[pct-l] On snowshoes and glasses

[ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com]

There are a lot of brands out there, so I'll address this on principle.

Snowshoes:

For the most part thru hikers will not be out on the snow during the dead of winter then there's a lot of powder. What they're going to be walking on will be crusty in the morning and soup in the afternoon. You don't really need the snowshoe in the morning conditions, except for ice, if that's all you have, and they will do nicely, and you will need huge ones in the afternoon if you don't want to sink in at all (not practical). 

So, it is our observation that the small, ovals that are lightweight and simple work best. Look for a "plastic" or synthetic material decking that does not wrap around the perimeter frame. There's too much icy friction going on out there that leads to the rapid deterioration of that area and the failure of the shoe. To name a brand, we like the MSR designs best.

Glasses for snow blindness:

In the past, glasses were just that, glass. They were flat and couldn't be bent to fit the face. Therefore, leather shields were attached to the sides of the frames to attempt to keep reflecting sunlight from entering the eyes. These days glasses are all sorts of shapes and can be purchased to fit nearly every face shape well enough to keep that excess light out AND allow adequate air circulation to prevent fogging

So, go out and buy whatever pair of glasses that fit your face and block as much UV as possible. If you can see your eyes through the glasses while looking in the mirror, then you need a darker pair. Glasses with side shields are no longer required, for the most part. Some say a lot of things, like glass does a better job of blocking UV than plastic, but for practical purposes, the affordable variety you can buy most anywhere will do just fine.


Mtnned
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Phil Newhouse 
  To: ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com 
  Sent: Friday, February 27, 2009 6:05 AM
  Subject: Re: [pct-l] axes vs. whippets


  Mtnned,

  Okay, just order the Whippet, NOW how about an in-expensive but adequate snow shoe recommendation?

  And while you are at it, maybe you can give me a recommendation on glassess:  I never bought any with the "side shield"...

  Thanks


  On Thu, Feb 26, 2009 at 8:55 PM, <ned at pacificcrestcustombuilders.com> wrote:

    Found a series of reviews regarding the use of self-arrest poles vs. ice axes.

    Take a read before investing the same amount of money on an axe!

     http://www.buzzillions.com/dz_2263364_black_diamond_whippet_self_arrest_pole_reviews


    Unless you intend on spending a fair amount of time in the snow as we do, I ask you not to buy ice axes, but to buy a Whippet.
    If you know what to look for in a dangerous snow slope and are wise enough to have your axe out and in hand before crossing it, then
    buy an axe. It certainly can, in trained hands, save your life, but you've got to have it in your hands first.

    The Whippet is in your hands all the time. No wondering whether you should have your axe out or not. Works as a regular pole, too.
    If you're a two-pole person, a Whippet and a regular pole with a snow basket work great together. No need for two Whippets.

    Costs about the same as a certified axe, as well. Both about $90 bucks.

    Don't buy those lightweight, un-certified axes or potty-trowels. Since it's not certified, the manufacturer won't guarantee that it won't break
    apart when you crash on the ice and need it to save your life. I know they're lightweight, but why are you carrying it in the first place?

    Mtnned


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