Snowshoes were invented because they were a necessity. Early Artic tribesmen needed a reliable means of transportation in snow. Before the snowshoes, the tribesmen were limited to the range they could travel. With the use of snowshoes, the tribesmen could travel further to look for food.
The first snowshoes were made from bent wood and animal skins. In design, little has changed from earlier snowshoes to today's snowshoes. Snowshoes displace the walker's weight over a larger area of snow, thus allowing the person to "float" on snow. The major changes that snowshoes have undergone are the change in building material. Today's snowshoes are made of aircraft aluminum and neoprene. These materials make them lighter, stronger and more reliable.
The parts of the snowshoe are the frame, harness and binding, decking and cleat.
There are three categories of snowshoes, each designed for different activities:
Recreational hiking/walking
Running/aerobic fitness
Hiking/backing
Footwear: insulated boots or rubber booths are generally line for hiking/walking. For aerobic conditioning, running shoes, specially designed outdoor running shoes, or hiking boots work well. For ling hikes and backpacking, use waterproof, insulated hiking boots.
Exercising in the Cold Weather
You can have a safe and healthy outdoor experience in very cold weather "IF" you dress appropriately. The best way to dress for winter fun is to wear layers of clothing. The 3 W's of layering are: wicking (first layer), warming (second layer) and weather (outer layer).
Wicking - This is the first layer worn next to the skin, usually long underwear. It should keep you warm and dry. Wear material that has a "wicking" effect. This means the fibers will wick (move) sweat away from your skin. This keeps you dry and warm. Wicking materials are usually some type of polyester blend that have names like polypropylene, Coolmax, Drylete or HyDrid. They come in different weights and thick nesses, depending on the weather and your exercise intensity. Don't wear cotton next to the skin. Cotton captures moisture and traps it next to your body. The body loses heat four times faster when exposed to water (sweat). A wicking fabric next to the skin allows the moisture to move to the outer layers.
Warming - The middle layer is the insulation layer. Fleece and wool are good options. They keep the heat in and the cold out which is accomplishes by trapping air between the fibers. In addition, they are soft, dry quickly and pull the moisture to the surface, increasing comfort and decreasing the likelihood of getting chilled.
Weather - The exterior layer serves as protection from the weather. It should repel water from snow, sleet or rain and block the wind, while allowing perspiration to evaporate. Supplex nylon is excellent protection against the wind and is water resistant in mist or light snow. The Gore-Tex name is synonymous with water repellence and breath ability of fabric.
Sweatshirts are not jackets. They do not have the properties for an effective weather layer.
Headwear - Up to 80% of the body's heat can escape from an uncovered head. Wear a hat!
Socks - 1 pair of lightweight or medium weight socks with wicking (see above) properties works best.
Jeans - Always fashionable but denim is not waterproof. Water will not be wicked and you'll end up cold, wet and miserable.
Gloves and Mittens - Mittens are usually warmer than gloves but gloves allow you to do more things with your fingers. Consider gloves/mittens made of waterproof, breathable materials so your hands say dry. Gloves/mittens also provide protection if you should fall.
Face Cover - On really cold days, cover your face (mouth) with a fleece "neck gaiter". Scarf or face mask. A turtleneck may also be effective. Asthmatics should always consider warming the air to be breathed.
Sunglasses and Goggles - Protect your eyes from damaging ultraviolet rays. Snow or other reflective surfaces make ultraviolet rays stronger. Make sure your sunglasses have 100 percent UV protection.
Mt. Ararat Middle School Snowshoeing Rules
1.. Go to the bathroom before class.
2.. Put your snowshoes on outside.
3.. Please dress following the "3 W" principles.
4.. Wear gloves/mittens for safety.
5.. Asthmatics should cover their mouth with a scarf.
6.. Asthmatics should always carry their rescuer inhalers.
7.. On the teachers signal, stop and listen for directions.
8.. Always be in sight of the teacher.
9.. No fooling around or horseplay at any time.
10.. No throwing snow.
11.. Keep a safe distance from the person in front of you.
12.. Never step on someone's snowshoes.
13.. Stay on the trails.
14.. Always remember "SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY"!
Special thanks to L.L. Bean for providing us with information on exercising in the cold.