What is the difference between these and the Evo ascent? I thought it was the heel lift, but I see this has the Televator heel lift listed in the description as well... If this is basically the same, should I get these instead? They are cheaper, and I like the Olive drab color better, but I want to be sure I'm getting performance that is on par as well. Thanks!

Wow, thanks for the very thorough explanation. I ended up going with the Evo Ascent. Bummer on the colors though, I see the Tours again are another color set as well.. Seems each model has its exclusive colors. I suppose this is to help make inventory sorting easy on the business end?

There are a few differences between the two. The Evo does not have a Televator (the description is wrong...we are in contact with the person involved at backcountry.com to get it changed). The similarities between the two are basically they use the same materials (GE Thermoplastic for the body and Martensite Steel (strongest steel available) for the traction bars and crampon) and they have the same shape. They can also use the same Evo Tail, extending the snowshoe 6 more inches. The differences are in the bindings with the Evo Ascent having a much more technical and secure binding than the Evo. The Ascent binding has been designed to secure the foot better than any other snowshoe on the market whereas the Evo's binding is really for those who need more ease of use. Through extensive testing it's been shown that the Evo binding is very secure, really easy to get in and out of, but having a third strap does make a significant difference if the terrain is more extreme. The other obvious difference is the Ascent comes with the Televator. This option is not a gimmick or frivolous, but is an incredibly useful tool in climbing extended altitude gains. If climbing big snow hills and mountains is something you think you'll do, I would highly recommend the Ascent. I would also recommend the MSR Evo Tour. This snowshoe uses our new Speedlock binding which is easier to get in, more comfortable, and with the additional strap is almost as secure as the Ascent (check out the Speedlock binding on the Evo Tour page). It has a Televator and is priced at $179.99 ($20 less than the Ascent). Hope that gives you some ideas...