MSR Denali Classic Snowshoe

my buddy has used his for several years now, and urged me to buy a pair. I did a month ago, and have shoed all over the tahoe basin this winter. THESE SHOES RULE! I am 6' - 0", 207 lbs, and have no trouble in deep pow. They are bulletproof, and easy to adjust and use. ***TIP*** Spray a little WD40 on the metal to prevent sticking snow!

I got these a few weeks ago thinking that they would be ideal for both trails and backcountry with the addition of the tail fins, but it was definitely a case of 'too good to be true'. First off, these snowshoes are NOT designed for bigger people to use. I am 6'3" 210lbs and wear a size 14 boot. Even with the 8" tail fins, these are nowhere close to an off-trail snowshoe. On about 10 inches of dense, recently rained on snow, I was almost sinking to the ground and when I took the tail fin off, there was very little difference in floatation. So basically, this became a trail-only snowshoe, where it encountered a new set of problems. The bindings proved to be quite frustrating. They were barely large enough to fit my winter boot and even then, the snowshoe itself wasn't really big enough to accomodate someone of my size. Because the binding is made from a soft material rather than a harder moulded plastic, it is easy for your boot to slide on the snowshoe. When combined with the fact that the binding is attached to the deck on a fixed bar rather than a suspension system, the back of your boot will slide off to the sides on uneven ground. The bindings, while durable and easily repairable, compared to a brand like atlas, are quite difficult to put on and get comfortable in. There were several occasions where I had to stop, take my gloves off and adjust the straps to get a comfortable fit. Overall, the Denali does have some redeeming features. It is definitely the most durable snowshoe on the market, it has excellent grip and it is easy to repair, but it is not a very pleasant snowshoe to walk on. If you are over 190lbs and looking to go off-trail - FORGET IT! If you are looking for a comfortable snowshoe to take on trails - FORGET IT! I upgraded to a pair of 10x36 GV Winter Trails and they are head and shoulders above the Denalis for comfort and functionality.

If you are just getting into snowshoeing you will sacrifice nothing by buying these. I have used them in the shallow heave snow of Pennsylvania and the deep light fluff of Utah. They have great traction and hold up well to rocks and rust. The bindings are strong and easy to use. I do recommend the 4 inch float tails though. I like MSR better than tubbs, atlas, and redfeather snowshoes.

These snowshoes are awesome! I have used these shoes many times and they are great. I am pretty hard on my gear and these shoes can definitely take whatever you throw at them. They are great for high altitude approaches, with the built in steel rails for additional traction. If you are in need of a bombproof pair of snowshoes that will keep you high and clear of snow, get these plus the long tails, you won't regret it.

I highly recommend trying these out before buying them... even if they seem like a deal you can't pass up. They are awkward when trying to step over obstacles, or turn around. The rough sides wear on snow pants and gators. They are heavier than most other snowshoes. The extension, for extra flotation, flexes too much and reduces stabilization. The bindings are unsuitable for anything less than a heavier boot, and are cumbersome to get in and out of.

Straight up, a good pair of snowshoes. Even in the sinking powder of Utah, these little suckers kept me afloat, reasonably...I would like to add the flotation tails for that extra lift, even with the weight and size added to a backpack, it would be worth the extra lift. Otherwise, sturdy, with a good amount of crampons.

There is no better shoe then this. I am 6'0" tall and weigh 240+ Lbs. This shoe will take me literally anywhere. I bought the shorter tail but at my height and weight there have been times when the longer tail would have been a better choice but more often than not the short tail has done well. I Bought the EVO rather than the Classic for my wife because if you watch her walk, her heels tend to angle inward a bit and the EVO's are tapered at the back. I let her try mine and she was stepping on, and clashing the tails on the Classic, which was a huge nuisance for her. I don't seem to have that issue. But if you are going to buy snowshoes, examine this issue carefully before you buy or rent them first then buy OR just buy the EVO's and you really can't go wrong although they are a bit more expensive than the Classics My wife and I were snowshoeing with another couple who had both Redfeather and Tubbs and neither were able to traverse the terrain we cut through. Especially the guy with the tubbs... he started attempting to follow us and ended up with no forward [downhill] traction ability and landed on his backside and turned around while both my wife and I hauled forward through some really tough terrain and onto a most spectacular riverside hike where literally NO one had been in an area of heavy snowshoeing. Oddly enough, after about t mile in, we picked up the tracks of another snowshoer and guess what? They were on EVO’S LOL. Your only choice for shoes that I can see is Classic’s or EVO’s, I’d personally Never Switch.

The Denali was meant for adventure. The plastic base provides an excellent, rugged platform for remote snowshoeing. I've found the crampons work very well on slopes up to 50 degrees. The sturdiness of the shoe will allow for a bit of kick-step if the snow isn't too hard. Descents are mind-boggling - if your ankle can handle the angle you'll find plenty of traction. The traction is so superb, many users will find themselves in situations probably not meant for a set of snowshoes. While the stability is confidence-inspiring, remote users should be adequately prepared for alpine routes and have training and gear for self-arrest in the event of a fall down a slope. In retrospect, I would have ponied up for the Denali Evo's to get the "televator" heel lift bar, but I haven't found the lack of one to be that limiting. I'd consider it more of a nicety than a requirement.

