How to Install US Military Nylon Snowshoe Bindings

The U.S. military uses nylon-webbed snowshoe bindings for cold weather operations. The nylon-webbed bindings are threaded through the slats in each snowshoe that come closest to fitting around the boot, ensuring a snug fit. Military snowshoe bindings come in two separate pieces: the toe straps and the heel straps. A complete set of bindings consists of four pieces of nylon webbing with adjustable plastic clips. Although official military snowshoes are made of a magnesium compound, military bindings work with all types of snowshoes.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the first snowshoe face-up on a hard, flat surface. Remove any dirt, dust or debris from the snowshoe to prevent the bindings from grinding and causing damage.

    • 2

      Lie a toe strap, face-up, beneath the window of the snowshoe. The window is the large, open space in the front and center of the snowshoe. Slide the toe strap down, below the window, and thread the ends through the cables directly beneath and beside the window.

    • 3

      Pull the toe strap, until the adjustment clip on the toe strap faces the outside of the snowshoe. Clip the two ends together.

    • 4

      Place the heel strap, face-up, so that the two ends point toward the front, or shovel, of the snowshoe. The bottom of the heel strap is a nylon strip with an adjustable clip. The bottom should face the tail of the snowshoe. Ensure that the instep strap faces down. The instep strap is a thin, non-adjustable strap attached to the binding.

    • 5

      Thread one end of the heel strap through the cables on the same line as the toe strap. Leave the strap loose and thread the other end.

    • 6

      Place your foot between the straps after you have put on your boot. Your toe should be no more than halfway through the window.

    • 7

      Place the toe strap on top of your boot and pull the end to tighten. Adjust the plastic clip to hold the toe of your boot securely and clasp the two ends of the toe strap together.

    • 8

      Grasp the heel strap and pull it over the tab on the rear of your boot. Clasp the ankle strap in place and tighten it as necessary. Pull each side of the heel strap that is affixed to the snowshoe to ensure there is equal tension on both sides.