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Does anyone have any experience with this beacon? How does it compare to the original Tracker in performance?
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Snowsports

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Questions & Answers for Snowsports

Question
Are womens snowshoes good for men that want to do snowshoe running?
I was told that womens snowshoes would be good for men to run in because they are narrower than mens snowshoes. is this true?

And also, can they just be used for regular snowshoe use, or should mens snowshoe be used?
asked 5 months ago
by
OUTandABOUT
 - Calgary
on Snowsports
4 answers
Answers
answer 1
Minor correction: The ATLAS RACE snowshoes are even lighter than the ATLAS RUN snowshoes. Other than in weight, price, and a few small details, they are nearly identical.
MEC MEMBER
MEC MEMBER
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
by
K.C.
 - The east side of Vancouver
answer 2
Just get the atlas run snowshoes and they are for women or men and are the lightest, narrowest and most nimble and they are cheaper than buying a womens specific...
MEC MEMBER
MEC MEMBER
answered 4 months, 3 weeks ago
by
LittleGuy
 - Vancouver, BC
answer 3
You could get away with it, but I would answer this question with a no for a couple of reasons:

1. Women's snowshoe bindings are designed for a woman's weight which on average tends to be lighter than men. In most cases they are scaled down in size and in some styles, durability.
When you are running you are putting more pressure and strain on the binding - running specific snowshoe designs take this into account.
2. Yes the Snowshoe (and it's tail) is narrower allowing for a more comfortable running stride, however so is the binding which means if you have a typical guys foot, this may not fit you in width and possibly in length.
3. Running snowshoes are designed with a stronger weight to strength ratio which means even if you could fit a woman's snowshoe, you may take the life out of it faster, needing more repairs and replacements earlier on...this may not be so economical in the long run.
4. A running snowshoe is more ergonomically designed for running despite it all (they are often much lighter and are shaped so that you don't smack your calves with the back of them)...I think it is worth the investment if you plan to do a lot of it saving yourself potential pains, problems and unnecessary repairs.

I hope this helps your decision process!
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 4 months, 3 weeks ago
by
mudtomountainmama
 - Vancouver
answer 4
As Women have a narrower gait (distance in between their 2 feet), by using using women's snowshoes, you can generally move faster without fear of stepping on your snow shoes while running. With this in mind, it works best for "groomed" trails, as the floatation will not be as good. The best way to tell if this will be good for a "multi-purpose" snowshoe, is to look at the weight specifications on the womens model, and check if your weight will fit into the different length categories. As well, when selecting a running snowshoe, generally there is only a crampon near the tip, and some snowshoes may be too aggresive to use for running, or vice versa, there may not be as much traction as you would like in a running snowshoe for use "off trail."
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 4 months, 3 weeks ago
by
Warren the mountain goat
 - Grimsby ON
Question
do you carry bindings for old fashioned snowshoes?
asked 2 months, 1 week ago
by
Anonymous
on Snowsports
3 answers
Answers
answer 1
Not anymore.
Check out this website for a source out of Canada
http://www.snowshoestore.com/
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
by
mudtomountainmama
 - Vancouver
answer 2
No, we do not. The only spare bindings we carry are for some of the snowshoe models we currently sell.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
by
effie
 - Service Center, Vancouver
answer 3
For wood and sinew snowshoes I'd go to your local hunting shop. Bring in the old snowshoe and ask if they know someone who works with leather -- odds are they are going to know of someone who does this kind of work.

Another safe bet is to try a shoe repair shop. The person who does the shoe repairs might be able to help or steer you towards a person who can.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
by
Snowboy
 - Edmonton
Question
Do you sell ski pulks/sleds? If not do you know where they can be found?
Tags: Nordic Skiing, Kids' Gear & Clothing 
asked 3 months ago
by
Anonymous
on Snowsports
3 answers
Answers
answer 1
Hi Sorry for the delay in anwering this question.
We used to carry a Pulk but I haven't been able to determine if we will again. We do have one in our rental department in some of our select stores.

