MSR Gear Guide: Snowshoes and Snowshoe Accessories

Mountain Safety Research (MSR) produces some excellent all-around snowshoes. For powder, end-of-season ice, off-trail, backcountry, first-timers, or hill-climbing, MSR snowshoes will get the job done. Though MSR makes a wide range of products, we will focus on snowshoes and accessories.

Use the table of contents below to scroll to a particular product type.

Ascent Series
Explore Series
Trail Series
Youth Series
Snowshoe Kits
Snowshoe Accessories

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Ascent Series- Summit


Lightning Ascent Snowshoes

product photo: MSR Lightning Ascents

Ultralight snowshoes are built on a solid foundation of our advanced 360° Traction frames. So, these snowshoes deliver a level of security that tubular frames simply can’t—especially on traverses. Then, dual-component PosiLock AT bindings offer our most secure attachment, while rugged decking ensures long-lasting durability. Finally, rhe snowshoes’ steel cross members and easily engaged Ergo™ Televators back you up with every step in technical terrain. Moreover, like all of MSR’s snowshoes, Lightning Ascents offer the all-condition adaptability of our Modular Flotation tails.

Key descriptors:

  • Unrivaled Traction
  • Secure Attachment
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Uphill Efficiency

Available in cobalt blue or black; 25 inch (up to 220 lbs / 100 kg or up to 280 lbs/ 127 kg with tails)

Read More: The Claw Patrol: MSR’s Lightning Ascent Snowshoes.

Shop the Lightning Ascent at REI


Women’s Lightning™ Ascent Snowshoes

product photo: MSR Lightning Ascents

What began as a solution for women has become the top choice of anyone with a narrow gait. Also, it’s excellent for those seeking the lightest possible alternative in this aggressive snowshoe. First, we engineered our Women’s 360° Traction frames in conjunction with a renowned expert in athletic biomechanics. Thus, this results in a lower-profile frame that saves weight and improves agility with narrow gaits. Then, we paired with our PosiLock AT bindings to create our most secure attachment, tougher decking. Finally, with the easily engaged Ergo Televators, the snowshoes will back you up with every step.

Key descriptors:

  • Unrivaled Traction
  • Secure Attachment
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Uphill Efficiency
  • Low-Profile

Available in raspberry or gunmetal; 22 inches (up to 180 lbs / 80 kg, up to 250 lbs / 114 kg with tails)

Shop the Women's Lightning Ascent at REI

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Revo Ascent Snowshoes

Please note: The Revo Ascents are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

Our rugged Revo Ascent snowshoes are engineered to take you anywhere you want—or need—to go. Firstly, that confidence starts with their ExoTract deck, which combines external steel teeth for gripping the contours of slopes. Then, it combines with supreme durability, and the torsional flex of plastic for excellent purchase. Finally, since steep terrain demands security, MSR provides it in the PosiLock AT bindings and Ergo Televators heel lifts. So, the snowshoe’s reinforced nose and new higher-strength crampon withstand challenging conditions.

Key descriptors:

  • External Traction
  • Durable
  • Ultimate Foot Security
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Uphill Efficiency

Available in 22 or 25 inch


Women’s Revo Ascent Snowshoes

Please note: The Revo Ascents are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

These snowshoes provide rock-solid durability, security for smaller boots, and all-terrain snowshoe performance.

Our Women’s Revo Ascent snowshoes deliver the same powerful grip, security, and supreme durability as our men’s model—yet do so in a lower-profile design that gives those with a narrow stride better agility through the snow. First, the external traction teeth of the ExoTract deck ensure control, especially in rugged terrain. Then, its plastic foundation delivers unrelenting durability along with torsional for excellent purchase. Finally, with the Women’s ultra-secure PosiLock AT bindings and Ergo Televator heel-lifts, the Women’s Revo Ascent snowshoes deliver tenacious performance for any adventure.

Key descriptors:

  • Women’s ExoTract Deck
  • Ultimate Foot Security
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Uphill Efficiency

Available in 22 or 25 inch

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Evo Ascent Snowshoes

product photo: MSR Evo Ascent

Evo Ascent snowshoes are true all-around performers for those seeking to venture off-trail into more variable backcountry terrain. For example, their rugged UniBody decks provide workhorse durability and all-condition traction, while TriFit bindings enhance foot security on uneven slopes. Then, when the going gets steep, built-in Televator heel lifts reduce calf fatigue to save precious energy.

Thus, as the evolution of our legendary Denali snowshoes, Evo Ascent snowshoes offer the quality and reliability of our finest snowshoes at an exceptional value for more aggressive winter hikers.

Key descriptors:

  • UniBody Traction
  • Essential Security
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Uphill Efficiency

Available in 22 inch (up to 180 lbs / 80 kg, up to 250 lbs / 114 kg with tails)

Shop the Evo Ascent at REI

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Explore Series- All Mountain


Lightning Explore Snowshoes

product photo: MSR Lightning Explore snowshoes in orange

 

Ultralight performance meets all-day comfort with these snowshoes.

