The Best Top Rated Snowshoes for Adventure

Welcome to ThinkVail – we hope you find this article about the year’s top rated snowshoes helpful.

Snowshoeing is an amazing sport. Beautiful, snow covered peaks, dense evergreen stands and sun-dappled snow fields all lend itself to a memorable day in the mountains. Snowshoeing, like most things, can either be very relaxing, super-technical or very competitive and your equipment works best when it is a reflection of the type of snowshoeing you prefer.

Looking to hit the snowy trails this winter? Use this detailed list to find the best, top-rated snowshoes for you.

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See Also: Where to Snowshoe in the Vail Valley

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Choosing the Right Snowshoe

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Terrain Type

• Will you be snowshoeing on an already established pack trail? This is the easiest and usually occurs at Nordic Centers, on ski slopes, popular hiking trails, snowmobile trails, etc. This type of snowshoe can be much smaller and shorter and does not need big crampons to bite into the snow.
  

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• Will you be going off trail into places that are untracked with lots of unpacked snow? This type of snowshoe should be bigger and longer to keep you  floating on the powder. Crampons need to be more aggressive so they can traction you in the snow.
  

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• Going deep into the back-country and climbing steep grades? You will need the largest and longest snowshoes available to keep you and a  pack from post-holing in the snow. Aggressive crampons should be on each edge to give you lots of traction and a climb bar is also recommended for steep ascents.

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Weight

The size of your snowshoes will be dependent on your weight and the weight of any pack or additional items you will be trekking with. The more the combined weight, the longer and larger the snowshoe needs to be. Most snowshoe sizes range between 19-36 inches. 36″ snowshoes on average can hold 250-300 lbs.

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For a Man or Woman

Snowshoes come in unisex, men and women-specific styles. A woman’s snowshoe is designed for a shorter stride and a narrower gait and bindings that accommodate smaller shoes.

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Top-Rated Snowshoes

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#1 Top Rated Snowshoes – Chinook Trekker

Chinook Trekkers are introductory snowshoes that rock! Perfect for hard-packed trails and short excursions off into the deeper snow.

• Lightweight and strong aluminum frame means years of use.
• One of the best-priced snowshoes on this list but keep in mind that a cheaper price can mean means components are not as durable.
• Aluminum crampons offer traction but are not as durable as steel
• An easy-to-use ratchet binding system that is simple to adjust even with gloves on.
• Includes carry bag with backpack straps, side handles, mesh ventilation and Velcro pole carriers
• Perfect for budget-minded snowshoers who are new to the sport
• Lifetime Warranty
• This is a unisex snowshoe so your weight will determine the size needed. See Chinooks size chart when ordering.

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#2 Top Rated Snowshoes – Redfeather

Redfeather is a great brand that has been around for years, since 1988, to be exact. Their snowshoes are handcrafted in the USA and they are very durable and last a long time.

• The Hike series is perfect for flat or gently rolling packed trails with small side excursions into deeper snow.
• Other styles are available for more aggressive snowshoeing.
• Features the SV2 binding which promises a secure comfortable fit, and an easy-on, easy-off binding with a one-pull handle for fast adjustment.
• The stainless steel front and rear crampons offers long-lasting stability and prevents ice build-up.
• A tough rip stop vinyl decking is strong even in frigid temperatures.
• The live-action Boithane Hinge lifts the tail of the shoe from the snow with every step for added mobility and speed.
• Complete kit includes 1 pair of Snowshoes, set of 3-piece ski poles and a nylon storage tote
• Redfeather snowshoes are handcrafted in the USA in La Crosse, Wisconsin

See Also: Women’s Redfeather Snowshoes

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#3 Top Rated Snowshoes – MSR Lightning Ascent

Perfect for back-country or trails. The MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoe does it all and that is why people LOVE it.

• This snowshoe is lightweight, incredibly grippy, and tough.
• Full coverage crampons offer traction that runs the full length and width of the shoe and bites into hard pack and ice.
• The Televator heel lifts makes climbing uphill a breeze. They help conserve energy on the steeps and reduce calf fatigue.
• PosiLock AT Bindings utilizes a two-piece urethane body that locks down tight to a wide range of footwear, making it a very secure binding for aggressive ascents and all-around stability.
• The Modular Flotation tail is an optional 5-inch tail that offers improved flotation when the powder gets deep. This is sold separately.
• Lifetime Warranty
• All these bells and whistles add to the price but if you spend a lot of time snowshoeing this is the snowshoe you are going to want, very versatile, very durable and super comfortable.

See Also: MSR Women’s Lighting Ascent Snowshoes

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#4 Top Rated Snowshoes – Crescent Moon

This is one of the best overall snowshoes on the market. With five more inches of length the popular Crescent Moon Gold 10 snowshoe can go just about anywhere.

• Perfect for trails or the backcountry.
• Features 3 stainless steel crampons and extra traversing claws
• Single-pull binding makes putting these snowshoes on and adjusting them a breeze.
• It can handle a wide variety of terrain from trails to powdery rolling hills and moderate climbs and an optional 2″ heel lifter can be added for those that like steeps. The Heel Lift rotates in and out of position with a simple twist.
• Unique teardrop design means less chance of stepping on the tail of your snowshoe.
• Includes a set of all-season poles, heel lift, and snowshoes
• Limited lifetime warranty
• Made in the USA in Boulder, CO
• An all-inclusive package that is an outstanding value.

