Snowshoes with “Easy” Bindings

i have nothing to compare to as last year was my first purchase and use of snow shoes but i am very happy with my northern lites backcountry qtr (quick tighten,release bindings) logged about 100 miles last winter section hiking the AT in them and was very happy with them. very easy to get in and out of. made here in the us, light, strong easy to get in and out of

hope this link works

Check em out..Northern lites

Somebody will respond with better-informed advice than I have but let me get it started. Background: I am not an expert but have some experience with Redfeather and Northern Lites 'shoes; both of those have the more or less standard types of bindings that require some effort to engage.

In a moment of weakness last weekend I purchased some Garneau Course 721 shoes (very small and built for runners). I have NOT used them yet so take all of this as very preliminary advice. To the point: the 'shoes are very easy and fast to attach to your boots or trail runners; It is hard to imagine any faster system. Twist a knob to tighten the web over the front, twist a knob to tighten the heel. I don't know if this type of binding is available on other or larger 'shoes. The binding is called "BOA" from boatechnology.

You mentioned uneven terrain. After having read some online reviews I can see the merit of some of the criticism. The bindings are not at all stiff and there is no ridged plate to grab your heel so your heels are free to move side-to-side (a lot!). The 'shoes use would seem to be best on flat ground or for going straight up or down slopes; walking on side slopes looks tough. Again this is without having used them so beware the half baked pre-preliminary judgement.

I hope this gives you something to research.

I purchased the new msr revo explorers… It has one binding behind the heel that you only have to adjust once per pair of shoes… And then only one strap in the front. I have 0 experience with snowshoes but this was my first purchase. They are billed as the easiest to use… But I don't know if that is true. It uses a ratchet system that with gloves may or may not be easy… Only time will tell. And with only one binding I'm not sure how secure they will be but it does use like a plastic cup that kind of wraps your shoe. These are new from msr so you might have missed them.

Thanks to all who have responded so far. You have helped the search begin!

More comments are welcome!

Jim

I have some Tubbs with a ratcheting design that they've been using for a few years. It works fine, although these are definitely not the lightest bindings. You can actually get out of the binding without even bending over by using the tip of a trekking pole to press the little red ratchet release.

I also now have some Northern Lites Elite with QTR (thank you, Gear Swap) but have not yet had a chance to test drive them. The bindings look like a very good and easy-to-use option, but you never know for sure until they're totally clogged with ice and you're putting them on and taking them off with thick shell mitts.

Thanks, Bob. And for the record, within reason, weight is not a major concern. Of course, as she gets older and if we keep getting wet snow….

This is an interesting option: http://www.dtbakerprojects.com/ets/xcquickie/

You would basically buy some cross country ski boots, and then buy this adapter and you can snap in and out just as easily as you would with cross country skis. Of course, then you may have to hike a bit with your cross country boots. But if she mainly uses the snowshoes in winter, then this might be just the ticket.

I have no experience with this product, I just ran across it. They look to be a very small (one man) operation. I love companies like that.

Unless she really needs modern snowshoes with crampons, why not a pair of traditional shoes with lampwick bindings? Once they're tied, it doesn't get any easier than this.

Msr evo tours and similar models. You set the toe strap once to your boot and there is one strap for around the heel. Not sure how any is easier

There are two bindings that have impressed me as being super-easy to get into and out of, particularly for folks with limited dexterity. The first are Tubbs models with the "180" binding which features a heel strap that can be adjusted ahead of time and toe strap that is just a very simple ratchet. The Frontier, Journey, and Wilderness models have this, and the toe piece wraps the foot snugly and securely.

The second is MSR's new-this-season Explore series with the "Hyperlink" binding. Somewhat similar to the Tubbs models, with a heel strap that be set in advance and a single ratchet at the toe that works something like a bike shoe ratchet. There are several models of snowshoes with varying degrees of traction featuring this binding.

The Boa system bindings are nice, but they take quite a bit of turning to tension up.

Good choices all in terms of quality and reliability.

P.S. You might already know this, but this little lady would probably be best-served with a women-specific snowshoe (shorter lengths available and narrower tails).

I appreciate all the help.

We voted for the MSRs because I have such a long and favorable history with MSR snowshoes, they come in women's sizes and short lengths, and because she lives in Freeport: L. L. Bean — headquartered there — has an incredible return policy, and we got a significant discount there.

Even the non-MSR suggestions were helpful and I thank you all again!

Jim (who is looking forward to using his own snowshoes soon)