Long Term Report: Redfeather Hike Snowshoe 
5/10/2004

 

Personal Data:
Name: Paul Schilke
Age: 31
Sex: Male
Weight: 165 lbs (75 kg)
Location: Michigan
Paul AT qtm DOT net

 

Product Information:

 

Manufacturer: Redfeather

Model: Hike Snowshoe

Year of Manufacture: 2003

 

URL: http://www.redfeather.com

 

MSRP: $119
Listed weight: 3.7 lb (1.4 kg)
Verified Weight: 3.8 lb (1.7 kg)
Dimensions Size: H30 - "designed for loads up to 220 lb (80 kg)"
Frame : Length 30.5 in (77 cm) Width 9.5 in (24 cm)
Front Cleat (crampon) Teeth Length 1.8 in (4.5 cm) Side Cleat (crampon) Teeth 1.3 in (3.2 cm) (The side cleat is actually part of the front cleat.) Rear Cleat (crampon) Teeth 1 in (2.5 cm)

 

Inside distance between beginning of front and rear cleats: 5.4 in (13.7 cm)
Outside distance between the ends of the front and rear cleats: 9.5 in (4.3 cm)

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Manufacturer Listed Features:

 

"Rounded Western Tail provides maximum flotation"
"Industry Leader with Live Action Hinge, springs back after each step, providing smooth, natural ergonomic motion for any snowshoe challenge."
"ATB (All Terrain Binding) for reliable yet adjustable fit"
"Stainless steel front and rear crampons offer superior traction in all snow conditions."

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Long Term Report:

 

        I've walked about 20 miles (23 km) in the Redfeather Hike Snowshoes.  On the hikes, snow depths ranged from 3 inches (8 cm), to drifts as deep as 2 feet (61 cm).  The snowshoes were used on flatland strolls, steep descents and rigorous hill climbs.  Most of the mileage consisted of hiking on loose powder.  However, the last test of 6 miles (10 km ) was completed on melting and frozen snow pack about 2 feet (61 cm) deep.  My experience using these snowshoes in  loose snow conditions is described in my field report.  This long term report focuses on their use in hard pack.

 

        While hiking on packed snow about 2 feet (61 cm), the Hike Snowshoes sunk into the snow on average about 4 inches (10 cm.).  Often that average level of sink ran much less.  Usually,  walking the Hike Snowshoes was a vigorous workout which took some time to get used to.  The snowshoes did allow me to float more or less on top of most of the crusted drifts.  The crampons provided great traction for icy river bank climbs and descents.

 

        During the final test, I crunched along on a sunny day enjoying the remnant vestiges of deep winter snow along a snow lined creek and lake in an area set aside as a bird preserve.  Later, while watching snowmobiles thunder by single file along a road crossing, I surmised that snowmobiling lacked the individual and meditative experience which I enjoyed as a foot traveler on snowshoes.  As to whether these are the best snowshoes, I can not say because I've never snow shoed before this test.  Perhaps I would have enjoyed using these snowshoes more if I'd ordered a smaller pair, more suited to my frame without a backpack.

 

        In the Field Report I talked about problems with fit, foot centering and balance of the left snowshoe.  During the final test, I determined this error was due to the fact that I was not placing my feet firmly and fully forward into the binding.  Once this was done the snowshoe fit as if it were an extension of my foot.

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 Temperatures ranged from 5° F (- 15° C)  to 32° F (0° C.)

 

 The heaviest backpack worn on these tests weighed 10 pounds (4.5 kg).  I did not use the Hike Snowshoes on overnight trips.

 

 The Redfeather Hike Snowshoes were tested while wearing leather Solomon mid-top hiking boots with built in Gore-Tex liners.

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My Likes:

 

    • Each shoe is clearly identified as "L" for left, or "R" for right

 

    • The crampons

 

    • Bindings are fairly easy to tighten

 

 

    • Bindings are sometimes tough to get into and out of

 

    • In deep powder snow, I  prefer snowshoes designed to shed large amounts of snow or alternatively snowshoes with a bigger footprint

 

    • The shoe may have been a bigger size than I needed

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        I grew up on a farm and have enjoyed the outdoors for 25 years.  In the past 11 years, I've been on several multi-night backpack expeditions. In 2002, I spent 7.5 months hiking on the Appalachian Trail (AT).  In 2003 I walked the North Country Trail (NCT) through Michigan's Upper Peninsula from Ironwood to Mackinaw City.

 

        My hiking style is lightweight but I carry the gear needed to be comfortable. Currently my summertime base pack weight ranges near 20 lb (9 kg). I really don't have a cold weather sleeping bag yet, so I've not established a base winter-time pack weight.