Metro West Daily News.com

The advantages appear to be more comfort, lighter weight and simpler operation than conventional boot, creeper or crampon, and snowshoe combinations. Not having a bulky binding the snowshoes fit more easily in or on a pack.

November 30, 2006 - Active outoors: It's transition time

Early December is a particularly interesting time of year for outdoor enthusiasts here in the Northeast. Especially this year, when the weather has been unseasonably mild. Lots of people (myself among them) simply can't wait fro winter. Bring on the snow and the ice! But the transition from bare ground to snow and ice can be a lot of fun, too.

...This season, I'm testing a new product concept called the FLIGHTsystem from Kahtoola (www.kahtoola.com). This is a two-part deal: First there's a pair of insulating neoprene booties with a flexible plastic sole and traction cleats that fit over your running shoes, trail shoes or lightweight hikers. That's all you need if the snow isn't deep.

But once the snow builds up, you can add the "FLIGHTdeck" snowshoes which feature a click-in binding that mates with the cleats on the booties. The advantages appear to be more comfort, lighter weight and simpler operation than conventional boot, creeper or crampon, and snowshoe combinations. Not having a bulky binding the snowshoes fit more easily in or on a pack.

I want to make it clear that I'm intrigued by a concept here, not endorsing a product I haven't tried. But it's certainly worth checking out. I'll report back after the snow flies.

—Tim Jones, Daily News Correspondent

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