A Canadian Pulk manufacturer option is:
http://www.buggaboobuggy.com/

Here is another site that has links to Pulk manufacturers/retailers.
http://www.skipulk.com/links.html

Good luck!
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 1 month ago
by
mudtomountainmama
 - Vancouver
answer 2
I have used a Norwegian made pulk for many many years. I bought it through a distributor in Montreal. Here is the link to the manufacturer in Norway. They might be able to help you find one in Canada.

http://www2.fjellpulken.no/index.php?lang=en
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
by
Anonymous
answer 3
We only have one sled, the CH2 Baby Glider. It is not available online. Please call our Service Center at 1-800-663-2667 for information on the product and availability.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 3 months ago
by
effie
 - Service Center, Vancouver
Question
What is the difference between trail walking snowshoes and mountain hiking snowshoes? Is there a pair that will suffice both purposes?
asked 1 month, 2 weeks ago
by
Anonymous
on Snowsports
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
Trail snowshoes are usually smaller and lighter, as they are mostly used on already packed trails and easier terrain.

Mountain snowshoes are usually larger and of more sturdy construction, to carry heavier loads. the bindings are usually better to keep your feet firmly in place on more demanding terrain.
MEC MEMBER
MEC MEMBER
answered 2 weeks, 4 days ago
by
coureurdesbois
 - Sherbrooke, QC
answer 2
Trail walking snowshoes tend to be more basic, lacking in additional features that help you climb steeper grades.
Mountain snowshoes have added features such as:
- Heel lift bars (wire bar that you pull up under your heel which takes strain off your calf)
-More aggressive crampon system under foot, especially for side to side grip on icy terrain.
- Often also come with a bigger/stronger binding system for bigger boots such as snowboard or mountaineering boots.
If you want to know more and need help deciding, please feel free to call our toll free Service Centre line and we'd be happy to help...
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
by
mudtomountainmama
 - Vancouver
Question
Do you sell ski tip connectors for starting kids on skis? One brand I have heard about is Edgie Wedgies.
Tags: Nordic Skiing, Kids' Gear & Clothing 
asked 1 month, 2 weeks ago
by
Anonymous
on Snowsports
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
No we don't carry them.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 2 weeks, 4 days ago
by
ARedKat
 - Vancouver
answer 2
Nope, sorry.

They seem to be made by RCPower - you may wish to contact them for a list of retailers.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 1 month, 1 week ago
by
LorneH
 - MEC Service Centre
Question
Which Nordic skis?
I'm 6'2" and overweight at 249 lbs. Just got over long illness so willl resume training to my running weight of 210, but skiing with clothes and gear will probably end up at around my current weight. I want skis that will work for exercise and recreation on groomed trails, but I need them to work off track in fresh and windpacked snow. I don't ever expect to take them to the mountains or foothills, but Saskatchewan isn't just pure flat prairie - you'll have heard the phrase "rolling plains"?.

I don't want waxless. I'll need them with NNN bindings and have Merrell Millenium M2 boots and may also acquire a lighter boot for some applications.

What skis do you reccommend, and have you got them or can you get them or advise me where to look?

Thanks.
asked 1 month, 3 weeks ago
by
TheTooner
 - Saskatoon, SK.
on Snowsports
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
Correction on the width of the tips for my previous answer - that is 70mm, not cm.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 1 month, 2 weeks ago
by
mudtomountainmama
 - Vancouver
answer 2
lol, I rode my bike through the praries once, I know for a fact you aren't flat!
My suggestion to you is to take a look at the skis we sell on page 26 of our Snowsports catalogue (search MEC snowsports catalogue 2009 on Google if you don't have a copy or call the service centre and we'll send you one).
They are on/off piste nordic skis and many have edges for off-track use on slopes. The best part for you is that these skis are designed stronger to accommodate use off track as well as for someone who is larger.
You need to look at skis that are within the 70 cm width range (at the widest point - ie. tip) as this is the max a ski track takes.
A wood core ski may have more longevity for you also.
Read through it, think about what you like or want, what's in your price range, then call us at the service centre and have a conversation with a ski staff about narrowing it down, finding the correct length for your weight and then stock levels.
Looking forward to hearing from you.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
by
mudtomountainmama
 - Vancouver
Question
I have a pair of 180 BD Verdicts - will the ski slots accomodate?
asked 2 months, 1 week ago
by
Anonymous
on Snowsports
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
Hi
Sorry but we're having tourble figuring out what you mean specifically by "will the ski slots accommodate"
Are you talking about the ski slots on a pack?

