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Snowshoeing is rapidly increasing in popularity. The backcountry in the wintertime is just as exhilarating as it is in the summer, and modern snowshoes, along with specialized winter boots, allow travel in the snow with less effort and more comfort than in years past. Lightweight hiking enthusiasts snowshoe in the wintertime to “get out there” year round. Backcountry skiers don snowshoes to gain elevation. Thrill seekers enjoy glissading in deep powder down steep timbered slopes, running full tilt down a snow-covered slope, or jumping from a drop-off into a drift of fluffy white. Others use snowshoes for cardio workouts - doing lots of climbing at a brisk pace, or running 5 kilometers on a groomed trail. In this Review Summary and accompanying reviews we evaluate a variety of lightweight metal frame snowshoes based on weight, performance, and durability trade offs.

ARTICLE OUTLINE

  • Introduction
    • Atlas 10 Series
    • Crescent Moon Gold Series 9
    • Crescent Moon Gold Series 12
    • Dion Model 168
    • MSR Lightning Ascent
    • MSR Lightning 30
    • Northern Lites Elite
    • Redfeather Alpine
    • Redfeather Trek
    • Tubbs Catalyst
    • Tubbs Elevation
  • Why Lightweight Snowshoes?
  • How Light is Light?
  • PHOTO: Snowshoe Anatomy
  • What to Look For
    • Size
    • Shape
    • Weight
    • Frame Material
    • Deck Material
    • Bindings
    • Pivot System
    • Crampons
    • Heel Lifts
    • Women's Snowshoes
    • Durability
  • Floatation
    • FIGURE 1: Total, Front, and Back Area of Snowshoes Tested
  • Some Favorites
  • TABLE: In Brief Specifications for Lightweight Metal Frame Snowshoes Reviewed by Backpacking Light
  • TABLE: Weighted Ratings for Lightweight Metal Frame Snowshoes Reviewed by Backpacking Light
  • TABLE: Unweighted Ratings for Lightweight Metal Frame Snowshoes Reviewed by Backpacking Light
  • GEAR GUIDE: Lightweight Snowshoes
  • REVIEW CRITERIA: Lightweight Metal Frame Snowshoes
    • Lightweight
    • Packability
    • Traction
    • Ease of Use
    • Versatility
  • INDEX OF REVIEWS: Lightweight Metal Frame Snowshoes
  • Reference Cited

# WORDS: 5000

# PHOTOS: 19

# FIGURES: 1

# TABLES: 3

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