The Seattle Times

Recognizing that not all users need both functions at the same time, Kahtoola split the standard snowshoe design into a modular system. With the new FLIGHTboot and FLIGHTdeck, winter hikers can enjoy solid traction when conditions are firm but icy, and stable flotation when the snow gets deep.

November 16, 2006 - From head to feet, snow toys for you

Winter recreation started simply: Folks enjoyed various forms of slipping and sliding. As with all forms of Amercian sport, though, our wintertime recreation evolved. Today, our slipping and sliding sports take us to whole new levels of thrills - and spills.

As sports evolve, so does the sporting equipment. (Or do the sports evolve because the equipment evolves?) This year, the evolution of snow sports equipment made some great strides forward. Here are a few of the newest products to help you enjoy the winter:

Kahtoola FLIGHTboot and FLIGHTdeck

Snowshoes provide two distinct benefits: traction on snow and ice, and flotation in deep snow. Recognizing that not all users need both functions at the same time, Kahtoola split the standard snowshoe design into a modular system. With the new FLIGHTboot and FLIGHTdeck, winter hikers can enjoy solid traction when conditions are firm but icy, and stable flotation when the snow gets deep.

The neoprene FLIGHTboot fits over any hiking boot. The base of the FLIGHTboot features tough crampons under the ball of the foot, providing good grip when used alone, or when you clip into the FLIGHTdeck - the separate snowshoe "platform." To combine the FLIGHTboot and FLIGHTdeck, simply step into the flat click-in binding on the 'Deck.

We found that, at times, the click-in system can get clogged by snow, but a few whacks with a trekking pole cleared the notches. Once clicked in, the system never failed. Each piece of the system is sold separately: Suggested retail price is $149 for the FLIGHTboot (seven unisex sizes to fit men's boots 5-13) and $185 for the FLIGHTdeck.

—Dan A. Nelson, Special to the Seattle Times

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