{"id":271,"date":"2018-01-15T03:30:58","date_gmt":"2018-01-15T03:30:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bestsnowshoesreview.com\/?p=271"},"modified":"2024-02-24T18:12:06","modified_gmt":"2024-02-24T18:12:06","slug":"top-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bestsnowshoesreview.com\/top-list\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Best Snowshoes of 2024 – Ultimate Snowshoe Buying Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

From flat terrain to steep slopes. From groomed trails to fluffy deep powder. The best of snowshoes allow you to explore the vast winter wonderland with ease: no more post-holing, no more tumbling down, and no more cramp-inducing awkwardness. The question is which one is the perfect snowshoe for you.<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/div>\n

\"best<\/p>\n

Unleash the thrill of winter exploration with the best snowshoes for every adventure!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Navigate snow-covered trails with confidence<\/strong> and discover the beauty of winter landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a curious beginner, our guide unveils the top-rated snowshoes<\/strong> to elevate your winter expeditions.<\/p>\n

Dive into our comprehensive buying guide<\/strong> to make informed decisions and find the perfect snowshoes<\/strong> for your needs. Explore diverse terrains, discover essential features, and embrace the magic of winter adventures!<\/strong><\/p>\n

Best Snowshoes 2024<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t
Snowshoes<\/th>Best For<\/th>Type<\/th>Size<\/th>Price<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
MSR Lightning Ascent<\/a><\/td>

    \n
  • <\/i> Technical steep terrain<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Deep snow<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> backcountry off-trails<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Backcountry<\/td>22\", 25\", 30\"
\n<\/td>		$$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tubbs Mountaineer<\/a><\/td>

    \n
  • <\/i> Groomed trails<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Rolling terrain<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Backcountry drifts<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Deep snow<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Backcountry & Recreational<\/td>25\", 30\", 36\"<\/td>$$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MSR Evo<\/a><\/td>

    \n
  • <\/i> Beginner’s terrain<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Packed trails<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Intermediate slopes<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Recreational<\/td>22\"<\/td>$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Atlas Race Snowshoes 7075<\/a><\/td>

    \n
  • <\/i> Running<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Fitness<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Running<\/td>22\"<\/td>$$$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Atlas 10 Series Snowshoes<\/a><\/td>

    \n
  • <\/i> Hard pack<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Groomed trails<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Rolling hills<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Intermediate terrain<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Recreational<\/td>25\", 30\", 35\"<\/td>$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Tubbs Wilderness<\/a><\/td>

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  • <\/i> Winter backpacking<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Flat terrain<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Moderate slopes<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Recreational<\/td>22\", 25\", 30\"
\n<\/td>		$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Atlas Elektra Montane<\/a><\/td>

    \n
  • <\/i> Intermediate terrain<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Rolling hills<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Backcountry<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Backcountry<\/td>23\", 27\"<\/td>$$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Crescent Moon Gold 10<\/a><\/td>

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  • <\/i> Backcountry<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Deep snow<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Rolling terrain<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Backcountry & Recreational<\/td>32\"<\/td>$$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Chinook Trekker Snowshoes<\/a><\/td>

    \n
  • <\/i> Recreational snowshoeing<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Flat terrain<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Recreational<\/td>19\", 22\", 30\", 36\"<\/td>$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
MSR Revo Explore<\/a><\/td>

    \n
  • <\/i> Rolling terrain<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Packed snow<\/li>
    \n
  • <\/i> Backcountry<\/li>
    \n<\/ul><\/div><\/td>
Backcountry & Recreational<\/td>22\", 25\"<\/td>$$<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n

In most cases, affordable recreational snowshoes like MSR Evo is good enough for first-time snowshoers. It’s lightweight and equipped with decent traction systems that allow the wearer to travel groomed trails and moderate rolling terrain with ease. However, if you hope to blaze your way through the off-trails\u2013exploring the quiet and remote backcountry drifts\u2013you’re going to need advanced backcountry snowshoes like MSR Lightning Ascent or Tubbs Mountaineer.<\/p>\n

Another important thing to note is the size or length of the snowshoes. In case you wonder, yes, all of these snowshoes are available in a number of sizes. You have to take your weight load into account to choose the proper length of your snowshoes. For more info about this, you can head to our specific post about the snowshoe sizing guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

MSR Lightning Ascent<\/a> – Best Backcountry Snowshoes<\/h3>\n

\"msr-lightning-ascent\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot: <\/strong>Ultralightweight, remarkable traction, great flotation.<\/p>\n

