Elevation Snowshoe System
A snowshoe crampon system for avid hikers
Hikers often encounter different terrains while hiking, but switching between, and carrying snowshoes can be cumbersome. Elevation Snowshoe and Crampon system is inspired by hiking and the White Mountains in New Hampshire. It provides a faster transition from snowshoe to crampon so hikers can spend more time on the trails.
Inspired by my Grandpa
An avid outdoors man and adventurer, with 50+ years of experience hiking the White Mountains in all different weather conditions and seasons.
Research Interviews
Donald
Donald has years of experience hiking with snowshoes in the winter. His biggest complaint is the difficulty of putting on and taking off his snowshoes, especially when he was hiking various terrain and needed to switch between them and his crampons.
Jeff
Jeff typically uses his snowshoes for tracking and walking on more flat terrain but he also complained about the difficulty of taking on and off his snowshoes. He typically travels with his snowshoes in his bag but they stick out over his head making the travel more difficult.
Marcus
Marcus is an avid snowshoer, using his snowshoes on flat terrain and for hiking. He typically uses a bungee chords to attach his snowshoes to his backpack. His biggest complaint is trying to keep his snowshoes from hitting him when they’re on his bag.
The Gear
Tubbs Snowshoes
Don has years of experience hiking, and he only used 2 pairs of snowshoes for all those years. His shoes has serious wear from walking on rocks. That combined with the heavy hardware on his snowshoes shows the need for durability in these snowshoes.
Faber Snowshoes
Jeff’s Faber snowshoes had some modifications in order to increase traction. This is an important feature even in flat terrain. The flimsy straps, similar to Don’s , also made it difficult to get in and out of the snowshoes.
There’s something missing in the market today.
There are a variety of “compact” snow equipment such as foldable skis, and compact and inflatable snowshoes. Even with these advances there’s still no method of snowshoes and crampons that are compatible.
Design Opportunities
Portability
Portability is a big concern for hikers since they may need to take their snowshoes off and on depending on the terrain.
Pace
There is no system that quickly changes between crampons and snowshoes, taking time out of every hike in order to change.
Ease
Snowshoes are difficult to put on and take off. Finding a way to more comfortably get in and out is a must.
“How might we create a pair of snowshoes for avid hikers that can be changed quickly and are easy to transport?”
Concept Iteration
Fold 1
This method of folding leverages the heel support, but causes there to be spikes on both sides of the shoe, which is not favorable for packing.
Fold 2
This folding methods ensures that all of the spikes are on the same side of the snowshoe. These portions fold down, instead of up, in comparison to the first method of folding. Having the spikes on the same side of the snowshoe is more beneficial for packing.
Elevation
Crampon and Snowshoe System
Features
Step In
Due to the quick step crampon design users can quickly step into Elevation.
Climb
Once they’re locked in, users are ready to start climbing right away.
Step Out
With a quick step on the release lever users can easily step out and keep moving.
Fold
When not wearing the shoes users can fold them and throw them in or on their bags.
Models for Men
and Women
These models also vary in scale (S, M, L) for buyers to accurately purchase the appropriate amount of flotation, as well as varying in color ways.
Graphics Inspired by the White Mountains
The printed mountain detail on the back of each snowshoe is an outline of the presidential range in the White Mountains.
Portable
Since Elevation Snowshoes can fold they are more portable than most snowshoes on the market. Tuck them together and into your bag, or hang them off your bag.
Fast
Elevation’s combination snowshoe crampon system allows hikers to quickly transition based on their terrain giving them the freedom to keep moving.
Comfortable
Elevation’s easy step in system makes getting in and out of the snowshoes a breeze for hikers of all shapes and sizes.
Maybe you want to hear more about the process, or how I built my models? Whatever it is, feel free to send me a note! I’d love to answer whatever questions you might have!