stuff you can't make up. Love the videos!

@snowfire5050 5 лет назад

Well that was interesting, I usually don't laugh at the misfortunes of others but Shawn, you on skis in that deep powder was hysterical. I'm sorry but I can't seem to stop giggling. Save the skis to well worn trails until you get a little more practice and your muscle memory comes back. Love from Nova Scotia

@lindapless28 5 лет назад

snowfire5050 It was funny and I laughed too! No contest with those skis and snowshoes in those conditions; snowshoes win! 😁

@calebodin518 2 года назад

you all prolly dont care but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot my password. I appreciate any tricks you can offer me!

@nickolasconnor3661 2 года назад

@Caleb Odin instablaster :)

@calebodin518 2 года назад

@Nickolas Connor thanks so much for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take quite some time so I will reply here later when my account password hopefully is recovered.

@calebodin518 2 года назад

@Nickolas Connor It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thank you so much you really help me out !

@Barbarra63297 5 лет назад

Brought back memories of my first time cross country skiing, always thought it looked soooooo easy, stopped to wait up for my friend, turned around, next thing I knew I was sitting in the snow laughing my butt off, got up continued on and with some practice, learned to really enjoy it. The one advantage I can see with those skis is the lack of the 'duck walk' you get with snowshoes but still looks tiring on the legs because you still sink down quite a ways, happens sometimes with snowshoes too but doesn't seem quite so labor intensive as the skis.

@AugustusLarch 2 года назад

There is something good about ski tracks. Once you have them established they are worth it. I double them up side by side. Then you can use them again when the tracks fill with packed powder. Good for most of the season.

@virginiareid5336 5 лет назад

Good information as always.

@greywolfwalking6359 5 лет назад

Once you got used to those skis, you seemed to do ok! But poor Cali was buried! Lol! Need to get her a set! She was too cute trying to hop thru the powder! Thanks for sharing!👍😎👍!

@jeanblythe1595 5 лет назад

Snowshoes for deep deep snow. Ohhhh how we wanted a blooper reel, but not if it included a faceplant or treeplant. Poor Cali :D I hope she didn't leave her training dummy behind! She is getting a workout in the snow too! What a delightful video!

@cabincreek1692 5 лет назад

We were in Gatineau Park last weekend for the Gatineau Loppet. They too had about three feet of solid snow. The ski racing was done on a machine groomed surface. For snow that is deep the snowshoe offers better maneuverability and the ability to get over fallen timber. Plus the greater surface area of the snowshoe helps you stay on top of that snow. But the ski allows you to glide and nothing beats good ski glide. Heading up to Barrie in a couple weeks for another ski race. Keep that snow!

@Willaren 5 лет назад

loved that you kept in the laughing - so funny

@loupiscanis9449 5 лет назад

Thank you , Shawn .

@stephenriley9084 5 лет назад

Shawn, Wow! Such intense winter scenery in this short film. Really beautiful. Totally ignored what you were saying. Too busy looking at the background and its piercing blues, like Antartica. Today it's dull, damp and grey here, 5.5c at 0832. Just about to go to work for a couple of hours, so this was a great watch. Thanks. Regards Stephen.

@TheKamakuraGardener 5 лет назад

Yup, 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾 Snow ❄️ shoes are best!

@DNA350ppm 3 года назад

Oh, my first thought: shouldn't you have much longer skis! Those reminded me of the plank-skis my father made for me when I was 3 yrs old, about the same length - miniature versions of his 2 meter-long ones. Heavy, but didn't break easily, when timber and stones hid invisible under the snow-cover. Yes, do make yourself skis in your wood-work-shop cabin. BTW you are really strong, amazing! Your Cali is so clever, took advantage of the path you made for her! Always keeping up with you, so cute! Thanks for sharing!

@carpathianwarrior9180 5 лет назад

Man ,the snow is so deep.

@HelloHello-ej4lk 5 лет назад

Funny Cali tail justa shwinging. Shawn talking ...🐕💬 who is talking too !!! then she snap"s twigs, off she goes, wagging 😊

@GiviFaaip 5 лет назад

That opening shot of your dog was epic. We have a 2 year old lab and she never sits still long enough to get a good picture or video.

@rodpasichnyk9140 5 лет назад

Skis = recreation, snowshoes = work!

@HeBeWorthy 5 лет назад

I agree on the snow shoes. I'm usually looking for sheds or trekking trails, getting into small lakes and the snow shoes are a life saver. Mine the binding pivots so you can walk a bit more normal, and claws for traction but I think the old school ones work better for keeping you up on top. Those skis look neat to try though when a guy didn't have to carry gear and stuff.

@rickmoro705 5 лет назад

You must have a new camera sure it is not the first time you been asked this. It really pulls every thing out crisp vivid and clear Nice!!