What’s Not: <\/strong>Straps-in feature not user-friendly.<\/p>\n

Best Applications: <\/strong>Technical steep terrain, deep snow, advanced backcountry off-trails <\/div><\/div>\n

MSR Lightning Ascent has been the favorite snowshoes of many winter explorers for quite some time now. With its precisely designed frames and advanced traction systems, it’s not hard to agree that it’s the best snowshoes for backcountry exploration<\/a>. The decking is constructed of lightweight nylon, weighing in no more than 4-pounds overall. It’s arguably one of the lightest snowshoes ever made, which is exactly what you need if you wish to travel over long distances or steep hills.<\/p>\n

The wide oval frames of MSR Lightning Ascent<\/a> offer an outstanding flotation in powdery situations. It won’t be much of a handicap too should you wear it on groomed trails and hard-packed snow; thanks to the lightweight design. As for the traction, you need not doubt it the slightest. With big underfoot crampons that work together with heel brakes and a series of cleats running along its outer frames, it’s safe to say that it’s the grippiest snowshoes there is currently.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

Tubbs Mountaineer <\/a>– Best Snowshoes for All Terrain<\/h3>\n
\"Tubbs
Large oval frames for maximum flotation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot: <\/strong>Good for both recreational and backcountry trekking, comfortable bindings, unmatched flotation.<\/p>\n

What’s Not: <\/strong>Heavy and bulky<\/p>\n

Best Applications: <\/strong>Groomed trails, intermediate to advanced backcountry terrain, deep snow <\/div><\/div>\n

Tubbs Mountaineer<\/a> is actually meant to be backcountry-oriented snowshoes, just like MSR Ascents. However, the less technical traction systems allow for more efficient movement on a moderate rolling terrain, making it also ideal for recreational use. For beginners, Tubbs Mountaineer can be an interesting option too since these snowshoes incorporate a binding that’s presumably the easiest and the most comfortable in comparison to the typical models. The twin straps are supported by a panel that covers your forefoot. It’s not only comfortable but very secured too.<\/p>\n

Tubbs Mountaineer<\/a> is the only snowshoes available in the size of 36-inch, which is the longest of all. This can be great if you like to travel with huge weight loads, or if you yourself are a big person. In terms of flotation, these snowshoes also fare among the highest. Unfortunately, Tubbs Mountaineer is a tad on the heavy side (5 pounds, more or less). So, if you have regular to small figure, you may have to struggle a bit as you stride with them attached on your boots.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

MSR Evo<\/a> – Best Budget Snowshoes for Beginners<\/h3>\n

\"msr-evo-22\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot: <\/strong>Affordable, lightweight, versatile, good traction, user-friendly bindings<\/p>\n

What’s Not: <\/strong>Available only one size<\/p>\n

Best Applications: <\/strong>Beginner trails, groomed or packed snow, intermediate slopes<\/div><\/div>\n

For those of you who are looking to get your first experience exploring winter trails with snowshoes, you’d have your best shot going with MSR Evo<\/a>. It’s far more affordable than the previous two models. It’s lightweight, and best of all, it performs surprisingly well in many different snow conditions. The traction isn’t all that bad either. The crampons beneath the front foot look pretty solid, and yet, it’s still equipped with lateral side rails made of steel. That’s more than enough grip to help you wander around moderate slopes safely.<\/p>\n

The frames and decking are made of one part. They dub it as UniBody construction. It’s all plastic: lightweight and sturdy but can make quite some noise when used on hardpack snow. Another thing to note is MSR Evo<\/a> is only available in one size, 22-inch. With such length, you will have a hard time exploring soft powder with these snowshoes. The good news is it’s compatible with add-on flotation tails that give it an additional 6-inch length.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

Atlas Race Snowshoes 7075<\/a> – Best Snowshoes for Running\/Racing<\/h3>\n

\"Atlas<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot: <\/strong>Spring loaded suspension, racing bindings<\/p>\n

What’s Not:<\/strong> Very costly<\/p>\n

Best Applications:<\/strong> Running, fitness <\/div><\/div>\n

The requirement to make the best running snowshoes is entirely different from that of typical backcountry snowshoes. Not only must it offer good flotation, but it also must be lightweight and compact to allow for efficient and unrestrained movement on the snowy tracks. Atlas Race Snowshoes 7075<\/a> are made with this specific use in mind.\u00a0The only shortcoming about it is probably the high price tag.<\/p>\n

