MSR Lightning 22

By Bill Hollander Ranked #676 - Backcountry Snowboarding April 6, 2009

I have been snowshoeing for more than four decades, beginning with wood and leather snowshoes, then aluminum tubular-frame snowshoes with a variety of deck materials and bindings. I recently bought some MSR Lightning 22” shoes (two-strap model without the Ascent heel support) and would like to report that they are by far the best snowshoes I have ever used.
I weigh 165 lbs., and by the time I’m outfitted with my day pack and gear the total weight is probably about 185 lbs. I live in Colorado and regularly hike a steep trail, usually untracked, and the snow can vary from a few inches deep to a few feet deep over the ~1500 foot climb. The Lightning snowshoes were extremely stable on flat areas, steep slopes (up, down and sideways), crusty snow, powder, packed, powder over crust, rocks, uneven slopes, tree roots, ice, you name it. With the vertical outer rim the Lightning shoes are so much less prone to slipping and sliding than the tubular-frame shoes, the difference is like night and day. They even were decent in deep snow, although the 25” model would have been better under those conditions, and 30” would be better yet for a large person with pack.
If a person were cruising in relatively flat terrain (5% grade or less) with deep snow and a heavy pack, a more conventional snowshoe would probably be as good a choice. Once the terrain and snow becomes more steep and varied, though, these snowshoes really shine.
I would recommend these snowshoes highly. The bindings are simple to use and secure. The 22” shoes are very light weight so they are barely noticeable when strapped to my pack. If I were in deep snow more frequently I would prefer the 25” model, but everything is a compromise and what would be gained in flotation with the longer shoes would be offset by less maneuverability and more weight (on your feet or on your pack). Plus, the short shoes also have the advantage that my dogs are less likely to step on the tails!

View Details: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Men's

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