Which snowshoes to get for winter hiking/backpacking

A couple years ago I purchased a pair of ex-Navy Seal issue snowshoes manufactured by MSR. They are equivalent to the Denali model. I've had a great time hiking the Hudson highlands with them. They adjust for steep pitches, to relieve strain on your calves. Excellent all around.

Hudson Highlands are in our backyard – about 1 hr 15 min from us. Hiked Bear Mountain and surrounding areas a bunch of times. 1) So the model now is called the Denali? 2) How heavy are they? 3) Is the adjustable piece sold separately? 4) How steep are the slopes you feel you can handle with these, and are they comfortable on flats and rolling hills?

I've used MSR Denali's (the grey ones) for years. They're very popular around here for snowshoeing in what is referred to as Cascade concrete, and they're especially good for steep ascents in rough terrain. Last year I bought MSR's new, lightweight Lightning Ascents with my REI rebate. They're refreshingly lighter weight, and they still have excellent grip. I've heard some negative feedback about the lifts collapsing at inopportune times, but I haven't had any problems. They're actually on sale right now. http://www.rei.com/product/714394

The great thing about the Northern Lites is how light they are. My suggestion is that if you are near a weight borderline go with the next size up. I used to own a pair of Qucksilver 30 and though they felt great on my feet I always seemed to have trouble with the binding. I'm just a klutz I suppose. My experience in this regard is a bit unusual, most people can make the binding work just fine.

The last couple winters I've been using a larger Atlas 1230 which has floated me a bit better but more important for me is that the binding is a complete no-brainer. I pay a huge weight penalty (~19 ounces), but that's life.

** Ken **

I've found MSR Lightning Accent snowshoes to be excellent. I switched to these for easier climbing, but found I used them over my others for every type of situation. Weight is reasonable and traction is excellent.

Hi Kathleen,

I weigh 185 lbs, so I think that pair might not be strong enough for me, though they could work for my wife at 130 lbs. Thanks for the sale link.

well, I weigh 205 and I use the Denalis, they have plenty of float for me, plus you can buy extra flotation tails if you anticipate traveling with a heavy pack or something

I swear by them

Whoops, I see you were talking about the lightnings. Denalis rule though.

When I clicked on the link for them, the specs list them for users 100-175 lbs. Is there another model for heavier snowshoers?

Hi Joshua, aren't the Denali's the same thing just a bit heavier and stronger?

Ken – which models are best for all around use? I saw the BPL writeup on winter footwear systems showed the Elite model. Also, how are the Northern Lites traversing slopes?

Anyone know if there is a Lightning Ascent model available for heavier weight users over 175lbs?

If you're looking at Lightning Ascents for women, use this link: http://www.rei.com/product/714406. They're also on sale.
If you're looking at Lightning Ascents for over 175 lbs (175-225 lbs to be specific), look at the 25" long ones at this link: http://ww.rei.com/product/759869. Too bad, though. They're not on sale!

Thanks Kathleen, I just found them long with the 25 and 30 inch men's models. For our use I think the Lightening Ascent or Northern Lites Elite (for my wife) and Northern Lites Backcountry (for me) will be best. We can also get a good discount on the Northern Lites from a local retailer who carries them but doesn't sell many because of the poor snow season here.

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions.

I'm just wondering how the Northern Lites are climbing and traversing slopes. Do the Northern Lites have a feature to raise the back of your foot to ease strain on calves, like the MSR models?

I would go with a little heavier model like the Ascents if they offered better grip/security/comfort.

Also another practical question – how close should we stay to the suggested weight guidelines?

If my wife is 130 lbs and generally will be carrying a day hiking pack and sometimes a long weekend winter pack, should she err on the low or high side of a weight guideline?

Same for me – if a cutoff is 175, and I'm 185lbs, do I need to go for the larger model? I would think with pack weight yes.

I'd just like to stick with the smallest lightest snowshoes we can get away with.

For example, women's Ascent 22s (80-150lbs) – can my wife get away with these if she ways 130lbs, without pack? The Ascent 25 goes to 200lbs.