Please call our service centre toll free and ask for a Ski staff who can answer your question.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
by
mudtomountainmama
 - Vancouver
answer 2
Sorry, you're going to have to be a bit more specific. Are you referring to the ski slots on a roof rack? Or perhaps the ski slots on a backpack? I don't imagine these skis would be too wide or big to fit most standard ski holders so you should be alright, though it's impossible to say for sure without knowing which "ski slots" you are referring to....

You can always call our Service Center at 1-800-663-2667 for product information.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
by
effie
 - Service Center, Vancouver
Question
How does one dry (sweaty) winter boots over night, outside the tent, without them freezing and becoming icy and uselesss?
Tags: Snowshoeing 
asked 2 months, 2 weeks ago
by
MrKuren
 - Montreal
on Snowsports
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
If you are out for a weekend excursion or a month long expedition it is vital that you allow your equipment to dry. Even in the coolest weather your footwear will dry out a little bit. If you are wearing a hiking style boot I find if you loosen off all the laces completely you’ll be able to slide them back on in the morning. If you have a fresh clean dry pair of warm socks, your boots will warm up, as you get into your morning routine. If you have a mukluk style boot, a having a spare set of boot liners is a huge benefit. This allows the liners to dry for a full day (and you can per warm them in your sleeping bag.

Hope this helps.
answered 2 months, 2 weeks ago
by
Observer
 - Ottawa
answer 2
Wow, what an excellent question! There are only TWO (good) WAYS you can keep your boots from becoming solid and useless.

1) The best way, is to pull the liners out and put them in your sleeping bag with you. This way your body heat not only keeps your liners from freezing, but will also dry them out a bit.

2) If you REALLY don't want to sleep with your boots (it is weird at first, but you get used to it...unless you have really stinky nacho feet) you can also try using a vapour barrier sock liner. The idea is that you prevent moisture from getting from your foot to your liner. Wear a very thin sock, then the VB liner, then a warmer sock then put your boots on. The inner sock will get soaked, but your boots will stay dry. Sleep with the wet socks, and they'll dry out by morning (if you use a poly pro sock, cotton probably won't dry). This plan only works if your boots stay dry from the outside. MEC sells the VB socks (enter 5005-366 into the search box)

Good luck to ya!
MEC MEMBER
MEC MEMBER
answered 2 months, 2 weeks ago
by
Jibs
 - Golden BC
Question
what kind of wax can be put on the glide section of wood skis?
Tags: Nordic Skiing 
asked 2 months, 2 weeks ago
by
Anonymous
on Snowsports
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
Yay, wood skis....good for you!

Check out this website, it will give you all the answers you need:
http://www.woodenskis.com/faq.htm

Happy skiing!
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 2 months, 1 week ago
by
mudtomountainmama
 - Vancouver
answer 2
There's some great information online about waxing wooden skis. Check out these:

http://www.epicski.com/forum/thread/76097/all-wood-skis-how-to-tune

and

http://www.woodenskis.com/index.html

It seems like the common advice is to use a cold grip wax as it will become a glide wax when used in warmer temps that it's range. These also seem to stay on better than an alpine wax.

Good luck!
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 2 months, 2 weeks ago
by
effie
 - Service Center, Vancouver
Question
I want to buy some snowshoes for my mom for xmas, she'd use them only for recreational hiking, but off trail, any recommendataions? She's about 110lbs
asked 3 months ago
by
Anonymous
on Snowsports
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
I would say, assuming it is moderate terrain she will be snowshoeing in, the Atlas E923 Snowshoes or the GV Active Winter 8x21 would be great for her size and her needs. Well made, not too huge, easy to use and will allow for extra weight on her back for off-trail hikes.
Both pairs on clearance at this time.

Please give us a call at the Service Centre and we can chat more about it making sure you get the right snowshoes for her needs.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 1 month, 3 weeks ago
by
mudtomountainmama
 - Vancouver
answer 2
i really like MSR
The Denali Lighting Ascent(22) are great,
nice and light and can be used easily on and off trail, but are a bit $$$

2nd the Denali EVO Ascent, is not as costly (money saved-buy poles or carry case), and you still get a great snowshoe with the ability of more "float" with the add on tails if you require later on
these are really the only ones I have used!!
hope it helped....
MEC MEMBER
MEC MEMBER
answered 3 months ago
by
MMMM
 - canada
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