How to Make Cheap Snowshoes

Snowshoes are not just for the hunter, backwoods enthusiast or survivalist. Snowshoeing is a popular form of exercise in cold climates; it permits hikers and walkers the opportunity to enjoy their pastime year-round. A pair of snowshoes can be fashioned from a sharp knife, some strong twine and sturdy sticks and branches.

Things You'll Need

  • Hunting knife
  • Bendable saplings
  • Twine or cord
  • Twigs or branches
  • 1 pair boots or shoes
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut down four sapling trees with your hunting knife. These young trees should average 2 inches in diameter and 4 feet long. Saplings are usually flexible enough to bend without breaking. Remove the bark with your knife.

    • 2

      Bend a sapling so it resembles an oval shape. Tie the ends together, looping the twine over, under and around several times before tying a knot. Repeat this process with a second sapling. Use plenty of string to fasten securely.

    • 3

      Cut the remaining two saplings into various size crosspieces for the frames. Make longer pieces to fit across wider sections of the frame and shorter pieces for the narrow areas.

    • 4

      Lay a crosspiece horizontally across the frame and attach on both ends with twine, wrapping several times to make it secure. Start with longer pieces on the widest part of the frame, and then attach shorter pieces. Follow the same process to attach crosspieces to second frame.

    • 5

      Cut a dozen small saplings, approximately 1 inch in diameter. These smaller sticks should fit the interior length of the snowshoe frame. Weave the sticks vertically over and under the crosspieces; use at least six sticks per snowshoe. Wrap and tie the vertical saplings on the ends with twine until tight and secure.

    • 6

      Unlace your boot and place on the center crosspiece of the snowshoe. Weave and tie a length of twine through the horizontal and vertical crosspieces behind the heel. Run the string forward and thread it through the eyelets of the boot. Wrap the twine over your foot and through the crosspieces on the other side. Tie a knot in the twine when you feel that the snowshoe is bound securely. Use more string if it feels loose or floppy.