The men's Ascent 25 is for 125-225lbs. The Ascent 30 is for 225+ pounds (and very heavy).

I would think that I at 185 lbs would take the Ascent 25. But would my wife take the 22s or 25? Kathleen, what do you think?

The length of snowshoe depends on the kind of snow you'll be in and how much your pack weighs, in addition to your own weight. The whole purpose of wearing them is to keep from sinking into the snow so much. Everyone I know, of all weight ranges, usually use the 22" Denali Ascents. If they need more length, they attach the floaters. But those don't really help, because the center of balance doesn't change. The Lightning Ascents are fairly new on the scene, but I've only seen 22" there, too. If you're in dry, fluffy snow most of the time, such as anywhere east of the Cascades, you may prefer longer snowshoes for more flotation. Maybe you can rent some first? Sorry to be so evasive, but I'd hate to give firm advice and have you regret following it.

Hi Kathleen,

Very sensible advice. Going with the Northern Lites would make the decision a little easier, because we fit nicely into their weight ranges. I have read very good things about NL traction tonight, but I'd like to know if they have a feature like the MSRs that alleviates stress on calves (and if not, if the lighter weight makes up for this).

Hi EJ,

I’ve used the MSRs and currently own a pair of Backcounty Rescues. I’m 185 and a very agressive snowshoer. I live in the Cascades where the snow is deep but tends to be dense. These shoes are perfect for me- the best I’ve owned. The binding is limiting only when the conditions are really icy. For example, if I was doing a winter climb of Rainier, I’d be looking at the MSRs.

My wife weighs about 120 and I’ve always looked at the Elite for her. Her shoes are rather clunky.

The Northern Lites are also the strongest snowshoes I’ve owned. Despite the weight, they are wicked strong. I’ve broken 3 shoeshoes in the past but with the NLs I don’t worry at all. Last year I jumped a raging creek and misjudged my landing, coming right down on boulders. Broke a pole but the Northern Lites were only scratched.

You’ll never be sorry with your purchase. This company and product is stellar. And they are so light on your feet!

Northern Lites in Action!.

Doug,

This is what I love about BPL – you can get such great information from the site and especially from the community. I was able to narrow to 2 great choices over a matter of hours (instead of reading marketing gobbledygook in Backpacker reviews). We were able to get great info on snowshoe boots as well on BPL recently (went with the Keen Growler).

We can only afford a single pair of snowshoes now, and I think we'll be well covered with the NL.

Thanks for your input – you are exactly my weight and similar build, so your experience was a big help.

You are having WAY too much fun in that video. My wife and I wanted to jump right in.

Right on EJ! Glad to help!

I can't wait for the snow!!! That descent in the Cascades was with a full pack too. :-)

Yeah, I love BPL too. I totally share your sentiments.

Have a good one!
Doug

This is slightly off topic, but what do you use for poles? We have Leki Air Ergo Ti PA (I think that's what they are called) hiking poles – they are collapsible, not single pole. There are snow baskets for them. Think they would be fine for snowshoeing? Or do you recommend something else?

E.J.
sorry about the delay, I was canning tomatoes.

The lightning ascents have an aluminum frame, whereas the denalis are high impact plastic. Mine don't have the heel elevator, and I've never used one, so I can't speak to the effectiveness of that.

I can say that after switching from a pair of tubbs kathadins, which were about 12 years old, these snowshoes are very nimble and effective on steep snow. I used the kathadins back east years ago, and they worked well in those kinds of conditions, and the northern lites seem to be similar, so they might be your best bet

they are light for sure, although the denalis aren't terribly heavy.

I just use my treking poles with snow baskets. They are rei ultralight ti or something like that. They work fine, although if you are going to be in a high avalanch area, those poles that convert to avalanch probes are a good multi utility item.

Yeah- you can use anything for poles when snowshoeing, as long as you can use snow baskets.

For deep powder, the huge snowshoe baskets might be nice but I's always used the regular snow baskets and have had great luck.

I like fixed poles. For snowshoeing, I like them to be about 5cm longer than for most backpacking. I also use a variety of lw hiking poles and they are just fine.

Your Lekis will be just fine.

Have a good one-
Doug