Page 1 of 1

Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 4:26 am
by catalyst81
I'm looking to snow shoe for the first time this winter in Socal Mountains. Most likely San Jacinto via the tram. It seems there are different types of shoes for different snow conditions. Could anyone with experience in Socal mountains in winter make some suggestions of snow shoes I should look at? Also, any online resources with good snow shoe info? I'll be going with some more experienced people, but could use some help picking out some snow shoes.

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 5:14 am
by phydeux
A good place to look is on the mtsanjacinto.info BB. Look back through the threads and there was plenty of info last winter on snowshoes. Seem to remember MSR Denalis were popular. Personal, I use a pair of old Tubbs snowshoes I bought over 15 years ago. As long as the shoes can be attached to your boots, and give you some floatation, you should be good.

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 7:38 am
by LC
I've gone up San jacinto a few times on snowshoes. I think the msr denalis are a bit heavy. I use a pair of red feather snowshoes that are light weight and more than adequate for this climb. Most of the time though, I use a pair of kahtoola microspikes for the winter hike up San jacinto. Depending on how fresh the snow is, it usually hardens up pretty good making it perfect for crampons.

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 11:31 am
by catalyst81
Thanks for the advice. I searched the San J board, but couldn't find any specifics on snowshoes - more just trip report info. I'll keep searching though.

1000pks - I've done my own searching. Just wanted to ask others if they know of other good resources. Since you took the time to post, maybe a more helpful/constructive post would be better next time.

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 3:43 pm
by drpw
MSR Denali Ascents. The only snowshoes you'll ever need. Ever.

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sat Oct 30, 2010 6:19 pm
by 96avs01
drpw wrote:MSR Denali Ascents. The only snowshoes you'll ever need. Ever.


+1

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 12:44 am
by catalyst81
Anyone know a place that has the Denali Ascents still in stock? Also, do you think I'll need the tails? I'm pretty light at around 150 lbs.

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:06 am
by mrchad9
96avs01 wrote:
drpw wrote:MSR Denali Ascents. The only snowshoes you'll ever need. Ever.


+1

+2

And no you don't need the tails. I've never bothered with tails even with a pack on.

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 1:05 am
by johnm
mrchad9 wrote:
96avs01 wrote:
drpw wrote:MSR Denali Ascents. The only snowshoes you'll ever need. Ever.


+1

+2


Agreed but I'm partial to the MSR Lightning Ascents

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Sun Oct 31, 2010 5:32 am
by mtndonkey
I haven't ever done San Jacinto, but have spent a good deal of time int he SoCal mountains in the winter, and snowshoes are hardly ever needed. My two cents is don't buy any until you find a day that you really need them. I have all but stopped carrying mine and never find myself wishing I had. It is rare to both get enough snow and be one of the first people out breaking trail. Even when you are, it tends to work out better to break trail in your boots than snowshoe. I'd say save your money and wait to see if you find yourself really needing them much.

Re: Snowshoes and Socal mountains

PostPosted: Mon Nov 01, 2010 3:12 pm
by cab
catalyst81 wrote:Also, do you think I'll need the tails? I'm pretty light at around 150 lbs.


I have the MSR Denali ascents and weigh 215 pounds. I've never felt like I needed tails, especially in SoCal.