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1. Improvised Snowshoes – Introduction

So, you have to cross an area with a lot of snow.  The cabin you have been staying in is toasty warm and the coffee is good.  But alas, you have to leave.  The snow was heavy early this fall.   You didn’t bring any way to travel on the chest deep snow.  It is 28 miles out.  What to do?

Now, let’s be clear.  When you walk in deep snow without snowshoes or skis, you are “post holing”.  Post holing is bad, not just because all the snowshoe people and skiers will yell at you, but it is downright dangerous.  Sinking into snow will leave you exhausted and very wet.  In cold conditions, wet is bad.   It can cause hypothermia, frost bite and a few other bad things.  Why are you wet?  Well, because you are sinking into the snow and because the exertion causes sweating.  None of that is good.  You really want to avoid that situation.

Anyway, back to you. . . our intrepid adventurer.  28 miles from nowhere with chest deep snow with no skis or snowshoes or anything else.  What to do?

You can make some very simple shoes to help you negotiate the snow more effectively.  You will use your knife, some green wood and cordage.  They may take a little time to build, but will save you lots of time and effort out in the snow.

Like I said, the fireplace has a crackling fire and the coffee is good.   So, let’s get to work.