Great Climbing Snowshoe

By Eric McCammond Ranked #97 - Backcountry Snowboarding February 20, 2011

After using Atlas 1030s for several years, I decided to upgrade to these in the 25" length. I mostly climb the northern Japan volcano groups where we get loads of fluffy powder at low to mid elevations with wind-blown, icy conditions common close to the summits. My Atlas shoes always did fine in the flotation department, but often lacked adequate traction to come down off icy summits. This shoe has loads of traction. On icy slopes, its like walking on cookie cutters. They also float well. Over the past weekend, I kicked trail through about a foot of fresh Hakkoda powder carrying a 40 lb pack. My total weight was 225-230 lbs and I never had a problem. The only part I'm not a huge fan of are the pegs which keep the straps from flapping around. I have an easy time securing the bindings, but snapping the straps onto the metal pegs can be nearly impossible with gloves on. I generally have to take my gloves off to secure the straps. This can be a problem when you're suiting up in -20 degree windchills. I would think a simple plastic catch would suffice. Lastly, I'll comment on the suspension. Most snowshoes have a kind of "floating" binding which allows your snowshoe to tilt at slight angles left and right when the shoe strikes a surface which is not perfectly perpendicular to your lower leg. These shoes, however, lack this type of suspension. When these shoes strike the surface, your lower leg is forced into a perpendicular position. This can be hard on your ankles when your foot unexpectedly encounters an uneven plane. That being said, this lack of flexibility allows for solid, purposeful foot placement when trying to maneuver difficult terrain. You can actually kick solid foot holds into the snow crust. Its this solid suspension combined with the 360-degree traction frame that makes this a wicked climbing snowshoe.

View Details: MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe - Men's

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