Lightning Explore snowshoes represent a giant leap in snowshoeing performance, ease, and comfort. Firstly, it begins with the elite performance of our 360° Traction™ frames, featuring advanced, edge-to-edge grip. Secondly, HyperLink bindings feature a redesigned fast and easy ratchet system and get a comfort boost from EVA foam cushions that cradle the foot. Third, you benefit from our Ergo Televators for steeper slopes—finally, add-on Modular Flotation tails.

Thus, all these features provide the versatility you need to enjoy a broad range of snowshoeing experiences.

Key descriptors:

  • Unrivaled Traction
  • HyperLink Binding
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Uphill Efficiency

Available in international orange; 25 inch (up to 220 lbs / 100 kg or up to 280 lbs/ 127 kg with tails)

Read More: Definitive Guide: How to Choose the Perfect Snowshoes for Your Needs

Shop the Lightning Explore at REI


Women’s Lightning Explore Snowshoes

 

Please note: The Women’s Lightning Explore Snowshoes are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

Lightning Explore snowshoes represent a giant leap in snowshoeing performance, ease, and comfort. Firstly, it begins with the elite performance of our 360° Traction™ frames, featuring advanced, edge-to-edge grip. Next, new HyperLink bindings feature a redesigned fast and easy ratchet system and get a comfort boost from EVA foam cushions that cradle the foot. Finally, you get the benefit of our Ergo Televators for steeper slopes and add-on Modular Flotation tails—all to provide the versatility you need to enjoy a broad range of snowshoeing experiences.

Key descriptors:

  • Unrivaled Traction
  • Women’s HyperLink Binding
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Uphill Efficiency

Available in 22 or 25 inch

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Revo Explore Snowshoes

Please note: The Revo Explore Snowshoes are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

With our rugged ExoTract deck as their foundation, Revo Explore snowshoes deliver confidence-inspiring performance underfoot. Also, they bring the advanced comfort of MSR’s new HyperLink bindings, making them a top choice for winter hikers. The bindings’ new EVA foam cushions maximize comfort, while the redesigned ratchet system now makes getting in and out of them a breeze. With add-on Modular Flotation tails and the added support of Ergo Televators for steeper pitches, Revo Explore snowshoes are built for all-day adventures, both on the trail and off.

Key descriptors:

  • External Traction
  • Durable
  • HyperLink Binding
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Uphill Efficiency

Available in chartreuse or spring green; 22 or 25 inch


Women’s Revo Explore Snowshoes

Please note: The Women’s Revo Explore Snowshoes are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

With our rugged ExoTract deck as their foundation, Women’s Revo Explore snowshoes deliver confidence-inspiring performance underfoot. Also, they bring the advanced comfort of our HyperLink bindings, making them a top choice for winter hikers. The bindings’ EVA foam cushions maximize comfort, while the redesigned ratchet system now makes getting in and out of them a breeze. With add-on Modular Floatation tails and the added support of Ergo Televators for steeper pitches, Revo Explore snowshoes are built for all-day adventures, both on the trail and off.

Key descriptors:

  • Women’s ExoTract Deck
  • HyperLink Binding
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Uphill Efficiency

Available in aquamarine or bright coral; 22 or 25 inch

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Trail Series- Walking


Lightning Trail Snowshoes

Please note: The Lightning Trail Snowshoes are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

The Lightning Trail snowshoes are custom-built for maximum traction and efficiency over rolling terrain. First, they pack the performance of MSR’s light and aggressive 360° Traction frames. Then, they and pair it with the refined simplicity of the DuoFit bindings for lightweight comfort and control. Thus, these are a perfect match for logging miles over hours or days.

Key descriptors:

  • Unrivaled Traction
  • Essential Security
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Maximum Efficiency

Available in 22 or 25 inch


Women’s Lightning Trail Snowshoes

Please note: The Women’s Lightning Trail Snowshoes are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

The Women’s Lightning Trail snowshoes are custom-built for maximum efficiency over rolling terrain. As one of the lightest snowshoes by MSR, these pack the performance of our aggressive and low-profile women’s 360° Traction frames. Then, they pair it with the refined simplicity of our DuoFit bindings for lightweight comfort and control–a perfect match for logging miles over hours or days.

Key descriptors:

  • Unrivaled Traction
  • Essential Security
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Maximum Efficiency
  • Low Profile

Available in 22 or 25 inch

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Revo Trail Snowshoes

Please note: The Revo Trail Snowshoes are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

Whether the trail’s conditions are crust, slush, or ice, you can trust the all-condition durability and excellent grip of our new Revo Trail snowshoes to carry you along. The Revo Trail snowshoes’ ExoTract deck combines advanced external traction walls with plastic’s unique torsional flex for solid control. Also, its streamlined simplicity is lightened by our DuoFit bindings, which offer essential security, regardless of the trail’s character.  Finally, since their rugged construction withstands frequent use, delivering many days of adventure season after season.

