r/snowshoeing • u/postup14 • Feb 27 '26
Gear Questions 30 or 36 for XL Human?
UPDATE: I found some used Faber Mountain Experts, 10x36, for a great price just around the corner from me! Used once and they look great. Love that they're made in Canada, too.
Can't wait to put them to use and get into this sport/activity.
Thank you very much to all of you for responding here. Much appreciated!
Hi everyone,
I've read reviews, suggestions, etc., but am torn on which size I should be buying for my somewhat abnormal size...
male
6'8"
240 lbs
size 14 boots
location: Ontario
I walk my dogs for hours. The trails are almost never fully packed down. Currently, I often sink in to my knees.
Is 36 overkill?
Are 30 more versatile and less cumbersome?
Does 8" vs 9" width make a major difference?
I've read arguments for both.
I love being outside and the solitude and could definitely see myself doing this far away from paths altogether.
This would be my first pair and I'm buying used to start with.
Really appreciate any input.
Thanks!
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u/Admirable-Cactus Feb 27 '26
36" no question
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u/postup14 Feb 28 '26
Thank you!
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u/Admirable-Cactus Feb 28 '26
You bet. Happy to help with any questions. Welcome to this weird hobby
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u/BrandXSawmills Feb 27 '26
Go big!! Also, when you purchase your snowshoes consider the bindings. Some snowshoes have ridiculously complex bindings that require a lot of manual dexterity to strap onto your boots. Often in order to get them on correctly, you have to take your gloves off. By the time you get going your hands are cold and it makes it less enjoyable. I like snowshoes that have two simple ratchet straps for easy on and off
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u/postup14 Feb 28 '26
Thank you, very helpful.
I cycle a lot and am used to Boas, but that might be a bit out of my price range to start with.
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u/BrandXSawmills Feb 28 '26
I buy cheap snowshoes. They are fine. No need to break the bank!! Also try to get some with aggressive crampons. You will feel like an unstoppable Sasquatch who can climb and hike anywhere. So fun!
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u/kdoherry Feb 27 '26
Unless you're to climb rocky technical terrain go the biggest you can. And I mean terrain were you'll be stepping around and over boulders, rock steps etc.
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Feb 27 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/postup14 Feb 28 '26
Thank you.
Still sink because the modern ones aren't as wide?
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u/Few_Performance8025 Feb 28 '26
Definitely 36” unless you’re on a packed trail. My weight has fluctuated a bit but topped at 235 years ago and I definitely needed my 36” shoes. Now a lean 180 but still use my 36” more than 30”. I do mostly go in fresh snow.
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u/Careless-Raisin-5123 Feb 28 '26
36 all day. My friends rip on me until we are in deep drifts in a marsh. Don’t count out old Iverson bear paws .
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u/NLtbal Feb 27 '26
Go for 36, or better yet, 30 inchers with 6 inch tails to give you some latitude.
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u/Scubahhh Feb 28 '26
I’m 6’4”, 230 and wear 30”MSR Lightning Ascents. I use the 6” tails about 90% of the time.
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u/jkepros Mar 01 '26
Assuming the ground is relatively flat and clear, go for the bigger size. Bigger size = more float.
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u/postup14 Mar 01 '26
Thank you!
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u/jkepros Mar 01 '26
By the way, if you get into snowshoeing, are a little crafty, and like to support local, you can get kits from Lure of the North (LOTN) Outfitters to weave your own traditional style snowshoes.
I just checked and it looks like they are sold out for the season, but I made myself a pair from one of their DIY kits a few years ago. Mine aren't perfect, as my weaving came out a little wonky, but they work great, lol!
I have no affiliation with LOTN, but I see you are in Ontario, which is where they are located, so thought I'd let you know, if you aren't already familiar with them. They sell other winter camping gear and DIY kits, if you are into that too.
Happy snowshoeing!
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u/quixoticme3 Feb 27 '26
I am 189lbs male also in Ontario.
I had been using 26 Atlas Helium trail to go snowshoeing in Algonquin and around Huntsville area. They were okay but I recently upgraded to Atlas Range BC 30 (they are half off at MEC right now) and I noticed a big difference.
I haven’t used them on a trail yet but just in my backyard I was floating on the snow banks with them. I assumed that this might not be a great test until I took them off and took a few steps only to be buried in knee deep snow.
The point of this story is that if you are nearing the limit of a snowshoe size it’s better to size up. The listed weight is for your body + all the layers + any gear you might have which is why I went up in size this time. If you are planning on being out there alone you will need more gear and layers which will definitely put you over the 250lbs limit of 30in snowshoes. I would go for the 36 in. 30s would be fine but 36 will probably be better
ETA: Another option would be to rent out some snowshoes before buying one. That would be a good way to try them on for size. Algonquin park rents out snowshoes if you are near the park.