Last updated on October 14th, 2022 at 02:06 pm
Snowshoeing can be a fantastic way to experience snowy trails. And, for those of us with a heavy hiking pack or a few extra pounds, you may be wondering what type of snowshoes are best. We’re here for you, the best snowshoes for big people will keep you floating on powder without a care.
Snowshoeing is great cardio. And, there are plenty of snowshoes that can carry weight from 250 lb up to 390 lb. If you’re new to the sport, you’ll need to pick up some simple gear, pack right, and plan a route.
The Best Snowshoes for Heavy Weights Are...
We provide a number of tips throughout this post for snowshoeing while overweight, but having a pair of quality snowshoes that can support you and your hiking bag is the most important first step. Here are our favorite snowshoes for big people:
Our Favorite: Tubbs Wilderness 36″ (holds up to 300 lbs)
Runner-up: MSR Lightning Explore 30″ (carries up to 280 lbs)
Additionally, below we provide some very important details and options to consider when looking into how you size snowshoes.
Snowshoes Built for the Trek (and you)
First things first, snowshoes are fitted by our weight.
And, this measurement should include the weight of your pack and boots as well. So, before heading out on your journey, make sure to purchase a pair of snowshoes for the task.
In order to allow us to float atop the fresh fluffy snow properly, the base of the snowshoe will change accordingly. For instance, solid steel options are better suited for durability, and can help you navigate easily over hidden rocks, roots, or ice. However, aluminum framework is lightweight. This can be solely up to your preference and for your uses.
Typically for those weighing 195lb and up, you’ll be looking at snowshoes that are between 27-42″ in length.
While ‘overweight’ is really subjective terminology, it’s hard to say what overweight is for your height and body structure. So, based on what is given to us by snowshoe companies, we’ve found the following to be the best suited for snowshoers over 190lb:
Best Snowshoes for Bigger People
| Snowshoe | Name | Recommended Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 
|
MSR Lightning Explore 30" | up to 280lb | $$$ |
 
|
Yukon Charlie's Sherpa Snowshoe 10x36" | up to 300lb | $ |
 
|
MSR Lightning Ascent 8x30" | up to 280lb | $$$ |
|
Tubbs Wilderness 10x36" | up to 300lb | $$ |
Now don’t fret, suggested weight isn’t a hard and fast rule. For instance, the manufacturer’s listed weight is only a recommendation, and it’s only given as a consideration to grant optimal float above deep snow.
If you’re just starting out, you may be sticking to easy bridal trails or a groomed track. And that’s just perfect, especially if you’re looking for something everyone could use more of on snowy trails…stability and traction.
However, keep this in mind if your party plans to head into deep snow. During off-trail routes, you may find yourself working a bit harder to pick up each foot once it sinks.
But, no worries, make sure to bring trekking poles to make the trip easier. If you think trekking poles will be a huge help for you (and they likely will), check out our post dedicated specifically to the best trekking poles for snowshoeing.
How to Snowshoe When Overweight
Snowshoeing is almost as easy as walking and most people get a hang of it quickly.
However, there are a few basic snowshoeing techniques we go over in our Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Snowshoeing post. It’s full of everything you need to know to start.
Additionally, our guide will help you find trails near you and assist you with more trail advice.
Start Small
Firstly, it’s best to start small. For instance, to test out snowshoes and to plan for an attainable victory, we usually start out with a 1-2 mile loop or out-and-back trail. From there we gradually work our way to more difficult trips.
Bridal trails are our favorite because they’re wider and they’ve been groomed for horses. So, they’re typically quite flat and easy going.
RELATED: Best Boots for Snowshoeing | Warm Toes
As we mentioned earlier, snowshoeing involves a bit more lifting of your feet and legs with each step than walking. Where in the summer I can get away with shuffling along the path, it just doesn’t work out for me in the snow.
So, before the trip I usually spend a couple of weeks strengthening my upper legs and core. Just a few lunches or squats here and there to ready my body for the hike.
Choose the Right Gear
Additionally, we find it helpful to start with what you have on hand in the beginning. For instance, if you’re sticking to a local trail you don’t need the best of the best sunglasses or top performing soft shell hiking pants.
If you have anything that is lightweight and can be layered, this will work nicely.
Also, we’ve found Reebok, Alpine Curves, Minus33 and Columbia to have the best plus size outerwear that’s suited for snowshoeing.
Trust and Believe in Yourself
It may seem like an overstated platitude, but it is true. Once you’re out there, let your adventurous spirit drive you forward. If you’re here and reading this post, you must be committed to a snowy journey, and why not?
When you’re out on the hills, just think of all the people that chose to foolishly sit indoors on this gorgeous crystalline day. You are a winter warrior, and don’t forget that!
However, at the same time, if you need to stop for a break listen to your body. Remember to allow yourself to feel, breath, and eat some snacks for energy. If you’ve brought the right snowshoeing buddy, they’ll understand your needs.
