MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoe

While, at best, I'd call myself a moderately experienced snowshoer, I do have some good things to say about these shoes.

The bindings are solid, and very stable, not once did I feel like I was going to slip out of them, nor did I ever. They are relatively easy to adjust, even with gloves or cold hands. I think the most impressive thing about them is their traction while transversing a slope. Even on Sierra cement I felt very stable, and traction never gave way.

The ascenders are nice feature, particularly on predictably long uphill stretches. Setting them is a bit awkward, but that's unavoidable... as you have to kneel down to reach them. The large plastic tab for gripping them is marginally useful, its more frosting than anything. I usually just found myself slipping a finger underneath the bar and pulling it into position.

The only real downside to the shoes is how noisy they are compared to shoes that are made mostly of metal. The difference is significant, particularly on crust and ice. They make a hollow rattling sound when walking under such conditions. Its not a big deal, but on a beautiful day... when trying to enjoy the solitude, the noise can be a distraction. However, that's really picking nits. The Evo Ascents are bombproof. A couple folks on a recent trip had shoes breaking with rivets popping out or breaking altogether. These, like most anything made by MSR, are built to last... and, a great bonus, made in the US.

These are the correct floatation tails for the Evo Ascent: http://www.backcountry.com/msr-denali-evo-snowshoe-flotation-tails-6in
I popped them on last night.

I have used literally tons of shoes over the last few years. Hiking in the backcountry, getting to the falls for an ice climb day, military use, and all over the deeps in AK. These shoes while not the most technical or "shiny" fit perfectly for my intended use. They are by far the easiest shoes to pack in any shoe out there and as light as any shoe I have ever used. I am about 190 at 6'2" and often have 45+ pounded on me for work and with the tails these shoes still float me. Don't' be fooled by the plastic construction, they hold up to tons of abuse and while usually used hiking in, I and my friends have used these successfully with both ski and snowboard boots as well.

Everlasting! College provided me a glimpse of these mo-fros.
Deep? Sure, no problem. Add the floater attachments....Item: CAS0707. Steep, no worries.
These snowshoes have full length crampons to carry you up and at 'em; straight, concave, convex, whatever!
Solid design. Simple mechanism. If your are a flat-lander snowshoer who is looking to gain some elevation off piste or a snowboarder w/o a split board looking to bag that peak for the coolest line, these are for you.
You do not need to be on Everest to enjoy these. Just be sure to take them off the the beaten path.
P.S. add the tails for heavy packs or extra floatation.

I wore these during a trip to RMNP and they did the job. The Televator heel sounded kind of lame, but after using it to get up Flat Top Mtn I can tell you...not lame. It may be nit picky but my only issue with the shoes is that they are kind of loud.

Used these Hiking Mt Pierce in NH and worked great. 9 inches of fresh powder from night before over ice as it was beginning of season. This handled both the powder as well as the ice underneath wonderfully. Was able to adjust easily with gloves on and fit my slightly smaller feet. not the best for running, but great for ascent or icy conditions. would buy again.

great shoe ,one of the best i've had, light, durable ,stand up to a beating over logs, I use them sledding and couldn't get into places without them. I would buy another pair if i lost these, easy to put on even in deep snow.