Snowshoes for Appalachian mountains

[Andy F]

I'm hoping to spend a few days in the mountains of West Virginia before winter disappears. Conditions are unpredictable. I might have high temps in the 50's (F) with feet of mud, or lows below 0 F with feet of snow, or all of these in the same trip.

I would like to get the cheapest pair of snowshoes which will still allow me to travel in deep snow, and which are not likely to fall apart.

I know I'll need at least a 10" x 36" size.

[Joe Kuster]

Do you know that you'll really need 36" snowshoes from experience or are you using the manufacturer scale? Even at 220lbs (me plus lots of gear) my 30" Tubs had excessive float and the increased size left my hips hurting from the awkward stance.

[Andy F]

From my reading, 36" seems necessary for my 240 lb self + at least 20 lb pack.

[Walter Carrington]

The size you need depends on the type of snow as well as your weight. Dry powdery snow needs bigger snowshoes than heavy wet snow.

Around here, the popular trails are packed down fairly quickly after a snowfall. I was sinking about a foot in my backyard with shoes that match the manufacturers recommendation for my weight.

Is there anyplace near you that rents snowshoes? Many outdoor shops here do.

Some people on viewsfromthetop.com have had good luck with Yukon Charlie snowshoes; you can search there for models.
Amazon has them in sizes:
http://www.amazon.com/Yukon-Charlies-Snowshoe-Gunmetal-10X36-Inch/dp/B002S3F7N2/ref=sr_1_1/192-2909016-3473729?ie=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1264029489&sr=8-1
I haven't tried these and don't know if this particular model is good.

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