Otherwise, get out there and blaze some trails!
Is Snowshoeing Good for Weight Loss
In short, absolutely!
Snowshoeing is like walking or hiking on steroids. Because you’ll be lifting your legs higher to navigate deep snow, snowshoeing is a great core workout and fantastic cardio.
Additionally, while using trekking poles to propel your body forward down the track, you’re engaging your entire body in an efficient workout. All the while you’ll be burning more calories than hiking in the summer months.
In fact, snowshoers can expect to burn anywhere from 450-1000 calories per hour depending on the difficulty of the terrain and snow load.
How to Prepare for Your Snowshoeing Trek
Preparing for snowshoeing will be quite simple. While this winter sport is a lot like walking, it’s definitely more of a workout. And, as such, we need to consider a couple extra precautions, especially with the biting cold.
Stay Hydrated
First, arguably to easiest step is to keep drinking water. It’s a common misconception that we need less water during winter because we aren’t sweating as much.
However, it’s incredibly important to continue to drink plenty of water before, during, and after snowshoeing. Not only will it keep you hydrated and alert, water will lubricate muscles and joints, keeping you cramp-free.
Bring ample water with you on the hike. And, if you’re heading out when it’s really cold, consider a water bottle with a thermal sleeve to keep it from freezing.
Wear Proper Clothing and Boots
While preparing for your snowshoeing trip, experts suggest to dress in light layers that can be easily removed to adjust temperature.
And, while some people find hiking in fleece-lined pants accessible, I easily over-heat in these options. Instead, I opt for a layered approach with athletic leggings underneath soft shell pants for great breathability. Ideally, we’re aiming for a high amount of flexibility in our garments with all the leg lifting and arm movement of snowshoeing.
In this same way, I layer my upper wardrobe as well. Snowshoeing is an incredibly aerobic activity, so don’t be surprised if you break a sweat in sub-freezing temps. You may be perfectly comfortable in a long sleeve t-shirt layered beneath a winter vest or a wind breaking jacket.
However, it’s a good idea to consider the weather and how long you’ll be out there. I always have an additional jacket in my pack just incase.
You’ll also need:
- sunglasses
- warm, waterproof gloves
- winter hat, ear muffs, or head band
- waterproof, insulated boots
- merino wool or synthetic socks
- snow gaiters (optional if you’re headed into deep snow)
Regardless of what outfit you choose, I can not stress this enough, avoid cotton.
Cotton, including denim and cotton blends, retain moisture that can freeze and bite into skin. Trust me, it only takes sitting down in snowy jeans one time to realize the definition of chapped cheeks after a long hike.
Trekking Poles are a Must
Not only are trekking poles super helpful when navigating hills and difficult terrain, they help keep you stable as you travel flat ground.
In fact, hikers find relief in the lower back, knees, and hips when using poles to help propel them forward.
When using trekking poles for snowshoeing, adjust the sizing by holding them upside down and gripping beneath the snow basket. Now, hold your arm at just about a 90° angle, this is the right height.
Speaking of snow baskets, make sure you’ve got a set of these on your trekking poles. While poles made for hiking in summer have mud baskets, you’ll need a wider diameter (about 3.25-4″) for snowshoeing. Be sure to pick up a set of compatible snow baskets for a proper hold while hiking in snow.
Pack The Essentials
As a beginner, we typically recommend sticking to groomed trails and an easily identifiable route. By doing so you’ll be able to keep safe, try out your new snowshoes and gain confidence to try a harder route.
However, there are essentials that everyone needs on a basic snowshoeing trip regardless of where they’re heading:
- sunscreen (sun is brutal in winter, apply to cheeks and nose)
- lip balm
- compass or gps watch
- water (avoid metal containers)
- lots of snacks and a lunch
- headlamp (don’t forget darkness creeps up earlier in winter)
- first aid kit
- emergency whistle
If you do plan to veer off trail, consider the geography of where you’re traveling. Always check the weather patterns, or if you have one, a local avalanche center for news. Also, never attempt to cross a frozen lake or river.
RELATED: Best Snowshoeing Poles
Furthermore, avalanches, tree wells, streams, and lakes are a real concern in the backcountry. In this case, we have more recommendations for safety equipment here.
Gear Up and Blaze a Trail
Whether you’re heading onto a groomed track or off-trail, nothing can stop you from experiencing winter views and crisp air. And, although you may be overweight, who cares!
With some easy to acquire gear and some safety advice in mind, you’re well on your way to a successful trail victory.
So, before you consider any limitations, remember that you can do anything you put your mind to, and if you’re still reading this post you’re plenty committed. Finally, don’t fear the journey, embrace it. And, as always, happy hiking!
Image Credit: Steven Reynolds | (source) | Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) — reduced file size and image