Those US Army shoes are really neat! We have lots of traditional snowshoes but I’ve never seen those! I have the little pair my dad got for Christmas in 1925. He learned on them, so did I, my kids and grandkids too! They now hang in the porch and still have the little red tassels on them. I also have my grandfathers hurons😊👍. Really enjoyed your video.
Nicely done, guys. I liked this better than most of the snowshoe videos I've seen lately. Your uncle knows his stuff. For what it's worth, here are a few thoughts that came to mind as I watched this. 1. I believe the Snocraft company (that's the company that made those "Yukon" snowshoes for the U. S. Army) has been out of business for quite a few years. I'm fortunate enough to have a pair of their "Maine" style snowshoes with neoprene webbing (that was an option on later models) from the late 1970s, and a pair of their standard "bear paw" style from around 1940, which my dad got when he was a kid in high school. I have a nice pair of modern snowshoes too (which are twice as big as what's usually available in modern designs), but I prefer those traditional "Maine" snowshoes much of the time. 2. That idea of a wide foot-spacing being needed for wider models of traditional snowshoes is often stated, but it's simply not true and I only mention this because I hate to see newbies using that as a reason for choosing under-sized modern snowshoes instead. On each step, the foot that is traveling forward goes pretty close alongside your supporting leg so that the inside edge of that snowshoe goes right over the top of the inside edge of the snowshoe that's on the ground, and then when the forward-moving snowshoe drops down at the end of the step, the narrow rear portion of that snowshoe fits alongside the wide part of the snowshoe of your trailing foot. Because of this, your footsteps are very nearly in a straight line, one ahead of the other. ONLY when you are standing still with your feet side by side do your feet have to be farther apart than normal. 3. I've noticed that people who prefer traditional snowshoes are usually a lot "smarter" about what size is actually needed to stay afloat in deep snow. Most people who use modern snowshoes and have no experience with traditional styles seem to be satisfied with post-holing through the snow on every step and they have no idea how much more flotation they COULD have if their snowshoes weren't so darned tiny. Most companies that make modern snowshoes do not offer sizes that are large enough to be functional once you get off of the well-packed trails. 4. Another thing that people who use traditional snowshoes always seem to know, is that there's no need for ski poles if you are not in mountainous terrain. People who use modern snowshoes all seem to use poles, but only because that's an idea they have been sold. I see you guys weren't using poles either. People who hike in the woods will encounter too much brush and every little twig catches the darned poles. 5. An old-timer's trick for preventing those upturned toes from getting straighter as the years go by is that during summer storage, tie the snowshoes tightly together with their bottoms facing each other, and jam a piece of wood, cut to exactly the right length, in-between the upturned toes.
Good info from your uncle. Traditional snowshoes all the way. I have a pair of Iverson's; but there are a few other good makers still in business. Thanks for sharing. ~Steve
The quality of your videos is excellent. Stop this one at 14 min. 25 secs., and you can actually see six-pointed snowflakes on the American made military snowshoe.
Who still makes that long military snow shoe with the screws for ice? I used the magnesium military shoes in USMC Bridgeport ,Calif winter Disney Land in the 80s and on Mt Fuji Japan. Hated them on ice but loved them in deep powder. Upon retirement I purchased a pair of aluminum ovals with crampons rated for a 180 -200 pounder, but they suck in powder with a 25 lb pack and my 160 lb rear end.
Great video! I've never used the traditional style but I do love my modern MSR brand that I've used for ~20 years. Unfortunately we don't have snow in southern Minnesota so I can only look at them this winter.
Nicely done guys. I enjoyed hearing about different types of shoes and some history as well. Good to hear that the US (we) were prepared for Snow Combat if there was an invasion. Seams that there's a ton of lessons to be learned from the old ways. I do have a pair of aluminum MSR Lightnings with the extension tails which do a great job on packed snow to moderate powder, sloped hills, and ice. They have crampons which bite into the ice and hold real well and unlike the Tubbs, don't use tubular aluminum which has a tendency to slide. But, I think I can see more advantages with going traditional. Having said all that, I can't wait to find me a pair of natural material snowshoes. Can you recommend a model for us do-it-yourselfers?
Great discussion brother, have both types (traditional and aluminum) and do find the traditionals to have much better flotation in the Northern Boreal powder that we get up here above the 50th parallel. I have found climbing steep slopes to be easier on the aluminums thanks to the crampons. Once my trails are established do prefer the alumiums as they are so natural to walk on (even forget once in awhile that they're even on and almost make the mistake of turning to sharp). Also love the trekking poles which adds an element of efficiency and stability through super deep powder and like to use them with either style snow shoe. Would sure like a set of those vintage military snow shoes, they are fantastic!
What do you think about pros and cons in skies vs snowshoes? Not trying to start a fight (this is like 9mm vs .45 acp to some people), you already mentioned that skies are hard to operate in thick brush.
I am looking for traditional snowshoes for east coast snow, usually wet rather than dry. They will mainly be used in the woods but with very little underbrush, but occasionally on wide trails with some hills. I am a bigger guy, 6' 5" 240# what shape and size do you suggest for me? Because we only get infrequent snow they will likely be used just two or three times a year, a day or two in a row. Thanks for any suggestions.
RC matties The snowmobile is fixed and running, but unfortunately we've hit a few snags along the way; however, I'm hoping to start filming soon. Thanks for asking!
