best snowshoes

• The site focuses on the best snowshoes of the 2023-2024 winter season.
• The team tested various snowshoes on different criteria such as durability, ease of use, packability, comfort, and overall value.
• The snowshoes are ranked based on different categories:
  • Best Overall Snowshoes: MSR Lightning Ascent.
  • Best Budget Snowshoes: MSR Evo Trail.
  • Runner-Up Best Snowshoes: Atlas Montane Snowshoes.
  • Best Snowshoes for Beginners: Tubbs Xplore Kit.
  • Most Comfortable Snowshoes: TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite.
  • Best Snowshoes for Running: Atlas Race.
  • Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes
  • Atlas Helium Trail
  • Flashtek Snowshoes
• The webpage also includes a comparison chart that lists the snowshoes’ price, lengths, weight, heel risers, and max weight:
  • MSR Lightning Ascent, $390, 22″/25″/30″, 4 lbs., 2 oz./4 lbs., 5 oz./4 lbs., 14 oz., Yes, Up to 280 lbs.
  • Atlas Montane, $250, 23″/27″ (women) 25″/30″/35″ (men’s), 4 lbs., 4 oz, Yes, Up to 300 lbs.
  • Tubbs Xplore Kit, $200, 21″, 25″ (women) 25″, 30″ (men), 3 lbs., 8 oz., No, Up to 250 lbs.
  • MSR Evo, $170, 22″, 3 lbs., 10 oz., No, Up to 180 lbs., 250 lbs. with add-on tails.
  • TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Elite, $290, 20.5″/ 23.5″/ 27″, 4 lbs., 1.6 oz./ 4 lbs., 4.8 oz./ 4 lbs., 12.8 oz., Yes, Up to 300 lbs.
  • Atlas Race, $320, 22″, 2 lbs., 4 oz./ 2 lbs., 9 oz., No, 190 lbs.
  • Crescent Moon EVA Snowshoes, $169, 24″, 3 lbs.

• In this post from the r/Ultralight subreddit, users discuss their recommendations for snowshoes to use in various snow and terrain conditions.
• One user recommends the MSR lightning ascents due to their lightweight and alpine-worthiness, while another recommends Northern Lites Backcountry for their light weight and mentions other versions with extra cleats for more extreme terrain.
• A user inquires about whether Northern Lites have heel lift, but it is not clear if anyone else answers this question.
• Another user promotes the TSL Symbioz Expert composite snowshoe for steep off-camber design, though they note this model may have less flotation. They also link to a blog with more snowshoe reviews.
• One user recommends the TSL 438 UP model and another expresses happiness with their MSR Evo’s.
• A user mentions they found the Yukon Pro II from Costco to be durable and useful for steep terrain, and this option includes poles, snow baskets, and a carrying case.
• It is important to note that these recommendations were made four years ago, so newer or updated models of snowshoes may have been released since then.
• The post has a total of 7 upvotes and 0 downvotes.
• Some of the comments have received karma, with one user receiving 8 karma for recommending the TSL Symbioz Expert and another user receiving 4 karma for recommending the Northern Lites Backcountry. Other comments received anywhere from 0-1 karma.

Not used in article

1. MSR Lightning Ascent

   • Flotation 5.0, Traction 9.0, Stride Ergonomics 8.0, Ease of Use 9.0, Bindings 9.0
   • Recommended uses: Fresh and spring snow, steep terrain; Weight Load: 120 - 220 lbs (25” model)
   • Pros:
     • Stiff and precise
     • Excellent traction
     • Superb range of motion
     • Paragon binding system is comfortable and secure
     • Available supplemental add-on tails for purchase to accommodate heavier load or increase surface area in fresh powder
   • Cons:
     • Hinged binding not ideal on firm trails
     • Forefoot straps are short

