The Best Hiking Snowshoes for 2024
If you’re seeking the ideal hiking snowshoes to navigate the snowy landscapes of 2024, you’re in the right place. We’re digging into the best backcountry snowshoes out there, focusing on functionality and performance to ensure you’re well-prepared for your winter journeys.
Imagine traversing pristine, snow-covered trails with the assurance that the right pair of snowshoes brings. Whether you’re an experienced winter explorer or gearing up for your first snowy adventure, having the appropriate gear is essential for a successful outing.
In this exploration, we’ll be examining the top hiking snowshoes of 2024, highlighting their features and capabilities. From innovative designs to reliable traction, our curated list aims to equip you for a confident and enjoyable winter trek. So, lace up those boots and join us as we unveil the top picks to enhance your backcountry winter experiences.
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What to Look For In Snowshoes
Before we dive into which snowshoes we recommend for your snowy adventures, let’s talk about the crucial qualities to consider when selecting the perfect backcountry snowshoes. These winter accessories come in various shapes and sizes, each catering to different terrains and preferences. Here are the key features to keep in mind.
Don’t Skimp on Traction
When venturing into the backcountry, where the snow can be as unpredictable as the weather, superior traction is non-negotiable. Look for snowshoes with aggressive crampons and a robust frame designed to grip onto varying snow conditions. Whether you’re ascending steep slopes or navigating icy patches, reliable traction ensures a secure and confident stride.
Bindings That Provide Comfort and Stability
Comfort is key for those extended winter explorations. Opt for snowshoes with secure and easy-to-adjust bindings that accommodate different boot sizes. The right bindings not only keep your feet snug but also enhance stability, preventing unnecessary slips and wobbles on uneven terrain.
Durable Decking Material
The decking, or the part of the snowshoe that makes contact with the snow, should be durable and able to withstand the rigors of backcountry use. Most modern snowshoes feature synthetic materials like nylon or hypalon, offering a good balance of durability, flexibility, and resistance to icy build-up.
Heel Lift Features
Ascending steep inclines can be a challenge, but some snowshoes come with a heel lift feature designed to ease the strain on your calves and Achilles tendon. This nifty addition lifts the heel slightly, promoting a more natural walking motion during uphill climbs, saving you energy for the long haul.
Size and Floatation
The size of your snowshoes matters, especially when it comes to floatation. Consider your weight and the expected snow conditions. Larger snowshoes provide more surface area, preventing you from sinking into deep snow. Keep in mind that powder snow may require larger sizes for optimal performance.
Packability
Backcountry adventures often involve a mix of snow-covered and bare terrain. Look for snowshoes that are easy to take on and off, allowing for hassle-free transitions. Additionally, choose models that are packable, as you may need to stow them when tackling sections without snow.
By focusing on these essential features, you’ll be well on your way to selecting the best backcountry snowshoes for your winter escapades. Stay tuned as we delve into our top picks for the best backcountry snowshoes, ensuring you’re prepared for whatever winter throws your way.
Snowshoe Terminology
While shopping for and evaluating different snowshoes, there are some terms that may come up often that you may not be familiar with if you don’t snowshoe often. Here is a short glossary to get you up to speed:
- Decking – The part of the snowshoe that makes contact with the snow.
- Crampons – Metal teeth or spikes on the bottom of the snowshoe for traction.
- Bindings – The system that secures your boots to the snowshoes.
- Heel Lift or Televator – A feature that lifts the heel slightly, reducing calf strain during uphill climbs.
- Floatation – the ability for the snowshoe to stay on the surface of the snow.
- Traction Rails – Rails or bars along the sides of the snowshoe for additional traction.
- Frame – The structural part of the snowshoe, often made of aluminum or composite materials.
- Tail – The rear end of the snowshoe.
- BOA System – A closure system using a dial and cables for precise and quick adjustments.
- Suspension System – Mechanism that allows the snowshoe to articulate, adapting to the terrain.
- Fastfit or Quick-Lace System – A fastening system for bindings that allows for quick on/off.
The Best Hiking Snowshoes for 2024
Best for Flat Trail Hikes: Atlas Serrate Snowshoes
MSRP: $250
What we Love: The BOA Fit System ensures a secure fit with precision adjustments, providing confidence on challenging terrains. The All-Trac Toe Crampon offers exceptional traction in diverse snow conditions, enhancing stability. The Wrapp™ Stretch binding is comfortable and easy to use, ensuring a secure fit without the hassle of difficult adjustments.
What We Don’t Love: While the Atlas Access Snowshoes are slightly heavier than some competitors, their versatility and ease of use outweigh this minor drawback. There's little to complain about these snowshoes, making them a reliable choice for winter exploration.
The Atlas Access Snowshoes redefine the winter trekking experience, delivering an impeccable combination of cutting-edge features and sleek design. Tailored for Trail Walking, these snowshoes are your perfect companions on milder terrains, ensuring your strides are effortlessly natural.
