Snowshoes

Recent Snowshoe Reviews

MSR Evo Ascent

Design flawed. Not durable or reliable, but comfortable, until the straps break. ALL of them. Apparently MSR are aware straps degrade and break over time and they are all right with that. Not me. Buy a more reliable set of snowshoes. Do not waste your money on these. It’s dangerous to have a strap break in the backcountry. During the third season of use (about 15 days total use) ALL plastic straps on both snowshoes broke. Stretchy rubbery straps degrade over a couple years into brittle hard plastic… Full review

MSR Men's Lightning Ascent

This is a very durable and versatile piece of equipment. I’ve had a lot of fun and exploration on this reliable snowshoe. I’m the guy that uses and abuses equipment. My MSR Lightning Ascents have been subjected to all kinds of terrain, situations, and temperatures. I’ve jumped off ledges into deep snow, crossed riverbeds on fallen trees, taken great pleasure walking over drifted in vehicles, fences, and the occasional bungalow...any opportunity for adventure suffices. Strolling along packed… Full review

Atlas Spindrift

The Atlas Spindrift, designed to handle technical terrain, is a great snowshoe for anything varying from flat towards vertical. Good balance of float and agility with a frame that combines old and new styles to create a lot of traction. With three lengths available ranging from 22 to 30 inches the Spindrifts have load ratings ranging from 150 to 235 pounds. Springy suspension and deck let feet do their job digging in on climbs and made long days more comfortable. These are great climbers you'll… Full review

MSR Denali

Great all-purpose snowshoe with decent traction. In colder conditions the plastic straps can become more rigid. Plastic fabric (straps) fray over time. We have had these over five years. We did not initially purchase flotation extension tails. The tails are useful if hiking with additional weight-load or in variable snow conditions. Full review

MSR Evo Ascent

Pretty lightweight, good floatation, Televators are worth the upgrade. The bottom of the plastic deck does wear down easily. Overall might be the best snowshoe for the price, just a little concerned about the wearing down of the plastic though.  Full review

Atlas Access Series

The Atlas Access Series snowshoes are great for all-day use, as well as for light hiking on and off trail in rolling terrain. They are very versatile and easy to use, with a moderate amount of traction, while still being light and very comfortable to wear for extended periods. Would highly recommend for use in the backcountry of Eastern Canada and United States, as well as for day-to-day use. The Access Series, part of Atlas's Day Hiking line, are an excellent choice for those looking to get… Full review

Maine Guide Snowshoes Rabbit Hunter

I tend to like going through non-traditional trails or breaking my own trails. These snowshoes go through brush and as they claim have reverse. These shoes allow you to back up without hanging up. Great floatation in powdery snow, lightweight, and have ice grips. Bindings are secure, durable, and easy in easy out, even with heavy mittens. See above, plus see YouTube videos for demo of these or go onto their web site. These are traditional snowshoes narrowed out and curved on both ends. This allows… Full review

Wilcox and Williams Ojibwa

Great snowshoes for deep powder, heavy weight, speed, and easier non-wooded terrain. I recently purchased a new, unused but secondhand pair of these snowshoes cheap. Mine are made in Canada. Some are made in the USA. Mine are very large at 12x60. They look great and truly are quite well made. Sinew webbing with Neoprene bindings. White ash frames. Too long for brushy areas, but anyone with snowshoe experience can get them through an open woods easily. I haven't had them out in deep powder, two… Full review

Garneau Men's Blizzard II

Great shoes. Excellent pair of 10x36 snowshoes that can handle deep snow with heavy weight. I haven't added more to this quickie of a review because Phil covered it all I believe. Full review