2. Atlas Helium Trail

   • Flotation 7.0, Traction 5.0, Stride Ergonomics 7.0, Ease of Use 9.0, Bindings 6.0
   • Recommended uses: Spring snow and moderate terrain; Weight Load: 150 - 220 lbs (26” model)
   • Pros:
     • Versatile
     • Easy to use
     • Good traction
     • New take on snowshoe design concept with frame and deck as a single piece of plastic, making them the lightest in their lineup
     • Low price point makes for a great value product
   • Cons:
     • Decking is loud
     • Hinged deck-to-binding attachment may have been more appropriate for a “trail” model to be strapped
     • Mediocre floatation metrics
     • Binding not as secure as on MSR Evo Trail

3. Chinook Trekker

   • Flotation 7.0, Traction 2.0, Stride Ergonomics 4.0, Ease of Use 3.0, Bindings 4.0
   • Recommended uses: Fresh and spring snow, groomed trails; Weight Load: 50 - 300 lbs (25” model)
   • Pros:
     • Good price
     • Decent flotation for the length
     • Bindings pack down flat for storage or transportation
   • Cons:
     • Poor traction
     • Mediocre binding system, not ideal for remote areas
     • Only recommended for the occasional short hike or winter emergencies

4. Crescent Moon Big Sky 32

   • Flotation 9.0

• A Reddit post by a beginner snowshoer asking for advice on snowshoes
• Description of the user’s intended usage: walking in parks in the city, sometimes on trails, sometimes on fresh snow
• User’s weight: 150-155 lbs
• Recommended snowshoe length is 25” based on weight and intended usage
• Explanation of snowshoe sizing based on personal weight, terrain, and snow conditions
• Heavier personal weight requires larger surface area; powder snow benefits from more flotation and thus larger snowshoes; hardpack snow benefits from smaller, shorter snowshoes
• Men’s and women’s snowshoe models vary in taper, with women’s being thinner and more tapered to prevent scraping
• Flat terrain is better suited for larger snowshoes; steeply inclined or uneven ground benefits from smaller snowshoes
• Brands recommended: Atlas, MSR, Tubbs
• Atlus strap system called “The Wrap” was well-liked by a user; BOA bindings also an option with a premium price
• Heel elevators recommended for steep inclines, but not necessary for flat ground
• Traction level based on the teeth on the underside of the snowshoe
• One user estimated that Dion snowshoes would be the best for the original poster based on adjustability of bindings and range of size options for straps
• More snowshoe brands mentioned in the comments, including Cresent Moon, Sherpa, and Hillsound
• Some users shared their experiences with specific snowshoe models, such as the MSR lightning Ascent and Dion snowshoes
• One user suggested renting snowshoes to get a feel for what type of snowshoe and bindings work best for the user before making a purchase, especially if the rental location is convenient to the user
• Questions about specific details such as user’s weight and intended terrain were asked in the comments to provide more tailored recommendations for snowshoes

• When snowshoeing, which shoes to buy depends on the type of terrain you’ll be in (flat, mountains, powdery, icy etc.).
• MSR is a popular brand for snowshoes.
• The following MSR snowshoe models are recommended:
  • EVO (Trail and Ascent series)
  • Lightning (Trail and Ascent series)
• Depending on the type of snowshoe, the televator bar or extra traction could be helpful.
• Some users recommend wider snowshoes for more flotation in deep powder.
• The MSR Lightning Ascent may not provide enough flotation in deep, powdery snow.
• Fimbulvetr snowshoes are recommended for being quieter.
• Some users recommend the 30” Lightning Ascent for deep snow.
• Snowshoes can give a false sense of confidence when ascending steep terrain. Proper tools and techniques are important.
• A steep slope can be dangerous during descent or traverse.
• The blog post How to Kill Yourself Snowshoeing describes how to travel safely in steep snow.
• The MSR EVO Trail is a popular choice for snowshoes.
• MSR snowshoes can be loud due to the combination of plastic and metal.
• Some users recommend Tubbs Panoramics for flatter, snowier backcountry conditions.

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