DIY Snowshoes

Winter is a difficult time to be lost in the wilderness. Cold temperatures, short periods of daylight and deep snow that makes travel difficult are all challenges that must be overcome. But if you must find a way out of the woods on foot during winter, only a few natural materials are needed to build a pair of snowshoes.

Things You'll Need

  • Tree branches with no leaves
  • Rope
  • Knife or scissors
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Decide what size snowshoe you will need. A larger shoe will stay higher in the snow but will make walking more difficult. An average-size male will need a snowshoe that is at least 1 foot wide and 2 feet long. This will offer the necessary buoyancy without sacrificing maneuverability.

    • 2

      Bend a flexible branch so that its ends meet and form a circular shape. Tie the ends of the branch together using rope or another material that may be available, such as vines or smaller branches stripped together, to create the frame

    • 3

      Lay several branches across the frame, weaving them in and out of one another. Consider the snow conditions. If the snow is light and powdery tighten the weave so less space is visible between branches. If the snow is heavy and wet, loosen the weave.

    • 4

      Tie each branch to the intersecting branches and frame. The most effective method for this step is to tie the branches using an X pattern. Wrap the rope diagonally around the branches, alternating direction with each wrap.

    • 5

      Lay a strong branch over the center of the snowshoe perpendicular to the direction of your foot. This will be the foot support. It should be far enough from the front of the snowshoe so that your toes will not hit the frame on each step. Attach the branch using an X pattern.

    • 6

      Tie the shoe or boot you will be wearing to the foot support. For extra stability, cross the rope diagonally in each direction across and through your shoe laces, forming an X over the top of your foot.