@NetTopsey 5 лет назад

I had wondered about your opinion on skis vs snowshoes. It was good to hear what you think, and I appreciate that with this, as so often when you offer your opinion, you say that snowshoes fit your lifestyle, but you can certainly see a use for skis in different situations. I guess what I am trying to say is that is nice to hear some grey in a world that tries so hard to be black and white. Thanks!

@ladyinky882 5 лет назад

I enjoyed hearing Mrs James in the background

@brianspencer4220 5 лет назад

Hi Shawn: I've used X- country skis for about 20 years in up to 4 ft of snow in the Haliberton area & with my short legs I find them much preferable, in most cases, to snow shoes. Thanks for the video Brian 78

@mitchmead5772 5 лет назад

Calie is definitely letting you blaze the trail. She is Sooooo Funny.

@Heavypsychoverdose 5 лет назад

I've been skiing since a kid and I use them in deep snow and in rough forest terrain. Those tennis racket style snow shoes US/CAN folks use seem extremely cumbersome and impractical in those circumstances. Check out Lars of Survival Russia, he uses a wide style Siberian hunter ski which he even uses while working etc. Skiing takes time to learn so use your trademark patience and you will prevail. Also congratulations on your Sauna build.

@mikefedele4521 5 лет назад

They look different... I was surprised that they would sink but only so far. Cool idea.

@globetrotting2628 5 лет назад

Another great video to wake up to on this snowy morning. Sending well wished from the Pacific Northwest.

@EarlLewis 3 года назад

For that kind of snow snowshoes are the better option for sure. And gliding downhill is definitely the best part of using skis.

@suzisaintjames 5 лет назад

We got snow today... well, not at my house, we got rain. High of 47f... but about 25 miles north... in Scottsdale, Arizona 🌵 they got snow! They said it was up to 8-inches! They rarely get snow that sticks... like once every 20-years they'll get flurries. It will be gone next week... in the 70s. Oh well. Sending lots of love 💜 from snowy ❄ Arizona 🌵

@downeastprimitiveskills7688 5 лет назад

It greatly depending on snow type. Skis have their place and snowshoes have a place too. I really enjoy a good ski, it is much faster to cover ground on skis I would say even in deep snow it could be possible to out perform a snowshoe. But snowshoes are some handy too. I wouldn't throw either one out. My latest skies are metal edge rental down hill skis, I paid $1.50 for them at Good Will. New bindings and I also put a set of the same bindings on a pair of Nortic Skates.

@TheNorthwoodsman1 5 лет назад

Next time try the ATLI HOK ski in the longer 145cm length. The bindings are mounted forward of center and make travel in the deep stuff much easier. The best part is being second one down the trail as Cali seemed to know.

@Lidab7 5 лет назад

superb!!! 😊👋👍👌❄❄❄

@ismailgerigelmez8684 5 лет назад

exquisite environment

@janetwithers7427 5 лет назад

That snow was deep. Skis look like a good idea. Good to rest it out. 🐱

@TUSSCANNY 5 лет назад

What a beautiful walk. Just gorgeous . Walking in that deep snow ❄️ is not for me. Maybe the snow shoes wouldn't be so bad but not those skis. ...Granny Fan

@ruthleger8594 5 лет назад

Snow shoes are probably best method for you. The possibility of injury is too great with skies. Those trees are not moving and most definitely will be in your path. You should build a mini slope for campers! 😀

@Scorpiomary 5 лет назад

Skis look like lots of work. Snow shoes do better for what you do. I got some giggles ... Cali and just seeing her head. Some beautiful scenery. Thanks for sharing

@gstanley75 5 лет назад

The skis make a nice trail for Cali. 🥶

@retiredyeti5555 5 лет назад

Martin at thenorthwoodsman1 also uses a similar pair in Northern Minnesota. But he also uses snowshoes at times. I've had the narrow cross-country skis, but never used/tried them in deep, deep snow. That was 30 years ago, time has passed me by! It was fun to watch you trying to use them, though! Stay safe, don't drown or suffocate in that deep snow!

@bwillan 5 лет назад

As with everything, choosing cross country skis or snow shoes, it is application dependent. For travelling over open flat terrain, I'd consider cross country skis. For work in the bush and tight confined areas, bear paw snow shoes is my first choice.

@sandraloes6707 5 лет назад

A neve cobre os bosques de Long Cabin e James sabe de passeio com Cali. Eles afundam na quantidade de neve no solo e apesar das dificuldades ele se equipa bem. Cali acompanha saltando e afundando porém a felicidade dele é admirável. Não estou sendo nada fácil para James e se vê obrigado a tirar o equipo de 🎿 que não permite avançar. A cauda de Cali balança de alegria pois adora sair de passeio principalmente se tem neve pra ele brincar e rolar.

