MSR Lightning Ascent
Average Rating: 
Reviewed by 8 Trailspace users
Description
The Lightning Ascent is a backcountry snowshoe made by MSR. It has an average rating of 4 stars (out of 5), based on 8 user reviews.
Here's what other sites are saying:
From Oregon Mountain Community:
"Our most popular snowshoe, the MSR Lightning Ascent™ is prepared for anything. The lightest in their class, they offer unmatched performance on steep and rugged terrain. Angle-neutralizing Televator™ heel lifters save your calves from the fire of ascent and you get the best traction available with our patent-pending Total-Traction™ frame. Cut from a single, vertical blade of aerospace-grade aluminum, it delivers unprecedented 360° traction that simply humbles all other shoes. Aggressive steel crampons and secure, weatherproof and glove-friendly bindings put the finishing touches on the most reliable winter backcountry transportation available. MSR Lightning Ascent features: Unrivaled Traction: Total-Traction™ frame delivers the best possible 360° grip – even while traversing. Ultralight: The lightest snowshoe in its class. Unmatched on Steep Terrain: Televator™ heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. User-Friendly: 4-strap step-on binding is fast, secure, easy to use and won’t freeze. Stable Support: True Hinge™ steel crampon enhances foot stability and minimizes heel drift, resulting in a more efficient and natural stride. Specifications: 22 3lb 10oz, 8"x22" 25 3lb 12oz, 8"x25" Color is orange Sizing: MSR recommends the 22" model for all users on packed snow. For deep snow (up to 30"deep), users over 125lb (including pack) should use the 25" model."
From CampSaver.com:
"FREE! SnowTote Snowshoe Bag With the purchase of Lightning Ascent Snowshoes.Free shipping!"
From Campmor:
"MSR's proven Lightning Ascents represent a revolution in snowshoe design. Available in men's and women's models, they feature a patent-pending Total-Traction frame-made from one vertical blade of aerospace-grade aluminum-that delivers unprecedented 360deg. 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. Unrivaled Traction-Total-Traction frame delivers unprecedented 360deg. grip. Superlight-The lightest snowshoe in its class. Unmatched on Steep Terrain-Ascent models feature a Televator heel lifter to reduce calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. User-Friendly -Step-on binding fits a variety of boots and is fast, secure, and easy to use. Stable Support-True-Hinge steel crampon enhances foot stability and minimizes heel drift, resulting in more efficient gait mechanics and less expended energy. 100% Waterproof-Materials won't soak up water and freeze; straps remain easy to use in all conditions. Weight: 3 lbs. 12 oz. per pair."
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
Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by Danny158, Jan 12, 2009
Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by RANDALL BOERNER, Jan 03, 2009
I am new to this 6' 3" and with gear 250 lbs."
Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by George Peck, Mar 24, 2008
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."
Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by Eric Bombardier, Feb 04, 2008
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."
Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by jhbeckman, Jan 02, 2008
And that may solve what I found to be the key problem: my boot drifted in the binding."
Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by TravMan, Oct 21, 2007
Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by jpport123, Jun 11, 2007
Men's Lightning Ascent
Reviewed by Geoffrey, Mar 10, 2007
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 8 online stores:
| Store | Product Description | Price |
 CampSaver.com 2 purchase options: | MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes | $207.96 | Buy Now |
| MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes - Womens | $207.96 | Buy Now |
 Oregon Mountain Community 2 purchase options: | Lightning Ascent Snowshoes | $259.95 | Buy Now |
| Women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoes | $259.95 | Buy Now |
 Backcountry.com 2 purchase options: | Lightning Ascent Snowshoe | $259.95 | Buy Now |
| Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Women's | $259.95 | Buy Now |
 Moosejaw 3 purchase options: | Men's Lightning Ascent Snowshoe | $259.95 | Buy Now |
| Women's Lightning Ascent Snowshoe | $259.95 | Buy Now | |
| Lightning Ascent Snowshoe | $289.95 | Buy Now |
 Ramsey Outdoor 2 purchase options: | Lightning Ascent 22 | $259.95 | Buy Now |
| Lightning Ascent 22 Women's | $259.95 | Buy Now |
 US Outdoor Store 2 purchase options: | Lightning Ascent 22 Snowshoes - Orange | $259.95 | Buy Now |
| Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes - Women's | $259.95 | Buy Now |