See Also: Crescent Moon Gold Snowshoe for Women

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#5 Top Rated Snowshoes – Tubbs Flex RDG

The perfect snowshoe when simplicity is high on the list. The BOA binding system, a one-dial cable system that tightens the entire binding with just a few simple turns is the easiest snowshoe to get on and off. The binding is very comfortable and cinches evenly around your boot.

• The 3D-Curved Traction Rails ensure superior grip in hard-packed and icy conditions. It offers ice biting crampon-like nubbies on the side rails and toe crampons.
• The ActiveLift heel lift reduces calf fatigue and Achilles tendon strain when you are going up the steeps.
• FLEX Tail technology allows the snowshoe to roll more naturally from heel to toe
• The narrow tail also makes it easier to walk without stepping on the back of your snowshoe.
• This is a back-country snowshoe but probably geared to lighter weights as it does have a narrower footprint and won’t float quite as well as a larger snowshoe.

See Also: Tubbs Flex RDG Snowshoes for Women

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#6 Top Rated Snowshoes – Lucky Bums Youth

Lucky Bums are an ideal introductory level snowshoe for kids and smaller adults. This is an easy way to introduce your kiddos to the joy of snowshoeing.

• Can hold up to 175 lbs at the largest size of 26 inches
• With small front and heel crampons and its smaller frame size, this snow shoe is perfect for packed trails only.
• Perfect for family outings and when budget is a concern.
• A lightweight and virtually indestructible aluminum frame with adjustable kid-friendly bindings.
• Includes handy carry bag
• Limited Lifetime Warranty
• A great value to get your kids out snowshoeing
• Unisex snowshoes are perfect for boys or girls
• Come in Pink, Blue and Green

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#7 Top Rated Snowshoes – Atlas

A versatile crossover snowshoe, the Atlas Access is a great trail snowshoe and it will perform in the back-country but because of it’s smaller size and footprint it will not be as good at floating in the snow as other larger models,  but it is pretty decent.

• Binding offers a technical fit with great comfort and ease of use thanks to the positive toe locater
• Reactive frame bears the greatest load for a stiffer, more responsive snowshoe frame
• Serrated teeth on the frame edge and toe crampons insure awesome traction.
• Spring-Loaded Suspension design suspends the snowshoe so it can move freely.
• The bindings pack flat and compactly and work reliably in all sorts of conditions
• The curved heel lift eases calf fatigue on steep ascents and makes climbing much easier
• The bindings offer a very high level of security, meaning they remain clasped while in stride, no strap slippage.
• Binding is strapped to the deck instead of hinged.
• Unisex design

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#8 Top Rated Snowshoes – Louis Garneau

The perfect running snowshoe that boosts your speed.  Offers a competitive edge for the winter training enthusiast seeking to push their limits overcoming challenging terrain and varying snow conditions

• Offering the super easy-to-use BOA binding system. Simply slide your boot into the bindings, turn the nob, and the binding tightens down evenly over your foot; easy-peasy.
• 6061-T6 aluminum anodized frame is light and sturdy
• Unique Slipknot quick cinch heel strap was named “Best Closure System on the Market“
• Weave decking offers the greatest abrasion resistance on the market
• Perimeter frame give peripheral traction for an enhanced transversal hold
• It has a clean, narrow design with a snowfree deck that is excellent at shedding snow.
• Durable ripstop design ensures a puncture-proof deck
• Built for speed.
• Lightweight snowshoe is perfect for the long haul.

See Also: Louis Garneau Snowshoe for Women

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#9 Top Rated Snowshoes – Crescent Moon All-Foam

Talk about a completely unique design and materials. Unlike the hard plastic or aluminum-framed designs of normal snowshoes, the unique Eva is built with two layers of EVA foam. That’s right foam, just foam.

• The top of the snowshoe is relatively soft foam to provide cushioning, while the bottom is a denser and tougher for traction and durability.
• Very lightweight and comfortable
• Velcro binding closure makes putting them on and taking them off super easy.
• Does not have a traditional crampon so this snowshoe is best for flat, hard packed trails.
• Since this is a relatively new design the only question is how durable these snowshoes are.
• User weight (including pack) up to 200lbs
• Unisex design

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#10 Top Rated Snowshoes – TSL Elite

The TSL Symbioz Elite is billed as the most technologically advanced snowshoe on the market. This is a high performance shoe with all the bells & whistles.

• Featuring a carbon fiber insert with Hyper Flex technology that allows the entire frame to flex, conform and grip to any terrain.
• This flexible model offers superior stability reliable traction, and high level of comfort.
• The binding is awesome and a lot like an alpine touring frame binding, with a plate under your entire foot that moves with you as you moves. It features a 4-point binding adjustment system and a ratcheting instep strap. The result is solid support and great technical abilities for steep terrain in a range of snow conditions.
• Give yourself time to adjust it to your foot to the plate correctly as it is a little more complicated than other snowshoes
• The narrow footprint does not do as well in deep powder but is perfect for hiking the trails, walking the dog or short excursions into the powder.
• This is a flexible, lightweight pair of snowshoes with a great binding system- you won’t be disappointed.
• Unisex design

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See also: Best Snowshoe Trails in the Vail Valley

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Comments

We hope you found this article about the year’s top rated snowshoes helpful. Which snowshoe checks all your boxes and gets you outside in the winter?  Please leave a comment or tell us your thoughts and stories regarding snowshoeing, we would love to hear it. Thanks for reading!

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Related Articles: Best Over-the-Boot Ice Cleats

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