Atlas Race Snowshoes 7075 are very popular among snow runners. Sporting an all-carbon construction, these ultralight snowshoes won’t drag your feet down as you run on the winter trails. Their long frames are combined with Atlas spring-loaded suspension (SLS) to keep the snowshoe close underfoot for easy maneuverability. To keep weight low but traction high, these Atlas snowshoes are built with titanium toe and heel crampons. Their design allows you to mount your running shoes right to the decks.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

<\/div>\n

Other Top Rated Snowshoes<\/h2>\n

Atlas 10 Series Snowshoes<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"atlas-10-series-snowshoes\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot:<\/strong> Nimble on hardpack, lightweight, secure, good traction for flat to rolling terrain<\/p>\n

What’s Not:<\/strong> Difficult bindings, not enough flotation for deep snow<\/p>\n

Best Applications:<\/strong> Hardpack, groomed trails, rolling hills, intermediate terrain <\/div><\/div>\n

Atlas 10 Series snowshoes are an excellent choice for beginner to intermediate snowshoers<\/a>. Sporting fixed rotation bindings, these snowshoes are very easy to move on hardpack, making them ideal for trail walking, day hiking, and hut trips. The rubbery webbing straps that connect the platform with the boot attachment are flexible and create a spring-like effect as you step. The result is nimble snowshoes that respond well to fast walking. Still, about the bindings, the straps and plastic pad that secure your boots in these snowshoes are a bit of hassle to deal with, initially. They tend to curl in, requiring more work from your end. Luckily, once they\u2019re set, they stay secure the whole time.<\/p>\n

Atlas 10 Series snowshoes<\/a> come with three size options: 25, 30, and 35 inches. They feature the company\u2019s trademark V-shaped frames with tapering tails at the back. They do not drag snow as you move forward but have a tendency to fling snow at your back. As for the traction, these snowshoes easily knock out any competing models. Despite being labeled as flat terrain snowshoes, you can take them to climb some moderate slopes in the backcountry. The crampons work well at gripping uneven surfaces, ensuring a safe and relatively easy ascent for you. Just make sure you don\u2019t climb a very steep incline, though.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

Tubbs Wilderness<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"tubbs-wilderness\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot: <\/strong>Easy-to-use bindings, comfortable for traveling with a loaded pack<\/p>\n

What’s Not: <\/strong>Heavy decking material seems cheap, stiff for hardpacked snow<\/p>\n

Best Applications: <\/strong>Winter backpacking, beginner trails, moderate backcountry <\/div><\/div>\n

Tubbs Wilderness is a perfect choice<\/a> if you want to step up from the novice-friendly groomed trails to a more challenging rolling terrain. Featuring easy-to-use bindings, these snowshoes should be exciting for beginners to intermediate winter hikers. The combination of Soft Tec decking with oval aluminum frames feels a bit heavy, but they do provide good enough flotation on knee-deep soft powder. You won’t likely find yourself post-holing as you walk with them. However, if you want to enjoy the best flotation in deep snow, go with Tubbs Mountaineer.<\/p>\n

Tubbs Wilderness<\/a> is equipped with semi-aggressive crampons fixed at the bottom of your feet balls. The supporting side rails bite the snow firm enough to provide you with traction as you make a cross over moderate slopes. The thing where they excel the most is stability. If you’d like to spend some night on the outside with your loaded backpack, Tubbs Wilderness is the best snowshoes for you.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

Atlas Elektra Montane Mountain Hiking Snowshoes<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"Atlas<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot: <\/strong>V-frame, comfortable binding, spring-loaded suspension<\/p>\n

What’s Not:<\/strong> Expensive<\/p>\n

Best Applications: <\/strong>Intermediate terrain, rolling hills, back-country <\/div><\/div>\n

Atlas Elektra is a series of snowshoes built specifically for women. Now, these snowshoes have many different iterations. Each of which comes with different specifications and prices. They’re mainly intended for backcountry trekking on the beaten path off-trails. However, they’re comfortable enough to be used on groomed snow. Thanks to the lightweight design.<\/p>\n

If you don’t like the steep price tag of Elektra Montane Mountain, the Elektra 12<\/a>, Elektra 10, and Elektra 9<\/a> offer similar functionality for much less. They still sport the proprietary lightweight V-frames that are long enough to provide flotation on powdery terrain but not that long to trouble you with each step. After all, they’re designed for women who generally have a shorter stride than men. The V shape frames track straight in deep snow, and the tapered tail pulls less snow as you step forward, saving you energy.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

