MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Men's

I've had the "women's" of this version for 4 years (even though I'm a man) and it has been great. I needed a little more flotation and length so I bought the 25" mens and the extra width and slight amount of weight is unnoticeable. They are very durable despite the lightweight design. I'm not walking on pure rocks with it, but I've taken them through plenty of sticks and occasional dirt. Binding system is fast and even more improved from my previous version.

These are the best snowshoes available because of the amount of traction you get along the entire frame (not just the crampon underfoot). The elevators (or heel lifts) are intuitive and easy to flip up and down with a trekking pole. I also love the add on tails. I thought these were a gimmick at first but they have definitely come in handy most trips when the snow is deep powder or punch slush. Its nice to add a bunch of flotation immediately and continue on your way. I've seen all other snowshoes in action and if you're going up steep slopes these are the ones that can't be beat.

bindings fit well and these really keep you on top of the snow... I have only used them once but so far impressed

Awesome snow shoes for serious backcountry hiking. I've used these shoes during many winter hiking trips. A couple that come to mind are climbing Mt Harvard in January and a 50 mile two day hike in the Arctic Circle. Both occasions had lots of snow. The snow ran between deep powder (approx waist deep) and icy surface crust with powder underneath. Each time the snow shoes performed superbly. I'm 5'7" 165lbs and usually carry a 35-40lb pack. The snow shoes ability to float was amazing along with the crampon like traction they provide. One of the best features is the heal lift. At first I was skeptical about the feature but during our final ascent of Mt Harvard I decided to flip the heel lift up. What a difference it makes for climbing steep inclines. Very durable as well. Mine are approaching 10yrs old and they are still my go to snow shoes. Highly recommend for backcountry trail use. Great job MSR!

I have used my REVO Trails which are obviously a lighter duty snow shoe than these bad boys. A couple of the big perks on these:
- Love the heal lift. Great for long (and short)ascents up steep terrain
- Availability of a 30" shoe. To get 30" on the revos you need the additional tails. And while those worked well, and offered a little more flexibility, I pretty much always need 30" with my weight.

I have used the Lightning Ascent extensively for almost 8 years. They are very sturdy, lightweight for the size, and climb like a cat on steroids.:) a great backcountry shoe.

If you've got any questions about MSR snowshoes or any other pairs; definitely contact me and I'd love to help you find the right pair for your size, intended use, and region.

I've used the Lightning Ascents for years now and they've never failed me. When other struggle on ice or bad terrain, I'm able to forge on and have no issues. And the float on these is great in deep snow.

Sizing:
Shoot me an email or call and we can size up a pair for you!

Shoot me an email anytime you have questions about snowshoes or any other gear!

Jared D.
Expert Gearhead
801.736.4336
jdowns@backcountry.com

I use these for any and all winter hiking. They're incredibly light for how beastly they are. I've stomped through powder in these and walked straight up a couple 14ers (like walking up a staircase with the heel-risers up).

I don't have a splitboard, so these have also allowed me to get into backcounty riding. I just strap them to my backpack when I'm ready to descend. I don't even notice the weight on my pack because they're so light, and also a lot lighter than the snowboard I had been carrying haha.

I bought my Lightning Ascents a year ago for steep terrain and packed snow in which my Tubbs Mountaineers weren't quite as good as I'd hoped. They were everything I'd hoped for and then some. Thanks to the 360 Degree Traction frame, 3 traction bars, and large toe crampons, the traction you get with these things is incredible - steep ascents and descents, side slopes, even greasy mashed potatoes, these snowshoes grab hold and don't let go.

Due to a knee injury last year that caused a lot of pain when I'd kneel to attach the Tubbs Mountaineer 36s I'd been using in powder, I began using the Lightning Ascents instead this season and found that I like them better in the soft stuff, too. I sink a little deeper because of the smaller surface area, but that also means I have less snowshoe to lift out of the snow. So they've now become my go-to snowshoes for all terrain and types of snow. Their narrow width and shorter length makes them ideal for narrow trails and dense woods, and the Ergo Televator and 3 traction bars under the deck allow you to go straight up and down the steepest hills with little more than a kick step or firmly stomping your feet on ascents. I haven't found a descent yet that's too steep for me to just walk down.

The 4-strap bindings are super secure, and allow you to customize the fit for whatever kind of boot you're wearing. My Sorel Conquests fit just as well as my Asolo Fugitive GTX, and there's plenty of strap left for bigger boots. They're super easy to attach and detach while wearing gloves, and even if the straps come out of the retaining clips or the clips break the straps won't loosen up.

I've stepped on a lot of rocks and sticks and haven't had any puncture the decking. Certain boots, such as my Sorels, can cause the foremost buckle to nick the decking, MSR says the nicks will only go so far and then stop but I trimmed mine with a razor blade and sealed the edges with a lighter. No more nicks. It was never a problem with my uninsulated GTX hikers.

These are the ultimate severe service, all terrain snowshoes, and I can't see myself going back to tube framed models for anything but trail walking - and I just recently bought a pair of Lightning Trails for that. MSR snowshoes rock!

These things are top notch! I put them to the test this weekend and was not disappointed. Went through all kinds of snow conditions: on ice, over rock and exposed logs and roots. Held like glue on some seriously steep ice. Highly recommend. (pic of summit ascent on Mt Colden, NY)

Bought these to do NYS 46ers and the rest of the 4000'+ peaks in the NE. Awesome design weight and use of materials. except for using aluminum for the traction system. The nature of our trails means lots of exposed rocks even in the dead of winter and because of this it really takes its toll on the aluminum teeth. used for maybe 3 peaks and decided to sell them off befor there was nothing left. went back to using the Good ol MSR Denali accents. heavier but more durable, a true 5 star snow shoe..