I am 60 years old and not a jock by any means. This is my 4th pair of Denalis. As soon as anyone sees them they want a pair for Christmas. Mine are always being borrowed so I now have two pairs on hand at all times. I use them almost everyday in the winter while walking my dogs in the local woods and fields. I have some arthritis and the lightness and stability they afford are the main reason I can continue hiking in the winter. I would recommend them to anyone and I have!

WE live at the top of a mt. pass, so we have practically a daily snowshoe hike when we get the dog out for exercise. It's a neighborhood outting often, as many of us join up and take off on our snow shoes. We all have tried many different shoes, and for the recreationalist the Denalis are the favorite! They are quite easy to get on and off, and stay on well. The tread design is very helpful in not sliding down steep parts of the trail. For deeper snow the added tails are helpful. They are the shoe of choice in our neighborhood!! :-)

I purchased these as my first pair of snowshoes for mellow hikes & ski approaches (where snow is too deep for skinning). They are very light weight and not a strain on the pack. It only takes a couple of seconds to put them on, which is great in cold weather when you just want to keep moving. They have worked great in deep snow and anything moderately steep.

The MSR Denalis are a no brainer for those looking for a quality pair of snowshoes. I like these because the crampons are so durable and they are super light weight.

This is a great snowshoe for the price. I don't think that the Denali EVO is worth the additional price for limited, if any noticeable improvement. I like the stiffness of the plastic deck compared to those with a fabric type deck. The flotation tails work well and are a plus when going from broken/groomed trail and back. Just pop them off and on. I am NOT disappointed that these don't have the televator feature. My friend has it and did not find it useful on short steep terrain or long rolling hills.

These MSR Denali Classic snowshoes are wonderful. They have extensive gripping elements molded into the plastic base with metal reinforcements. They are especially good at holding grip when traversing avalanche chutes and around tree wells in the snow. The bindings are very easy to use one handed. They are lightweight yet strong. And they are a bargain. I've used a pair of these for half a dozen trips now, and I was impressed enough to buy a pair of my own rather than borrow or rent. Highly recommended. Good value for the money.

I bought these for two reasons: I have two climbing partners who wear them, and they were inexpensive shoes. After using them a few times (including 12 miles of breaking trail) I have no complaints. Comfortable, efficient, light. Inspecting them at home, I noticed wear on the hinges already. I'll have to see if that's an issue. Also three of the six plastic pieces on the straps broke the second time I wore them. It doesn't affect their function, but I was disappointed just the same. I'd recommend them for anyone looking for a cheap functional shoe

What I like most about these snowshoes is the solid construction. I like the idea of the hard platform, there is no vinyl to rip in the future. The traction bars are great, no problems on hardpack. The bindings are easy to adjust, even with gloves on. I love the versatility of the shoes, short for hardpack days and when it snows you have two options for more float with the 4" and 8" flotation tails. The one drawback to this shoe, no "heelavator" for steep ascents. All-in-all, a solid snowshoe that will outlast all vinyl platform shoes.

I took my new Denali snowshoes on a three-day wilderness camping trip in New Hampshire's Pemi Wilderness. We hiked up to the 4000+ ft summit of Bondcliff in approximately 18in of fresh powder. The snowshoes had excellent bite, even on steep sections with snow and ice covered rock. Descending was great fun, with big leaps into fresh snow and nice flotation with the tails attached. I'm very rough on my gear and so far the Denali snowshoes are holding up well. I would buy them again.

These are great with the side gripping notches. Means a greater surface traction especially on compact snow. They do the job exceptionally well.

I'm 6'6" and 250lb, and these snowshoes (with 8" flotation tails) work great. Now, I've only used them twice, and on very dense Cleveland-area snow, but have been very impressed with the ease of use and stability they provide. I'll report again after trying them on lighter powder, but for now am very impressed.

Easy to use, well constructed, and effortless for walking on powder as long as terrain is not steep.

I bought two pair online in the fall. I had used a set of poly-cab snow shoes but the bindings broke. The Classics seem to be all they say. Light, nearly efortless to put on, and easy to use. I've used them daily and they make my walks in deep snow and ice a pleasure.

The Denali Classic Snowshoe is ideal for hiking or back country touring. Their light weight allows you to pack less and trek longer. Also the side traction bars are a bonus when hiking up tracked out hills.

I picked up the denali classic snowshoes at a local store, and I can't find a reason to complain, except that when making steep ascents they are very hard on your calves. The "heelavator" is on most other MSR snowshoes, but your also paying 70-140? more. I also bought the 8' float tails because I do most of my snowshoeing in the backcountry around wolf creek, CO, and the snow tends to get rather deep around there.