MSR Lightning Ascent

MSR Lightning Ascent

Average Rating: rated 4.50 of 5 stars
Reviewed by 6 Trailspace users

Description

The Lightning Ascent is a backcountry snowshoe made by MSR. It has an average rating of 4.5 stars (out of 5), based on 6 user reviews.

Here's what other sites are saying:

From Moosejaw:
"Free Shipping. MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe (Spring 2008) The Lightning Ascent Snowshoe by MSR feature a patent-pending Total-Traction frame made from one vertical blade of aerospace-grade aluminum that delivers unprecedented 360 traction. They're also the lightest snowshoes in their class about 15% lighter than competitors with performance and usability that surpass everything that's come before."

From Oregon Mountain Community:
"MSR's Lightning Ascent addresses the unique challenges faced by snowshoers. Unrivaled traction, supportive yet easy to use bindings, plus one of the lightest snowshoes in their class. MSR Lightning Ascent features: Patent pending Total Traction frame for grip when going up, down, or sideways. Televator heel lifters to reduce calf fatigue on long climbs. MSR suggests using the 22 inch model for on trail use (the majority of snowshoe adventures), regardless of body weight."

From Ramsey Outdoor:
"MSR's Lightning Ascents represent a revolution in snowshoe design. they feature a patent-pending Total-Traction? frame?made from one vertical blade of..."

From Backcountry.com:
"Thanks to serrated edges along bottom of the frames, the MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes provide 360-degree traction on hardcore, steep terrain (let's face it slippage doesn't always occur in a straightforward manner). MSR also knows that snow kick-up and heel drag are lame, so they made the Lightning Ascent's tail with a rocker design. The aerospace-grade aluminum frame is super light for all-day hikes, and MSR's ergonomic Televator heel lifter minimizes calf fatigue so you can climb longer and farther. True-Hinge steel crampons provide stability, and the reinforced decks add durability. *Please see sizing chart for size tips."

User Reviews

rated 4.5 of 5 stars Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by George Peck, Mar 24, 2008

"The binding rubber becomes inelastic below 10 F. The two front binder straps continually release - usually after the plastic keep breaks.

All straps must be taped at the dead end or they will spontaneously leave the shoe at some point.

The two strapper requires so much pressure to keep boot centered that only plastic boots can be worn for long periods."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by Eric Bombardier, Feb 04, 2008

"I used those in the mountains of Quebec, and it was amazing; they look like they're not going to support you in the snow because they are narrow, but hell, it's perfect in 10 feet of snow.

I moved to Vancouver and went off-trails with them, in a lot of snow on flat or very steep, climbing rocks, it all goes, perfectly."

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rated 3 of 5 stars Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by jhbeckman, Jan 02, 2008

"I bought my Lightning Ascents a bit over a year ago. At that time, the binding used two straps over the top of your boot; they have upgraded it this year to three straps over the top of the boot.

And that may solve what I found to be the key problem: my boot drifted in the binding."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by TravMan, Oct 21, 2007

"I was able to test these shoes this morning after a good October snowstorm. I was very impressed with the performance. The bindings were easy to get in and out of, and they stayed as tight as I needed them to. I was making first tracks through fairly light Utah powder and the snow shoes stayed on top very easily."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by jpport123, Jun 11, 2007

"I did a fair amount of 'field testing' rental snowshoes before settling on the MSR Lightning. You can usually count on a various mix of trail conditions in a typical Northeast winter climb, ice, packed snow, waist deep powder. With the exception of 'wanting to glissade' in these shoes (which doesn't happen with the traction they afford you) there isn't much bad you say about the shoes."

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rated 5 of 5 stars Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by Geoffrey, Mar 10, 2007

"Wonderful shoes, lightweight, low profile, easy to get in, go anywhere and the kicker, they're orange :)"

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Have you owned or used a MSR Lightning Ascent? Share your thoughts with other hikers and backpackers.

Where to Buy

Buy Online We found the Lightning Ascent at 7 online stores:

StoreProduct DescriptionPrice

Moosejaw
4 purchase options:
Men's Lightning Ascent Snowshoe (Spring 2008)$259.95Buy Now
Women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoes (Fall 2007) - Outdoor Magazine Editors' Choice Award (2007)$259.95Buy Now
Women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoe (Spring 2008)$259.95Buy Now
Lightning Ascent Snowshoe (Spring 2008)$289.95Buy Now

Backcountry.com
Lightning Ascent$259.95Buy Now

Backcountry Outlet
Lightning Ascent$181.96Buy Now

Ramsey Outdoor
2 purchase options:
Lightning Ascent 22$259.95Buy Now
Lightning Ascent 22 Women's$259.95Buy Now

Oregon Mountain Community
2 purchase options:
Lightning Ascent 22 06/07$179.95Buy Now
Women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoe 07/08$233.95Buy Now

EMS
2 purchase options:
Lightning Ascent 22 Snowshoes$259.95Buy Now
Lightning Ascent 22 Snowshoes, Women's$259.95Buy Now

US Outdoor Store
2 purchase options:
Lightning Ascent 22 Snowshoes - Orange$259.95Buy Now
Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes - Orange$259.95Buy Now

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