I’VE BEEN DOING IT WRONG
By: Tyler Zimmerman
Tags: Dreams, Exercise, Outdoors, Sports

My name is Tyler and I am a junkie. For Gear. I have alway been a gear guy, whether it was the clothing that portrayed the sport I was in to or the actual gear you need to participate in the sport. Today I received my first pair of snowshoes, and that is what inspired me to write about what I actually want to talk about which is all things outdoors. Well at least the ones I participate in at least.

I went hiking last winter with my daughter and we drove as far up the trail as we could. Once my truck got stuck we turned around, parked the truck and began our hike. We were in about 18" of snow, fortunately for us there had been some 4x4’s that had already made the trek up and left us with perfect paths. After about a mile we ran out of track, obviously that is where the truck that forged our path had to turn around as well. At this point we had to turn back and head for the truck. We did not get to our destination and that was the disappointing part. On the way back down to the truck we passed a couple of gentlemen that had snowshoes on and they flew right by and continued on to the lake in which we had hoped to visit. From that point on I have wanted snowshoes so there would never be another time where I couldn’t go hiking and reach my destination.

I want to be able to wander in to the backcountry and experience the sights and sounds that very few experience during the cold winter months. It is easy to grab your boots and head for the trail in the summer when you only have to walk on dirt. The deep snow is a whole different thing. There is something so peaceful about the way it sounds with a thick heavy layer of snow on the ground. The world is just a little more quiet at that point.

Approximately 1% of the US population straps on a pair of snowshoes. The quantity of land available for exploration in the winter under heavy snow fall is remarkable. Exploration in the wilderness has grown increasingly vast for me. I now possess that ability, I am super stoked.

I purchased the TSL Symbioz hyperflex. They have an outstanding flexible outer cage that will move with the landscape and flex going up and down hillsides. The BOA system front strap comes completely over the toe and looks to be sturdy enough for a lighter boot like the one I wear or a big thick boot that other folks may try out. Plenty of grip all along the under carriage of the shoe itself.

The perks of the snowshoe scene is definitely the exercise aspect of it and the access of those waterfalls in the winter. I am very excited to strap them on and get after it. Maybe I can even mix in a little snowboarding in some virgin powder back in the woods. Definitely not without my avalanche beacon though. I have never written a review and this is definitley not the place for it but I wanted to begin my process of writing about the things that make me stoked and bring me joy. This is my beginning. This is my purpose as a writer. To bring the spirit and joy of the outdoors in to your reading. Possibly to inspire someone else to go get themselves a pair of snowshoes and try out listening to the sounds of silence. It is a magical idea. I am headed out on Christmas and will report back why you to need a pair.