Bob Marshall Open 2019

[Jane Baack]

Thanks to all participants for reports of your challenges and triumphs in yet another epic trip. The videos were special and added to the detailed trip reports. I look forward to this event every year-something I could never, ever do but so enjoy that you’re out there challenging yourselves under difficult conditions each year.

I have a couple of questions about the MSR Shift snowshoes. MSR specs. say they’re for up to size 7 men’s shoes and 125 pounds, including both the person and any pack they’re using. I’ve read Mike’s report of his size 11 shoes but what about others of you-what do you think is the safest “limit” for size and weight? My youngest grandchildren have sized out of their kid snowshoes. Thanks for the help.

[Dan @ Durston Gear]

For the Shifts, I wonder if they are imagining people using boots when they say to mens size 7. They work well for me at size 10 and I could see size 11 working. There is some wiggle room in the fore/aft position of your foot depending on how you tighten the straps.

For float, it’s so conditions dependant that it’s hard to say. You’d likely want to be under 100 lbs if you were using these in soft winter snow, but they can hold >200 lbs when it’s more consolidated, so it really depends on the conditions.

[Josh J]

dang it! any recommendations for a size 12 trail runner? i should be able to fit into an 11….. just curious for a friend ;) i mean future hopeful :)

[Dan M]

Josh – I wear size 13 trail runners – 220lb with pack – shifts are great in the spring – have 2 pairs of northern lites that don’t come close for traction on springtime traverses

[Josh J]

Dan- this makes me very happy to hear! :)

[Jane Baack]

Thanks for the info. on the Shifts. In the winter we have to ski or snowshoe miles into our isolated cabin near Donner Summit. The Shifts seem like they would be a good snowshoe for our grandchildren if they’re not using skis. Might be a good choice for a smaller set of snowshoes for me, too. My Atlas pair are a bit heavy. Helpful to have actual users’ info.

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