Crescent Moon Gold 10<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"crescent-moon-gold-10\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot: <\/strong>Made in the USA, lifetime warranty, good traction systems, user-friendly bindings<\/p>\n

What’s Not: <\/strong>Expensive<\/p>\n

Best Applications: <\/strong>Deep snow, off-trails, backcountry trip <\/div><\/div>\n

Crescent Moon snowshoes<\/a> are relatively more expensive compared to the competition, but that’s not for no reason. Putting big emphasize on quality, all of the parts on Crescent Moon snowshoes are manufactured and built in the USA. Largely, they’re grouped into two models: the Silver and Gold series. The number behind them actually reflects the size of the snowshoes. Just in case you need smaller or bigger snowshoes, the greater the number, the bigger the snowshoes are.<\/p>\n

The Crescent Moon Gold 10<\/a> have a length of 33-inch that works great for maximum weight loads of 225 pounds. They’re designed primarily for backcountry trips over some technical rolling terrains. Still, since they adopt teardrop-shaped frames with the tails tapering at the close, they should be nimble enough for recreational snowshoeing on groomed trails and packed snow. The crampons, though made of solid stainless steel, are not as grippy as the MSR Lightning Ascent, but they’re still among the best you can find.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

Chinook Trekker Snowshoes<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"chinook-trekker-snowshoes\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot: <\/strong>Affordable, lightweight, durable plastic decking<\/p>\n

What’s Not: <\/strong>Aluminum crampons are easy to bend, no side rails<\/p>\n

Best Applications: <\/strong>Recreational snowshoeing, on-trails, soft snow <\/div><\/div>\n

Chinook might not be the first brand that pops up into your mind when it comes to snowshoeing, but it manufactures one of the best inexpensive snowshoes today. While they lack technical features like lateral crampons and high-quality nylon decking, the Chinook Trekker Snowshoes will certainly do well enough for principal time snowshoers. Available in various sizes, they are an ideal choice for both kids and adults who are looking to enjoy a fun short trip on the nearby trails.<\/p>\n

The bindings on Chinook Trekker Snowshoes are perfect for beginners.<\/a> They’re easy to take on and off quickly, which is exactly what you need if you’re a novice in snowshoeing. The decking is made entirely of plastic, but it doesn’t seem to be cheap at all. As for the traction, they come with semi-aggressive underfoot crampons along with V-shaped heel brakes. That’s clearly insufficient to tackle steep hills, but you’ll do just fine with them on-trails.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

MSR Revo Explore<\/a><\/h3>\n

\"msr-revo-explore\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In a Nutshell<\/div>
\n

What’s Hot: <\/strong>Aggressive underfoot and side crampons, solid construction, heel lifts<\/p>\n

What’s Not: <\/strong>Binding systems seemingly not secure enough<\/p>\n

Best Applications: <\/strong>Groomed trails, packed snow, moderate rolling terrain, deep snow <\/div><\/div>\n

For those who think that the traction on MSR Lightning Ascent is too much, MSR Revo Explore<\/a> is the right snowshoes for you. They sport the same aggressive lateral crampons that go along the outer frame, together with two major teeth under the toes and your feet balls. With them, you’d still have enough traction to explore literally any traverse on the off-trails. However, since the heel crampons are non-existent in this model, you need to be more careful on the downhills. The good news is since they’re stripped of the heel crampons, you can expect it to come at a much lower price.<\/p>\n

MSR Revo Explore is available in two sizes: 22-inch and 25-inch. That might not be long enough to make you stay afloat in deep snow, especially if you bring your backpack. Still, it’s compatible with the optional add-on tails that should significantly improve the flotation. The bindings on this snowshoes consist of the regular back heel strap with only one strap that goes over your front feet. While it’s fast and very easy to adjust, it’s not as secure as those of the higher models.<\/p>\n<\/i> Shop now at Amazon.com<\/span><\/a>\n

Go to top<\/a><\/div>\n

Snowshoes Buyer Advice<\/h1>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

Types of Snowshoes<\/h2>\n

As far as the specification goes, snowshoes can be classified into three: recreational snowshoes<\/a>, backcountry snowshoes<\/a>, and running snowshoes. Recreational snowshoes can be further differentiated in two: budget snowshoes and mid-range snowshoes. To know which snowshoes are the best for you, you will need to map the various kinds of terrain you’ll tackle. Let’s break them down one by one.<\/p>\n

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