where to buy snow shoes in Missoula

Where would you look for snow shoes in Missoula?

I think a used sporting goods store (Play It Again Sports) recently closed.

There is REI of course (expensive?).

The snow is deeper than usual and staying for a while this winter!

I saw a couple of pairs for $25-35 at Secret Seconds YWCA thrift store. They probably sold by now, but they could have more.

Good eye, Fred! Thanks!

It seems traditional snowshoes are crazy expensive these days now that people have taken to hanging them on the wall as decorations.
Canadian military surplus shoes are steel and magnesium and pretty well made. Up here they sell for under $100 (probably without bindings) but you have a particularly attractive exchange rate right now.
http://www.fcsurplus.ca/shopping/products/167-Winter-Survival-Supplies/453-Ultra-Light-Magnesium-Snowshoes/

I saw some on Amazon too - apparently the US Army uses the same ones - about $50 USD - search for army surplus snowshoe

Good tips, Roy.

I saw some very affordable snowshoes at Costco, but taking a closer look had me wondering if they'd hold up. I know nothing about them, so tips and info are welcome!

The surplus ones will work just fine, Jocelyn. I'll stop by the Costco here and see if they have the same ones that Missoula has. Depending on the type of terrain you go through, and I'm thinking of the lab here, the "bear paw" style is more the kind you would want. The tailed types are more for open tundra or plains use, that is why the military uses them for Alaska winter use.

Yesterday, Paul and I visited a few thrift shops in Missoula. No snowshoes (you're right, Fred, they were gone at Secret Seconds!), but we found lots of other things. We ran out of time to look at Costco or a sporting goods store.

Interesting comments about "bear claw" versus "long tail" style. I'd have to agree that our uneven, very hilly terrain would likely work better with snowshoes without a long tail.

I'll look online later (I have accounting to do and a community feast to prepare for tonight!), and will perhaps make another stop or two on our next trip to town.

I SO appreciate the help!

I've never used/needed snow shoes so not sure if this is helpful, but -

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/product/index/british-military-surplus-snow-shoes-used?a=1772429

They have other styles as well.