Snowshoeing Gear Favorites

Our gear favorites include the gear that we most recommend for the snowshoe trails. We independently select these products, and in many cases, these are our staff’s go-tos for their outdoor adventures. We hope that these products provide some inspiration for your own go-to gear!

woman standing in the snow on snowshoes under blue sky

I love my 3-in-1 Challenger Jacket from L.L Bean, which includes a hard shell and down mid-layer that I can mix and match as needed. Photo: Paul Wowk

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Ridge Merino Women's High Aspect Merino Wool Top

Ridge Merino Women’s Aspect High Neck Top

This top is a warm, comfortable, versatile baselayer option for snowshoers. The (m)Force Technology and fabric makeup lead to a base layer that is 50% more durable than similar Merino fabric weights. Moreover, you still have all the benefits of Merino wool for protection on your snowshoe outing. It truly is one of our go-to baselayers!

Read Our Review Buy at Ridge Merino

product photo: Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro Insulated Jacket Women's Grapevine

Jack Wolfskin Routeburn Pro Insulated Jacket

The Routeburn Pro Insulated Jacket is a comfy, warm, yet lightweight addition to your multi-season hiking gear. This jacket is windproof and water-repellent to keep the elements out while offering Primaloft insulation and soft fleece to keep you warm and comfortable. As a bonus, this jacket is made of almost exclusively recycled polyester and comes in an array of fun colors (I have the orange)!

Buy Women's at Jack Wolfskin Buy Men's at Jack Wolfskin

product photo: Sunday Afternoons Cold Snap Beanie

Sunday Afternoons Beanies

The Sunday Afternoons Lodgepole Beanie is well worth the price and is an incredibly warm piece of gear for those frigid snowshoeing days. You’ll have the moisture-wicking, sun-resistant, insulating properties of the wool blend, with the fleece liner for extra warmth and no-itch. They even offer a kid’s version!

Unfortunately, the Lodgepole Beanie is currently sold out. A similar alternative is the Cold Snap Beanie, made of 100% recycled fleece with sun-resistant properties.

Read Lodgepole Beanie Review Buy Cold Snap Beanie at Moosejaw

Tread Labs Ramble insoles product photo

Tread Labs Ramble Insoles

The unique two-part design of Tread Labs’ insoles makes them a go-to for any consistent runner or racer. Customize them to your feet – arch height, firmness, and foot issue/use.  As one writer shares, “Your feet love you. When you don’t show that same respect back to them, they get offended…If humanly possible, [my] feet would delight in giving my behind a swift kick for not knowing Tread Labs many blue moons ago.”

Read Our Review Buy at Amazon

Atlas Apex Mountain Snowshoe

Atlas Apex MTN Snowshoes

These snowshoes are a go-to for versatility in terrain and snow conditions. When we don’t know what conditions to expect on or off the trail, the crampons and serrated edges provide grip, the Boa closure keeps our feet secure, and we have floatation in deep snow. Moreover, these snowshoes are light for their versatility, making them a practical choice.

As an alternative to the Apex MTN, the Range MTN includes the same features in larger sizes for heavy loads.

Read Apex MTN Review Buy the Range MTN at REI

MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes

MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe

The Lightning Ascents are one of the best technical snowshoes available. They provide the grip, foot security, and comfort needed for steep snowshoe outings where traction is critical. These snowshoes are on the heavier side. But we’re split on those to whom it matters and those to whom it doesn’t. However, despite the extra weight, these are still my first choice for steep mountaineering adventures because of the safety and security they provide for my feet and my mind.

Read Our Review Buy at REI

 

product photo: Eco Lunchbox Splash Box blue

ECOlunchbox Splash Box

The individual Splash Box is an excellent waste-free replacement for snowshoe snacks. As we reviewed, “The ethos behind ECOlunchbox and the sustainability of the products make me proud to contribute to the planet’s health. Plus, the product is so easy to use. It’s a simple way to add healthier and more delicious snacks and lunches to my current snowshoeing routine.”

