I have been doing a ton of research on what snowshoes I should purchase. I am 5'7 and 140 lbs, with on average a 40-50 pound winter pack.
I need:
Something I can use in the mountains on both the east and west coast, excellent floatation (for powder out west as well as backpacking/bushwhacking at both locations), AND something that can handle icy summits.
I have tested out the MSR denali evo ascents and I thought they were great–but mostly on packed or icy snow (same with the lightening ascents, too narrow for flotation). When I took them through deep powder, I sunk so deeply that I couldn't see my shoes! I have also tried Atlas Elektra 9s and found them to be pretty nice. I've tried Tubb's wilderness and I wasn't super impressed.
The shoes I have narrowed it down to are: Atlas Elektra 1127, Elektra 1227 or Crescent Moon 15s. I am leaning to the Crescent Moons for their simple bindings, excellent environmental production and super warranty.
Any advice on which way to go? Pivot bindings are important to me so I won't have to mess with my shoes when going over logs and they are easier to back up with.
