No snow to mo’ snow gear

I'd have to say I'd bring a lightweight set of snowshoes for those conditions. And put the baskets on my trekking poles.

If I am expecting patches of snow I just take my normal gear with the possible addition of the snow baskets. If I am hiking up in elevation where I will get into deeper and deeper snow I carry the snowshoes until needed.

Just a dusting of snow and think that will be "it" this year. Carrying snowshoes sounds like the best option so may get a winter pack with appropriate daisy chains in about a half year if "El Nino" returns. Thanks.

You can often attach snowshoes easily to your pack using the pack's existing compression straps.

Not that I want to discourage you from dropping another couple of hundred hard-earned greenbacks on a new pack, but you don't NEED to — just sayin'… :^)

"You can often attach snowshoes easily to your pack using the pack's existing compression straps."

Or by using a bungee cord threaded thru the compression straps to hold the snowshoes on the back of the pack. Attaching the hooks of the bungee cord(s) to the compression loop eyelets also works. The reason I mention this method is that it is sometimes better to have the snowshoes inline with the pack instead of on the sides of the pack when moving thru heavy brush.

I tie my 'shoes on at the bottom, with the shoes in a vertical position, then use a cord or strap to hold them against the pack. Only extra weight added to the pack may be some cord at the bottom if a strap is not available.
Duane