MSR Denali Ascent

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Reviewed by 9 Trailspace users

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Description

The Denali Ascent is a backcountry snowshoe made by MSR. It has an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5), based on 9 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. MSR Denali Ascent Snowshoes (Spring 2008) The Denali Ascent by MSR was created because demanding winter ascents require equipment as tough as you are. These lightweight, technical snowshoes offer incredible performance on ice and snow-covered landscapes.Specifications: Weight: 3 lbs. 12 oz. (1692 g) per pair Size: 8 x 22 in. (20 x 56 cm) Features: Unmatched on Steep Terrain: Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. Superior Traction: Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip. Versatile: 4 and 8 flotation tails (sold separately) make Denali Ascent snowshoes a 3-in-1 package, eliminating the need for multiple pairs of snowshoes. Secure Fit: Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe. Easy to Use: No-hassle binding is secure and packable. Accommodates Large Boots: Enlarged boot hole allows for use of snowboard and/or ski boots."

From Oregon Mountain Community:
"Demanding winter ascents require equipment as tough as you are, which is why MSR has created the Denali Ascent snowshoe. The MSR Denali Ascent is a lightweight, technical snowshoe which offers incredible performance on ice and snow-covered landscapes. Unmatched on Steep Terrain: Televator™ heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient.Superior Traction: Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.Secure Fit: Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe.Easy to Use: No-hassle binding is secure and packable.Accommodates Large Boots: Enlarged boot hole allows for use of snowboard and/or ski boots.Need sizing help? Click for MSR's sizing reccomendations. Weight: 3 lb 12 oz Size: 8 x 22 in."

From Backcountry.com:
"The MSR Denali Ascent Snowshoe takes the Denali Classic design with detachable flotation tails and parallel traction bars, and builds in even more performance. The result is a lightweight, technically superior snowshoe that has incredible performance on ice and snow-covered landscapes. The Ascent traction bars feature piercing Saber Teeth and 4 raised spikes that provide more grip than the Classic on hard-packed snow or freezing terrain. In addition, the Ascents come with Televators that flip up to support your heel during steep ascents thereby reducing calf fatigue. A stand-up binding makes for easy exit/entry. That means you won't be delayed a moment too long before enjoying the descent. Isn't that the whole point?"

From Altrec Outdoors:
"A different take on the design that opened new vistas, the MSR Denali Ascent Snowshoe takes it up a notch in time-tested full traction and adjustable flotation. An added steep terrain Televator heel lifter enhances performance by reducing calf fatigue, while making climbing easier and more efficient. Constructed in lightweight, durable plastic, the frame edge combines with steel traction blades (crampons) and molded deck braking bars to offer exceptional grip. A crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while a four-strap binding provides a secure fit. The compact hassle-free binding accommodates large boots allowing for easy use with snowboard, ski, or mountaineering boots. The modular design accepts 10 and 20 cm (4 and 8in.) tails (sold separately) for added flotation in deep powder or when carrying a heavy load. Eliminating the need for multiple pairs of snowshoes, the Denali is the classic 3-in-1 value set up."

User Reviews

Men's Denali Ascent
Reviewed by E Redfield, Mar 31, 2008

"Something awesome about these shoes, compared to many other models, is that you can take the middle crampon piece off and wear it alone. This is handy to use as a modified crampon without the large plastic shoe around it. I have done this several times when I knew I would need snowshoes but didn't want to bring separate crampons for steeper terrain."

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Unisex Denali Ascent
Reviewed by Coloradoguy, Mar 13, 2007

"They are great while they work. . . mine broke recently.

I've had a pair of these for about 5 years. I use them for maybe 2 or 3 trips a season. I'm about 185lbs and sometimes carry about a 50 lb pack. Recently on a backcountry trip the binding completely broke (the metal part) near one of the swivel points."

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Unisex Denali Ascent
Reviewed by Kevincsanf, Nov 01, 2006

"These are great snowshoes. The solid plastic design works well easy to get in and out of. I also like the solid plastic because you can dig with it and make into a snow stake. The extra flippers for soft snow or heavy loads work OK. The raiser is a godsend on steep hills."

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Unisex Denali Ascent
Reviewed by Adam Wiegand, Oct 10, 2006

"Love them. Bought these well-used models secondhand from a rental outlet and have used them a fair bit on steep terrain. They performed great with the heel riser. However, using the attachable tails for softer snow sucks because it makes the shoes sink into the ground unevenly and makes travel more tiring."

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Unisex Denali Ascent
Reviewed by jhbeckman, Apr 11, 2006

"Excellent snowshoe. The televator device (I think that's what it is called -- essentially a wire heel support that you can snap up into place when going uphill) is a very helpful and makes climbing grades much more pleasant. Design of pivot crampon and additional two rows of teeth on the underside provide excellent traction on uphill."

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Unisex Denali Ascent
Reviewed by jasperbr, Jan 11, 2006

"If you don't plan on doing any steep work, the kind that is best done with an ice axe, then I would say find a less expensive model. This snowshoe really shines in the steep climbs where it holds better than any other shoe I've used. I use it for mountaineering and after my experience with it I wouldn't settle for anything less."

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Unisex Denali Ascent
Reviewed by Dave WA Cascades, Oct 07, 2005

"If your type of snow hike involves gentle terrain then any of the normal type shoes will suffice. . . Tubbs, Atlas etc.

Where the MSR Denalis shine is in the steeps. They will kick steps and hold your foot as you step up much much better than the others."

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Unisex Denali Ascent
Reviewed by an anonymous hiker, Sep 28, 2005

"I have been involved with winter sports all my life. I started snowshoeing 15 years ago, and to this day I still can't believe I bought a pair of plastic snowshoes. I have owned my MSRs now for three years and they rock. I have taken them up mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire."

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Unisex Denali Ascent
Reviewed by Ron G., Mar 06, 2005

"These are the first snowshoes I've owned, but I did use a borrowed pair of older-model Tubbs Adventure 25s before I got these MSR Denali Ascents.

The Tubbs Adventure 25s were just fine except that their strap-pivot bindings caused snow to get thrown up my back with every step I took."

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