Ready to try snowshoeing this winter? In an encouraging trend, the number of snowshoers has, in fact, increased 17% between 2007 and 2009 to 3.4 million Americans (per a SnowSports Industries America study). As I've personally discovered, snowshoeing offers great exercise and is a nifty way to extend your hiking season.

REI now categorizes the types of snowshoes differently than in previous winters, so check out this new REI.com Expert Advice video that discusses this and other snowshoe shopping tips.

Read our How to Choose Snowshoes article for a comprehensive look at snowshoes.