Read Our Review Buy at Amazon

socks for snow: the Snow Junkie

SynchroKnit Snow Junkie Socks

Socks can be an underrated piece of gear, but it’s so important to find the right pair while snowshoeing. In our review, we noted that “The SynchroKnit Snow Junkie is perfect for those snowshoers who struggle with sock slippage. The SynchroKnit technology offers a superior fit compared to traditional socks with equal stitching. Plus, since the sock is a merino wool blend, the Snow Junkie is moisture-wicking, anti-microbial, and temperature regulating.”

Read Our Review Buy at Wigwam

Mystery Ranch Scree 32L backpack - green

Mystery Ranch Scree 32L Backpack

With a range of features, this pack has become our snowshoe favorite. The fit is comfortable and adjustable, and it’s straightforward to use. My favorite part is that snowshoe storage is quick and straightforward when the conditions change, and even with snowshoes strapped to the pack, you can access the gear you need for the day from the top of the pack.

Read Our Review Buy at Backcountry

MSR DynaLock Explore Poles

One writer tested these poles while hiking a 14er and mentioned, “The poles were very useful on the hike down. Normally, the steep hike down takes a rather painful toll on my knees. The poles helped with [the toll on my knees] in that they helped me stabilize myself… In addition, the DynaLock on the poles made [extending] really easy by just unclipping the DynaLock system, extending the pole, and then re-clipping the DynaLock system. It takes only a few seconds.”

Read Our Review Buy at MSR

Women's Weather Challenger 3-in-1 Jacket

L.L Bean Weather Challenger 3-in-1 Jacket

This jacket, available in both Men’s and Women’s, is a go-to for our outdoor adventures, snowshoeing or otherwise. The jacket combines a waterproof nylon shell outer layer with a 100% nylon Primaloft insulation mid-layer. Both pieces clip into each other if you want to wear them together, or they can each be worn independently. This system makes this jacket very versatile for a variety of weather conditions.

Unfortunately, the Weather Challenger is sold out, but L.L. Bean has a similar 3-in-1 that includes a fleece sweater instead of the Primaloft puffy insulator.

Buy the Men's Sweater Fleece 3-in-1 at L.L Bean Buy Women's Sweater Fleece 3-in-1 at L.L Bean

product photo Mountain Hardwear Superstretch DS Down Jacket

 

Mountain Hardwear Super DS Stretchdown Hooded Jacket

This Mountain Hardwear jacket has been a staple for snowshoeing and winter wear for years. The stretchy material in this mid-layer moves with the body and provides durability. The Super DS Stretchdown has 700 fill goose down and an insulated hood for warmth.

Buy Men's at Amazon Buy Women's at Amazon

product photo: Norrona Trollveggen Heavy Weight Merino Socks

Norrona Trollveggen Heavy Weight Merino Socks

This heavyweight merino sock is perfect for those cold days on the trails. The sock is made of traceable, mulesing-free Edelweiss wool from Safil, Italy, which translates to reliability and comfort. The Trollveggen is soft, durable, and blister-free, and the mid-high design fits well in your boots. In fact, our reviewer noted that they liked these socks so much that they not only use them for the trails but wear them regularly around the house to stay warm.

Read Our Recommendations Buy at Norrona

product photo: Delano X2 snowshoes graphite frontal view

Wildhorn Delano X2 Snowshoe

The Delano X2 is a versatile snowshoe at an affordable price. We consider this a technical snowshoe with aggressive traction, a heel lift and secure 2-strap binding you can secure with gloves. Plus, no need to worry about ice balls as the crampons are coated. The Delano X2 can be your go-to snowshoe for flat terrain or for long mountainous journeys.

Read Our ReviewBuy at Wildhorn

product photo: Merrell Moab 3 brown/pink

 

Merrell Moab 3 Boots

The Moab by Merrell is a classic boot with incredibly versatile features. The original Moab came out in 2007 and has been updated throughout the years, with the Moab 3 recently introduced. One update to the Moab has focused on improved cushion and support. As a result, this shoe provides medium support, multiple shock absorption features, and rigidity on rugged terrain. The Moab 3 boots are truly comfy and light on the joints.

Shop Men's at REI Shop Women's at REI

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