Snowshoes. A necessity or not?

[Robcat]

so as i sit here salivating of for this weekends Cimmerians OP i find my self getting inundated by my family that i need snowshoes...

as i have never before played in the snow i do not know whether to heed there advice or not.

as of yet i am finding that there are no affordable snowshoes with a weight restriction higher than 300.

I weight 275 + gear and gun about 325.

So are snowshoes a necessity and if so are the weight restrictions set in stone or will a 250 - 300 weight limit still hold my weight and not buckle under pressure should i have to run and gun or double time it to an LZ?

[Phoenix]

It all depends on the snow pack. Find out where the OP is at in relation to a town that you can track the snow pack. High sierra will be more likely to be deeper. Here's a <a href="http://www.wunderground.com/StateSnowDepth.asp?state=CA">list</a> of the snow depths for a variety of locations. I know Cimmerian OP AOA's are typically "Classified" beyond their location name, so maybe Komissar you can cross reference the list and see if a depth can be determined.

 

Komissar hosted Winter War and the pack was fairly deep (about shin to knee) and you can burn a ton of energy walking through it. If you're having a hard time finding affordable snowshoes (I can't even find "affordable" for me given the amount of time I'll ever possibly need them.) then improvise. Cardboard was suggested to me, but given your weight maybe a piece of plywood? The idea is: bigger footprint without a ton of added weight; so use your best judgment on the improvisation. It strikes me that the weight restrictions are low balling the actual capacity, but they are like strapping tennis rackets to your feet, only better lol. The light weight support area your foot rests on may not take the limit exceeding weight as long as it would take under limit weight.

[Komissar]

Nice Phoenix.

All I can add, is that most of the Cimmerians carry them. After the second season, I now have them, although their usefulness is a matter of conditions. Mine are rated for half my weight (loaded and armed), and show no signs of wear. Ours are from a company called Yukon Charlie Winter Systems and came in a lovely light blue, (until struck down in a terrible camo accident). They are all fairly expensive that I have found, however they do tend to keep you above the snow for the most part.

 

The Cimmerian OP will be in the Truckee/Donner area. (Hehe) Lots of snow expected to be falling even during the event. Most of the other winter Cimm OPs have been during light storm or fine weather conditions. This one is expected to be bigger. Be prepared to a reasonable expense.  If you have the equipment/gear and it turns out to be a warm sunny day; leave it in the truck.

I don't believe Dwarf or Scramble are bringing snowshoes if this helps. Kattiana and I are. Not all Cimmerians do. More important to be dressed to stay warm and dry. Very good quality boots might be a better investment? Nothing will be asked of an operator that they cannot perform. And you will have us with you at all times.

 

Compass, red rag, whistle?, hand warmers, change of gloves, good wool socks (x 2 or 3), radio with sub-channels, food, water, warm head cover, clothing that sheds rain, extra batteries, some way to make a fire, (I have the mesh goggles for you), pack with change of clothes and socks/boots for the return home, and your sunny disposition.

 

Now take all that and keep it, plus your rifle, and keep it under 50 lbs. Call if you need.

[Robcat]

well i guess i am getting these (as a Christmas present) MSR Ascent.

they seem to be very aggressive and are yellow! oh joy... (maybe i can have a camo accident as well)

other than that i have all the other bases covered...

this is gonna be a great time...