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Snowshoes - So What's a Little Snow?
By Victor Epand
Snowshoes, like many useful human inventions, are based on the
adaptations seen in nature. Animals that live in cold and snowy
climates, such as the snowshoe hare and the snow leopard, often have
oversized feet. It is their feet that allow them to move quickly and
efficiently over snow without becoming mired down. The additional
distributes the animal's weight over a larger area, preventing the feet
from sinking very far. Snowshoes operate on exactly the same concept,
and they are just as effective. Humans have used snowshoes for thousands
of years to aid in survival; today, however, they are popular primarily
as a form of recreation.
Modern snowshoes usually have an aluminum or stainless steel frame and
neoprene/nylon or polypropylene decking; the toe is generally tilted
upward to allow for easier maneuverability. In order to work as
intended, snowshoes must not be allowed to accumulate snow on the tops.
This is usually prevented by use of a latticework, which allows any snow
to fall through the snowshoe. Some snowshoes use no latticework, having
a solid, plastic decking; however, these models do not appear to have a
problem with accumulated snow. If they did, they would not be as popular
as they are. Many modern snowshoes also incorporate crampons, which are
essentially spikes that protrude from the bottoms of the shoes. Crampons
help with mountaineering and glacier travel, providing additional
traction in snow and ice.
Snowshoes are seeing a resurgence in popularity. Today, these pieces of
equipment can be divided into three types: aerobic, recreational and
mountaineering. The first, aerobic, are small and lightweight. They are
not intended for use over rough terrain, but rather on groomed trails.
Such snowshoes are commonly used by runners who want to be able to
exercise even when there is snow on the ground. Recreational snowshoes
and a bit larger and, as the name implies, most often used on snow
hikes. Such hikes are usually three to five miles, as anything beyond
that is considered mountaineering, which requires the largest and
toughest kind of snowshoe.
There are two kinds of snowshoe bindings: limited rotation and free
rotation. With limited rotation, the toe is not permitted below the
level of the decking; with free rotation, it is. Both types utilize
straps to fasten the foot to the snowshoe. These straps are fastened so
that the lose ends are on the outsides of the feet. This prevents the
wearer from stepping on them.
Snowshoeing is extremely beneficial exercise, especially since they
allow people to get outdoors when it would otherwise be impossible.
Snowshoes also have the added benefit of being quite environmentally
friendly. A snowshoer is able to pass through his or her surroundings
while making virtually no impact, adverse or otherwise. Snowshoes even
allow skiers and snowboarders to access hills they would otherwise be
unable to get to. As a result, many winter sports enthusiasts have
adopted snowshoes as a complimentary sport, one that allows them to
practice their main pastime in new and different surroundings.
About the Author:
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for sweatpants, sweatshirts,
outdoor gear, sports clothing, and model motorcycles. Click here when
you want to find sweatpants,
sweatshirts, outdoor gear,
sports.
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