Atlas 12 Series Snowshoes - 2004 BCS

After doing much research and enjoying many hikes last year in Canada using both traditional wood and non-traditional metal snowshoes of several brands I took the plunge and purchased two pairs of the Atlas 12 series this year.
Over the past few weeks we have used them to cover large distances both on flat ground and climbing up snowy slopes, with angles of close to 60 degrees on some of our ungroomed mountains in Australia. We also have done some delicate snowshoe placement whilst scrambling down through mountain-top boulders. In every situation these snowshoes have excelled. The foot fastenings are easy to use and do not work loose over time. The crampons never became clogged, nor did we find the foot to become unstable or slide sidewards during cramped foot placements on mountain slopes. Our only concern is that the straps may be difficult to repair if they break whilst we are travelling in isolated back country areas as pop rivets are used to secure the ankle pieces, hence replacing any broken straps would be difficult. I think these are great snowshoes and intend to buy more of the series 12 for the rest of our family.

Comfortable, easy fitting and unfitting, especially with snowboard boots! Give very good traction and bouyancy in the snow. Excellent buy!!

These are great snowshoes. A little on the pricey side but built to last. Easy to put on with your gloves, stay on your feet, and provide excellent traction up and down the hills. Very light for stepping over things. I thought a lot about the weight recommendations they give. I purchased the 25's because I didn't want a shoe that was too long. I think it was a great compromise. I weigh 190 without gear. I have used these with a full pack on the trails with powder and a base and had no trouble. I have also used them with somewhat deep powder and a day pack without any problem. It was a great upgrade from my old shoes.

After owning a pair of Sherpa snowshoes and borrowing a pair of Tubbs, the Atlas 12 Series are indeed snowshoe heaven. Most importantly, the bindings are easy to put on all types of shoes, from hiking boots to snowboard boots, the bindings are extremely comfortable, and the bindings STAY IN PLACE AND KEEP MY FOOT SQUARELY ON THE SHOE, which can't be said for a lot of the other snowshoe bindings. The crampons dig deep on the steeps and most of time prevents me from slipping. Another impressive feature is the weight...much lighter than I thought they would be. A+++.

What I really like about the Atlas 12 series is that you forget you're wearing them. The springloaded binding and the light weight allows you to walk normally in any terrain and on any surface. Another nice feature is that you can pack them almost flat on your backpack for the run down. The only thing I miss, is some sort of heel support for very steep terrain, which puts a lot of strain on your ankles and calves when traversed.

For everyone who lives in the mountains
this should be the snowshoe of choice.