@stevekunde1117 4 года назад

I have gone with the 145 Alti Hok skis. For me, better and easier walking than the snow shoes. No more post holes. Just kick forward instead of the step of the snow shoes. It took a while to get used to, but better.

@stephanieluigon5192 5 лет назад

There is an old "tired dog is a happy dog" mantra that will ring true with all dedicated dog lovers, and, to that end, you are making Cali seriously happy. Subscribers, of course, are aware of your love and dedication to your canine companion. I do not advocate the "no animals were harmed in the making of this video" BS advocated by fools who have nothing better to do than criticize dog owners, but, by God, Shawn, both you and Cali are in dangerously deep snow. There are 56,000 of us out here, on this channel alone, not even counting "My Self Reliance", who occasionally worry about logs, dogs, and Mrs. J and her daughters. It would be excellent if you would periodically remind us that, despite the obvious independence you enjoy, none of us will sit in our living rooms muttering "I should have mentioned that." It is certainly selfish...we love everything you do for us, and never want to anything to interrupt our pleasure. Just please always be aware. Tough for a macho guy, I do understand. I think we all hope that these experimental adventures are within sight of the cabin!

@viadharmawheel 5 лет назад

Some deep snow up there.

@T8ERS 5 лет назад

Hearing your wife giggling atcha just made my day!! LoL!

@Tanner731 5 лет назад

If you try it again try some longer ones for the deep snow conditions. most people i know with them use a stiff mountaineering type boot to get the best control over the ski edges

@hildamorrison2003 5 лет назад

LOL - I've never been on snowshoes ... when my boys were young, I went on school day skiing trips with them & got to experience downhill skiing - which was a laugh in itself ... I also got to go x-country skiing - they work best on groomed snow except on trails covered with ice - you end up "hugging a tree" on those trails (learned from experience) or where there was a little snowfall ... too hard to get through deep snowfall with these ski's... None the less, I always found a way to enjoy them ... I've long since given my ski's & shoes for them away & hope someone is still enjoying them ... to x-country - maybe use your snowmobile to groom an area just for that, pulling a flat sled behind with something heavy on it & see how that works ... my understanding & from what I've seen with people is snowshoes are for keeping you on top of the snow - I guess something like walking on water; x-crountry skis glides you on an open trail; downhills skis gets you from top to bottom in a matter of a few seconds - you have to enjoy the view going up, you never know what you'll find coming down (LOL) ... Either way, a lot of fun when you need a break... It's nice to see people having fun again - Great video! ... Have an awesome day!

@cherrydowns7745 5 лет назад

Please excuse me but I laughed out loud when you first started out and Cali was plowing through the snow trying to go with you!

@straubdavid9 5 лет назад

Seems like those skis could have an application where the terrain is flatter and the snow not quite so deep. They seem to be difficult to extract with each step. I have a pair of 10X36 Iverson Green Mountain modified bearpaw snowshoes that would be better suited, but even they are cumbersome because you still have to extract the whole shoe with each step .... but you are not sinking in as much either. You will get a good workout though ... if that is your goal. Your best bet in that deep deep snow (if we are talking snowshoes) would be some long (12X46) types with a narrow tail. They can handle approx 240 LBs which can come in handy if you are carrying a pack etc From what I can see ... they are a little costly .... but most good snowshoes/skis are. The downside with long snow shoes and skis in wooded areas is the turning. You can do a kick turn with skis, but not in deep snow. Just some babbling here .... take it for what it's worth ~8^)

@lindsaylittle6535 5 лет назад

Shawn, up in the Arrowhead, my wife and I have used these skis for about 4 years. It takes a little getting used to in deep powder, but we love them. Shoes or skis will give you a workout, right? We use snow shoes also, but find we use these more on lakes and in the bush where there is a little more space. If you are working around trees, I agree, the shoes work better. If you make your own next year, please do an in depth video. Enjoy both of your channels immensely! Take care!

@DStrayCat69 5 лет назад

Another subscriber suggested a much longer ski... I agree. The skis should be 2 meters or more. More would be even better. The ones you tried out are too short to displace your weight. The outfitter should have known that. However, with some practice, you'd learn to turn and stop without running into trees... lol The width of those skis is very good, they are just not long enough, as are the shovels (tips). They've got a great curve. My Downhill skis are 210 cm... You might look up some teaching videos about Telemark Skiing... I know there are loads of them on YT. Good luck with that :-)

@L2FlyMN 5 лет назад

Usually, I have found longer & wider skies are much faster over any distance, but in deep powder, you need to test out Ojibwa style snowshoes, with their turned up points. They were chosen for a reason by the native people that needed them on a daily basis. Once you have a trail established, skies are by far the way to go!

@HamsterLife_EnglishLearning 5 лет назад

Interesting video indeed. Cali was collecting kindling for a fire lol.

