About KFridman

‎02-05-2022

The size of the snowshoe will depend on your weight when you are actually snowshoeing. That is, how much you weigh in your winter apparrel including your boots and pack (if you have one). The manufacturers have charts with suggestions. Another thing to look at is bindings. I had a pair with three straps for years. Two over the front of my boot and one around the heel. They worked fine but were a real pain to put on and take off when it was really cold. There are newer bindings. Boa (I haven't used these) and another I don't know the name of but have on my current snowshoes and love them. I have Tubbs Wilderness. Simple on and off which make the experience much better. I set the heel strap and never have to adjust it. I only have one strap in front to connect. If you have a store where you can try snowshoes on, do it. Or, some places rent. Pay attention to the bindings and how the different length snowshoes feel for you. Hope you get set up soon so you can enjoy the rest of this winter.

‎10-16-2021

John, What you described is exactly what I’m hoping for. I think I will order the VRTs for pickup at the Rochester, NY store. I’ll check them out there and if they fit the bill, bring them home and wait for snow. Thanks, Kevin

‎10-15-2021

I'm considering new snowshoes and have narrowed it down to the Tubbs Flex VRT and Flex RDG. It comes down to the BOA binding. From what I've been able to figure, it looks like the heel strap on the RDG is in a permanent position and you don't have to mess with it after initial setup. The heel strap on the VRT looks like it gets adjusted each time you put the things on. I was wondering if the heel strap can be left alone on the VRT which would mean just using the BOA dial each time to put them on.

‎03-08-2021

Thanks for the responses. After reading them over and taking bearings again I think my problem was I didn't take the process far enough. I had stopped after taking each compass off the map. This time I took bearings with each compass and then set them on the floor with "red in the shed" and looked to see where they were pointing. I made sure I kept them far enough apart so they wouldn't influence each other. It was obvious that they were pointed in different directions. The declination where I am is 12º. If I added 12º to the compass without a declination adjustment they pretty much pointed in the same direction.

‎03-07-2021

I am new to using a compass and thought I had it figured but now I'm not so sure. I watched the "How to use a compass" video on REI. I bought a new compass. I set the declination to coincide with the map I'm using. Then I took a bearing from point A to B with the new compass. After that I took a bearing for the same points on the same map. This time I used an older compass I have that has no declination markings on it. The bearing was 232º for both of them. Am I missing something? If the bearings are the same, why do I need to set declination? Thanks.

‎03-03-2021

Thanks! That really helps. Further measurement won't be necessary. I was comparing a Brunton Truarc 5, Suunto M-3, and Suunto MC-2. I have an older Suunto (no model # I can detect) and Silva Starter 1-2-3. I have some trouble reading both so I want to go a little bigger. Also considering the Truarc 15 with the magnifier. I don't think I'd use the mirror much but the magnifier is luring me.

‎03-03-2021

I'm researching different compasses. When looking at the specifications, and it says a compass is 4.72 inches long, is that just the baseplate or does it include the section with the mirror when it is in the open position? Thanks

‎01-28-2021

Hey John, Thought of one other thing. When I'm figuring size for a glove or mitten, should I measure my hand with my liner on to avoid a too snug fit? Again - Thanks. Kevin

‎01-28-2021

John, Thanks for all that info. I may have been making things more complicated than I should have. I was picturing 3 distinct layers that were all separate from each other. Didn't think that something like the Alti mitts would take care of two layers. Finally getting cold in these parts. Need to get moving on this. KFridman

‎01-27-2021

My hands get cold fairly easily. I always use gloves/mittens and sometimes a liner but I've recently discovered articles on layering your hands as we do the rest of ourselves. But it almost seems that by the time I'd have a liner, glove/mitten, and a shell my hands would look enormous. If I have a pair of gloves that have liners sewn in does that constitute the first two layers or would I still need a liner? Also, sizing seems like it would be difficult because each layer would have to fit over my hand plus the previous layer. Can you give me an explanation of the best way to layer my hands? My warmest mittens are down. But I think I've had them long enough that they've packed down and aren't what they used to be. I'd be open to down or synthetic. I'm in Buffalo, New York. It used to get pretty cold here but lately, not so much. Still cold enough to chill the fingers pretty well. Thanks.

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Member Since	‎01-27-2021

Member Since	‎01-27-2021 02:39 PM
Date Last Visited	‎02-05-2022 02:41 PM
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Re: New at Snowshoeing: looking for advice, tips, ...

Re: Tubbs Flex VRT snowshoes

Tubbs Flex VRT snowshoes

Re: new to using a compass - declination?

new to using a compass - declination?

Re: Questions about Compass length

Questions about Compass length

Re: What is the best way to layer with gloves to p...

Re: What is the best way to layer with gloves to p...

What is the best way to layer with gloves to preve...