Key descriptors:

  • External Traction
  • Durable
  • Essential Security
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Maximum Efficiency

Available in 22 or 25 inch


Women’s Revo Trail Snowshoes

Please note: The Women’s Revo Trail Snowshoes are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

Whether the trail’s conditions are crust, slush, or ice, you can trust the all-condition durability and excellent grip of the Women’s Revo Trails to carry you along. The Women’s Revo Trail snowshoes’ ExoTract deck combines advanced external traction walls with plastic’s unique torsional flex for solid control. Moreover, its streamlined simplicity is lightened by our DuoFit bindings, which offer essential security, regardless of the trail’s character. Also, their rugged construction withstands frequent use, delivering many days of adventure season after season.

Key descriptors:

  • Women’s ExoTract Deck
  • Essential Security
  • All-Condition Adaptability
  • Maximum Efficiency

Available in 22 or 25 inch

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Evo Trail Snowshoes

product photo: Evo Trail snowshoe blue

 

The classic Evo snowshoes remain a favorite of snowshoers worldwide, delivering MSR’s legendary dependability, built for the trail. Traction bars molded into its UniBody deck offer the essential grip needed for even modest slopes in less than ideal conditions. Moreover, we hold it to the same standard for stability and control. So, the weather-resistant, DuoFit binding delivers that in spades on a rolling terrain, making this the hands-down best value going for trail walking and all-condition day use.

Key descriptors:

  • Unibody Traction
  • Essential Security
  • All-Condition Adaptability

Available in charcoal; 22 inch (up to 180 lbs / 80 kg, up to 250 lbs / 114 kg with tails)

Shop the Evo Trail at REI

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Youth Series


Shift Youth Snowshoes

product photo: MSR Kids Shift

 

Shift snowshoes by MSR are engineered for adventurous preteens, providing them with the same performance and features as our adult shoes for maximum fun and safety while snowshoeing. Also, the Shift snowshoe offers the priceless benefit of top-level MSR performance for parents who seek to share their passion for the outdoors. Thus, this ensures kids have the full opportunity to enjoy the experience.

Key descriptors:

  • Secure & Safe
  • Durable
  • Adaptable

Available in Tron Blue; 19 inches (up to 125 lbs / 57 kg and/or shoe size 1M-7M / 32-41 EU)

Read More: Start ’em Young! Snowshoes for Kids Two-to Teens

Shop the Kids Shift at REI


Tyker Kids Snowshoes

 

product photo: MSR Tyker kid snowshoes green REI

 

As a kid-sized version of our strong, reliable Evo snowshoes, these easy-to-use snowshoes are intended for children who weigh up to 90 pounds (41 kg). So, they feature steel crampons and kid-friendly molded traction bars for excellent all-around traction and added safety.

Key descriptors:

  • Kid-Friendly Bindings
  • Parent-Friendly Traction
  • Fits Wide Range of Sizes

Available in Dino Green or Purple Power; 17 inch (up to 80 lbs / 36 kg and/or shoe size 7.5-13.5 kids or 1M-4.5M / 24-34 EU)

Shop the Kids Tyker at REI

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Snowshoe and Pole Kits


EvoTrail Snowshoe Kit

Please note: The Evo Trail Snowshoe Kit is temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

The Evo kit features the best-selling snowshoes, high-strength poles, and a carry pack by MSR, all to get you out and into winter.

It all starts with our best-selling Evo Trail snowshoes, offering surefooted grip and easy-to-use performance. Next, our DynaLock™ Trail poles are not only light, but they’re also our most durable poles. Finally, we didn’t skimp on the carry pack—it’s fully featured with a removable seat for lunch stops, organization, and hydration compatibility. So whether you’re cruising to the woods or a frozen lake, this kit is your ticket to winter exploration.

Key descriptors:

  • All-in-One Kit
  • Evo Trail Snowshoes
  • DynaLock Trail Poles
  • Carry/ Storage Pack

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MSR Accessories & Additional Gear


Poles

DynaLock™  Ascent Carbon Backcountry Poles

Please note: The DynaLock Ascent Backcountry Poles are temporarily out of stock as of December 6, 2021.

These poles combine ultralight carbon fiber with ultimate packability. So, they’re ideal for fast-and-light snowshoeing, mountaineering, and splitboarding.

DynaLock Explore Backcountry Poles

These poles include full aluminum strength and 3-section packability. Thus, you can use them for snowshoeing and mountaineering in variable and rugged terrain.

Shop the DynaLock Explore Poles at MSR

DynaLockTrail Backcountry Poles

These poles include two-section aluminum construction for snowshoers, winter hikers, and skiers. Moreover, it’s for those who demand simplicity and maximum durability.

Shop the DynaLock Trail Poles at MSR

Read More: Sunrise Hiking Mount Quandary in Colorado with MSR’s DynaLock Explore Backcountry Poles

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Snowshoe Accessories

Lightning Tails
Evo Tails
MSR® Classic Snowshoe Strap Kit – 12 in. (30 cm)
MSR® Classic Snowshoe Strap Kit – 18 in. (46 cm)
Paragon/Posilock Snowshoe Strap Kit
Standard Strap Keepers


Find more gear from MSR at MSR.com.

What are your favorite pair of MSR snowshoes? Also, do you have any snowshoe recommendations? Please share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

This guide was initially published on March 31, 2018, and was most recently updated on December 6, 2021. 

Read Next: TSL Snowshoes Gear Guide

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