Snow Shoes

beanbag

beanbag

Joined
Apr 1, 2009
Messages
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I need new snowshoes.

They will be used for everything from strolling around my local woods to some pretty steep and challenging terrain.

Also I would like not to spend a ton of $$$.

Any suggestions?

Bean:thumbup:
 
I use the MSR Denali Evo Ascents. They're comfortable, light, and well made. Plenty of traction on side hills, too. Normally I am not a fan of anything plastic, but the weight savings and the compact size make these a pleasure to use and easy to stow when not in use.

Also, I purchased the six inch tail extensions, which work great! I'm 6'2" 205# and I've used these in deep powder while carrying a 45# pack. No problems at all.
 
i would have to agree i have a lower end pair of msr snow shoes and my hikeing partner uses the evos there a great shoe and if you are going to do any uphill hikeing its the only way to go!!!
 
I have a pair of LL bean Pathfinders and a pair of Atlas 725 (i think). Of the two I like the LL beans a bit more because the binding is easier to get in and out of. The steel crampon on both pairs though have been fine for both up and down hill.
 
+1 on the MSR Denali Evo Ascents I love mine but good luck finding them for $55. If you are going to do a lot of uphill I recommend saving up some $ and buying any of the MSR Ascent line. Otherwise check out the sale here
www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=730648

Many places like REI will let you rent snowshoes so try a few different types out to see what you like
 
Thanks for the replies.

The Ascents look like the consensus choice, but they are pricey.

Barbarossa, do you know anything about those $55 shoes?

Thanks,

Bean
 
Have a look at Faber. I have used a pair of their 36" Composite Bearpaws for about 10 years. You may have to compromise a little. There are different snowshoe styles for different snow. No one shoe will work optimally in all snow. Deeper, powder snow will require a shoe with more surface area. I like modified bearpaws because they work well in a variety of snow conditions. Also remember your body weight will affect how well the shoes perform. Finally, if you can, spend a little extra. Going super cheap will only be a let down. Make sure you can adjust the bindings and get them on and off easily. Good luck!

http://www.fabersnowshoes.com/vitrine/fabersite/activeservice?value=home1&stl=en
 
Remember that most of the inexpensive shoes are made for groomed trails. If you go off the beaten path...aka challenging terrain, you will need to consider that.
 
check craig's list, ebay, gear trade, etc for used ones- MSR just revamped their Lightning series, so I'm seeing some decent priced older models for sale used

insure you get the proper length- go too short and you won't have the necessary flotation, be sure to count any pack weight in your figuring
 
I can't find any used MSR ascents either evo or lightning, so I'm just going to go ahead and bite the bullet.

So if anyone has any used ones or can direct me to a good deal, I'm getting a new pair of Denali Evo Ascents with the tail extension. Yee Hah.

Life time investment or damned close to it, right?

Bean
 
there's a pair of lightning ascents 25" (they look brand new) for sale in the gear swap forum pretty reasonable, might even make an offer- they've been there a couple of weeks- it comes w/ an extra set of bindings as well

Mike
 
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