Snowshoeing is for everyone; it’s a great low-impact exercise you can do at your own pace with virtually no learning curve. It’s invigorating, relaxing and fun.

How to snowshoe…..

Snowshoeing is as easy as walking. It will take a few minutes to get used to the feel of snowshoes on your feet, but within minutes, you'll be an expert. Crescent Moon's unique 3 claw traction system will make walking, climbing, and traversing easy, natural, and secure. There are a few techniques that will help you enjoy your experience even more. When climbing, engage the toe claw into the hill. When going downhill, engage the heel claws. When traversing a hill, kick into the hill to make a flat spot to shift your weight to. Walk naturally; the teardrop shape will help you.

Be prepared. Wear comfortable, layered clothing, including a bottom layer with wicking properties and a windproof, waterproof top layer. Wear socks made of wool or other moisture wicking material and comfortable, waterproof hiking boots or sport shoes and neoprene booties. And don’t forget your hat, gloves and hiking poles.

Bring lots of water and snacks. Snowshoeing takes a lot of energy. Be sure you don’t run out of steam.

Be safe. If you are going into the back country, be careful. Check local weather conditions before you go and be aware that conditions can change very quickly. Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. Bring basic equipment, including a map, compass and first aid kit. If you are in the mountains, familiarize yourself with avalanche danger areas and safety precautions, www.fsavalanche.org USDA Forest Service – information on avalanche safety, education, and current snow pack is a great place to start. An avalanche safety course is a good idea.

Be responsible. Your adventure should leave an impression on you, not the landscape. Crescent Moon believes in protecting and preserving our environment for all to enjoy—now and in the future. We are partners with Leave No Trace, a non-profi t organization dedicated to educating outdoor enthusiasts about protecting natural areas. Please visit their Web site at www.lnt.org.

Begin! For ideas about where to go snowshoeing, log on to;

• www.trails.com Comprehensive listing of hiking trails throughout the US
• www.recreation.gov Information including hiking trails and recreation opportunities in the US wilderness, park, and BLM lands
• www.nps.gov lists all National parks with links to individual parks or
• check with the National Parks Service at www.nps.gov.

State parks, the USDA Forest Service, recreational areas, w ildlife preservation centers, nature centers and local tourism information centers will also have this information. Most of the trails you can hike on in the summer, you can snowshoe on in the winter. Be aware, though, that it may be very difficult to follow a trail when it’s covered with snow. A map and a compass will keep you on track.

Silver Series Snowshoes

Crescent Moon Snowshoes are left and right specific – the adjusting buckles will always be on the outside of your foot for easy access.

1. Center your foot in the binding before you make any adjustments
2. Wrap the heel strap around the back of your foot, through the spring cam buckle and pull on the end of the strap to tighten. Tuck excess strap into the “strap keeper”.
3. Pulll upward on the loop strap to tighten the harness over your foot until comfortable but snug.

How to take off your snowshoes…

Lift the ends of the over foot buckles and the release lever of the heel strap buckle to loosen straps. Step out of binding

Gold Series Snowshoe

Crescent Moon Snowshoes are left and right specific – the adjusting buckles, including the ratcheting heel buckle will always be on the outside of your foot for easy access.

1. Center your foot in the binding before you make any adjustments
2. First adjust the length of the heel strap with the cinch buckle located at the instep side of each foot. (you will only need to do this step once) Tuck excess strap into strap keeper.
3. Wrap the heel strap around your heel and put the ratchet buckle on the plastic ladder strap. “Ratchet” toward the front of your foot with a forward back motion of the lever until snug.
4. Pull upward on the large loop strap over your foot until comfortably snug.

How to take your foot out of the binding…..

1. Pinch the release of the ratchet buckle mechanism and slide toward the back of your foot until completely disengaged
2. Pull upward on the mini cord loop over your foot to loosen straps and step out.

Kids snowshoes

Loosen all straps. It will be easier to adjust if the heel strap buckles are kept to the outside of each foot – but it really doesn't matter which snowshoe goes on which foot.

1. Pull the binding “tongue” up and slide your foot to the end of the footplate
2. Wrap the heel strap around the back of your foot, through the spring cam buckle and pull on the end of the strap to tighten. Tuck excess strap into the “strap keeper”.
3. Pull over the foot strap up and out to adjust fit.

How to take off your snowshoes…

Lift the end of the over foot buckle and the release of the heel strap buckle to loosen straps. Step out of binding.