Snow shoes styles all have their advantages and dissavantages . Naturally the shorter ones are better in woody or brushy areas and the longer ones in open areas.
I spent eight days on snow (bear paw ) shoes in Wyoming mountains in 1987 trying to cross a mountain lion track . Cutting a track is normally done on snowmobile but the snow was deep and fluffy machines were useless The guide and I spit up and hiked separately canyon after canyon until we found the track and the dogs could get back on the trail. It all worked out and I got my lion (bear takedown recurve) ….and a good education about snow shoes.
Now don’t take me wrong there is nothing more romantic then a pair of ash framed snow shoes no matter what style. I still have mine hanging on the wall in the shop. They remind me of a great hunt and experience in the mountains.On the wall is where they will stay.
If I were going to do a similar hunt or just spend time in the mountains during the winter I would defiantly be on aluminum framed shoes with a good claw binding. On traditional shoes unless using special bindings it is hard to get traction while climbing up slops even using snow plow steps or going up side ways . Traditional shoes become skies when going down hills .Can be lots of fun:D Aluminum framed shoes which also have different configurations are not extreme like traditional shoe styles. For the most part aluminum shoes are smaller, shorter ,lighter and will support the equivalent weight as wood framed shows. When hiking in variable terrain one is removing and putting on shoes regularity. The shorter lighter shoes are easier to carry on or in you pack.
I am a traditionalist and no I do not own a compound bow 😀 but given a choice for a leg taxing, sweat breaking,lung busting hike in the mountains I will become modern .Even at 76 years old you can change your ways 😀