@jegasothyparamu1467 4 года назад

@user-vt4xq8nx4m 5 лет назад

Good morning😁

@ikeandmary1286 5 лет назад

Hi Shawn We used to snowmobile up through your area on trips when I had my shop but it seems to me it's been a few years since you have had snow like that The snowmobiles must be happy this year but not so good for you Wont be long now though the sun seems stronger every day Have fun Eric

@geezerdude4873 5 лет назад

In Colorado, USA back in the nineteenth century at high altitude (no close cover forests like you have in northern Canada) they used "Norwegian snowshoes" which were basically skis similar to yours, much wider than conventional skis, and up to ten feet long. I don't know if they used things like climbing skins for moving uphill or on very slick packed snow, but the basic idea seems to be an old one.

@Crewsy 5 лет назад

Despite her best efforts at holding it in, Mrs. James was laughing at your attempt to use the skis in the deep powder just as we were. It appears that for the trekking you do and this years snow conditions that your snowshoes are the better option, but at the same time I think your snowshoes would be better than a set of modern aluminum or titanium snowshoes for breaking trails like you often are doing. It’ll be cool to see you make your own skis when the time comes.

@atom7007 5 лет назад

Hi Shawn, Watching your vids and Niks too, they are all great and enjoyable to watch. I did just say to my wife that it would be good if you could put some markers on some trees to indicate this years snow level ? It will be quite interesting to see the depth it got to, once its all melted. Please keep up with the fantastic job you are doing Ant - UK

@randybryant9936 5 лет назад

Woe thats deep

@magnusjohansson2708 5 лет назад

Cali need some to :)

@allenthomas1738 5 лет назад

I hurt so bad shawn..but im tough..and always watch..it takes my mind off of what ive been through..im very much so greatful that i can live my days through you vicariously..im truely greatful to you..hi cali..much loves to the deep south. Cowboy..mtg..ala....

@mazea8674 5 лет назад

Wow that's too deep but Cali seems loving it.

@MrPanzerblitz 3 года назад

In the background at 5:59 Cali is breaking off potential "eye pokers" on her little trail she has made. My dog used to do this too. She is definitely no dummy!

@lucylou5766 5 лет назад

something something skis, ....um shoes....bla bla snow. I see your lips move Shawn, but all I notice is Cali! Almost swimming through the deep drifts. She makes me 😀 every time. What a personality! Seriously though, unbelievable how deep the snow gets in your neck of the woods. Very educational for those of us who live on the other side of the world. If it snows at all here, it makes the Front Page! cheers Shawn and ty for your uploads. Great as always 🐨🌷

@jerryseeley276 5 лет назад

Hello Shawn, first off I really enjoy watching your videos. I can relate so well to them as I am trying to do the same thing and am at the same time in my life where I can do such a thing. It is very inspiring to watch your videos. I don't usually comment on your videos as you probably have loads of them coming in but I had to let you know that if you are interested in making these skis you should watch a video entitled Happy People A year In the Taiga. It is not a how to video but you can get some good idea on how to make them. It is a documentary on trappers in Siberia. Just wanted to let you know. Kind regards.

@MrPappymn 5 лет назад

Most snow on record for February here in Minnesota. But not like you have!

@chetthejet3896 5 лет назад

Something I learned when I was up north. When I retired I would move south not north. To each his own.

@ryantoemmes9685 5 лет назад

🤣😂😆 👉🏻 Cali trying to catch up and drawing down in the snow ❄️ dog 🐕 Snow is way to loose to walk in.... That’s really hard snow to walk in

@claverhouse1 5 лет назад

Listening on headphones - so getting the full experience of laughing at your wife sniggering at you as you struggled off into the deep powder ;)

@ShawnJames1 5 лет назад

Lol, I didn’t notice when I edited it, but she did when she watched it

@dlspiritdancer9548 5 лет назад

Yea i caught that too even tho it was very suttle. Good vid you guys have fun on your adventures. Thanks for sharing! 😎 from sunny sw fl 😃

@thegreatecb 5 лет назад

Have fun catching CWD chronic wasting disease from those animals you kill.

@claverhouse1 5 лет назад

@@thegreatecb you know there is a difference between being vegetarian and being vegetative, maybe you should try it

@straubdavid9 5 лет назад

@@thegreatecb Feel better now ~8^)

@davidnoseworthy4540 3 года назад

I guess I'm old fashioned, I would prefer a good pair of "Bear Paws" for the bush, or "Algonquin" style for trecking. But I don't mind saying that they did peek my interest (lesson from Shawn: keep the tips up). I would have to try them before I committed to buying a pair. Maybe an excuse to visit the Huntsville area, connect with friends, and rent a set from the outfitter - once this COVID Crap becomes manageable. Take care Shawn, best wishes as always, to you, family & Cali