MSR Denali Evo Snowshoe Flotation Tails - 6in - 2007 BCS

I just picked up a pair of these and while they aren't completely necessary (I am 6'2 and 175), I do notice that I have an easier time in certain snow conditions than people without them. Definitely worth the price. I would recommend taking them off on descents though. Tends to make them act a little like a ski...

These tails are perfect for: 1) those who experience varied snow conditions and don't need extra flotation all the time 2) those who push the upper weight limits of the snowshoes and need extra flotation 3) snowshoes to be used by multiple people of varying weights

1) I have used these on 22 inch snowshoes because the majority of the trail was icy/minimal powder, but further ahead we knew fresh powder existed. Instead of wearing my normal 30 inch pair through the trees(like everybody else), I was able to move much more nimbly than my fellow hikers. When powder was reached, I put the tails on, and had all the flotation needed.
On deep powder days these are on from the start, on days where I know they won't be needed, they stay in the car. This versatility in the past came through owning two pairs of snowshoes of different sizes, a costly investment.

2) One of my snowshoe partners uses these to give him extra flotation on his snowshoes as he is past the upper weight limit of his shoes. Without these tails he would sink up to his knees, now he manages to stay much closer to the surface and would have otherwise not have a snowshoe that fits his size.

3) Buying snowshoes to be used by somebody who would use a 22 or 25 inch snowshoe, but planning to take out you friend on one or two trips who needs 30 inch flotation? Attach these and your friend can come for a day outing without the hassle of buying/renting a pair. Plus, if the main user is a growing child who will need more flotation in a few years, you now have two different size snowshoes for them.

Do I need to list more reasons why you should buy them if you have a MSR pair of snowshoes that these attach to?

While I honestly use my MSR's without the tails more often than with, the price is low, they go on quickly, and can definitely make a difference in the deep stuff. They don't take up too much room in the pack either. So... at this price, why WOULDN'T you get them if you already have the MSR Evos?

I used the tails in a Memorial Day weekend mountain climb of a 14teener in Colorado. The tails performed as expected. They added about 30% more surface area, distributed the same weight over a larger surface area and the lower pressure resulted in less sinking into the snow. I was able to skim over most snow fields with minimal sinking. They were a detriment on very steep terrain where I had to kick step my way up in soft snow because I did not kick deep enough for the tails to add support. They just added drag in that situation. They were a little hard to attach in the field while wearing the snow shoes. Since the snowshoes are easy to remove and put on the middle of a climb, it is probably better to remove the snow shoe, put on the tail and then put the snow shoe back on, rather than go through the contortions of attaching the tails while wearing the snow shoes. Bottom line - a good addition and worth the added weight and bulk for soft and deep snow conditions.

They might spend more time in your backpack than on your shoes but it's a huge plus knowing that the extra flotation is there when you need it. It's like push-button 4x4 for your shoes. Just make sure that the knob is turned all the way up before you try to put them on.

these make a big difference in deep snow. the float really helps. love the fact that they are really easy to attach, and dont add much weight. i have actually started just keeping them on all the time as you can usually use extra float where I snowshoe.

These are a must anytime you head out on your Denali Evos. I throw 'em in my pack and they'll be ready for me to head off-trail to into deeper snow. They are easy for me to attach and detach, even with a full 40lb. pack on my back.

great uses :
* not sinking in the deep
* cutting board
* mine are bigger

I can't say much to others who say these tails don't add flotation...but what I can say is they saved my backside more than once.

I've put in many miles traveling on the Kahiltna Glacier (Denali NP) and have walked across many snow bridges with these things on. Although I won't tell you I'm not lucky, I will tell you the guy on the other end of the rope who was too cheap to buy these tails needed me (and my Flotation Tails) to pull him out of two separate crevasses.

I find that the tails actually don't help all that much. I had the same issues in deep untracked snow that I had without the tails. In fact it was worse because with longer tails there is more effort to drag them through the snow. I would just stick with the regular shoes and save the cash.