The BOA Fit System stands out as a key feature, providing a secure fit with precision adjustments that prove invaluable when navigating challenging terrains. The Reactiv Frame takes the spotlight by bearing the greatest load, resulting in a stiffer and more responsive snowshoe frame for enhanced overall performance.
Tackling diverse snow conditions is made easy with the All-Trac Toe Crampon, offering multidirectional traction. The Spring-Loaded Suspension keeps the snowshoe close underfoot, facilitating easy maneuvering, while the Heel Lift feature alleviates fatigue during climbs and ensures superior grip on steep terrains.
The Access snowshoes feature a classic tubular-frame design, with the V-Frame’s turned-up tail ensuring smooth gait in every step. The patented Light-Ride™ Suspension allows for natural foot articulation, cushioning impacts for a comfortable stride on flat or gently sloping hikes.
For reliable traction, the Twin-Trac™ Toe Crampon provides grip in all directions, complemented by Advanced Aft Traction for stability and enhanced snow penetration. The Wrapp™ Stretch binding, featuring a two-buckle closure, guarantees a secure and comfortable fit, with tool-less heel strap adjustments for added convenience.
Every detail of the Atlas Access contributes to its exceptional performance, from the innovative technology to the thoughtful design. Whether you’re an experienced winter trekker or a novice explorer, the Atlas Access Snowshoes deliver a winning combination of comfort, stability, and durability.
Best For Steep, Mountainous Terrain: Tubbs Flex VRT
MSRP: $279
What We Love: These shoes are very comfortable, the flexible tail and the BOA closure system keeps you feeling good when using these shoes for extended hikes. The extensive steel crampon points contribute to incredible traction on slippery and packed snow or ice.
What We Don’t Love: The plastic decking can be a bit heavy, which negatively affects float. This type of decking can also be pretty loud, which disrupts the peace of a quiet winter day. If you can look away from the noise and weight, however, these are great shoes for tough terrain.
The Tubbs Flex VRT Snowshoes stand out in the market, offering a unique combination of features that cater to the needs of winter enthusiasts. The dynamic FlexTail design is a standout feature, providing natural articulation and impressive shock absorption. Paired with the secure BOA closure system for bindings, these snowshoes offer a promising package for those exploring diverse snow conditions.
What makes the Tubbs Flex VRT truly amazing is its exceptional shock absorption capabilities. The FlexTail design not only allows for natural movement but also effectively reduces impact during each step. The fit is incredibly comfortable, thanks to the BOA closure system, which allows for easy adjustment and ensures a secure and personalized fit.
These snowshoes excel in providing comfortable and stable bindings, a durable decking, and a shock-absorbing design. The inclusion of ridges molded into the deck and small metal spikes on the tail enhances their performance during descents.
These shoes are best for mountainous and steep terrain. They are fully featured for technical hikes, including a flip-up bar to reduce calf fatigue during hill climbs. However, for fluffy snow and less extreme terrain, you may find a different shoe is more suitable.
Best for Long-Distance: MSR Lightning Ascent
MSRP: $320
What We Love: These snowshoes have incredible traction that is especially evident in uphill climbs. They also have good stride ergonomics that makes your hiking feel comfortable and efficient.
What We Don’t Love: These are a bit on the pricier side compared to some of the other snowshoes on this list. While the upgraded Paragon binding is more comfortable than previous versions, it can be more challenging to use, especially if you have larger feet. As long as you ensure the straps are properly buckled down before you begin your trek, you shouldn’t experience much loosening.
The MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes have gained a solid reputation in the winter sports community, and for good reason. One of their standout features is the 360° Traction frames and Pivot crampons, providing aggressive traction on various terrains. The asymmetric design adds to their appeal by enhancing a natural gait, making them a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts.
What truly makes these snowshoes amazing is their excellent grip on diverse terrains, ensuring stability and confidence in challenging conditions. We appreciate the easy maneuverability and reliable durability that these snowshoes offer, making them a reliable companion in snowy landscapes.
These snowshoes excel in providing excellent traction, featuring comfortable bindings, durable decking, and the convenient heel lift feature. The claw-style crampons under the ball of the foot, along with the two steel bars horizontally, contribute to the overall performance on snow and ice.
Best for Fluffy and Deep Snow: Tubbs Xplore
MSRP: $149
What We Love: These snowshoes are intuitive and easy to use, which makes them perfect for a beginner. It also excels in deep snow. It's lightweight build and commendable floatation make is perfect for exploring after a snow storm.
What We Don't Love: While these are great in fluffy snow, they do not have the traction needed to power through steep or icy terrain.
Embarking on a winter adventure with the Tubbs Xplore snowshoes is a seamless journey. These snowshoes are purposefully designed for beginners, offering an uncomplicated and affordable introduction to the winter sport. Available in various lengths, the Tubbs Xplore ensures adaptability to diverse snow conditions, making it an excellent choice for those taking their initial strides in the snow-covered landscapes.
What sets the Tubbs Xplore apart is its prowess in deep and powdery snow. The snowshoes feature an expansive surface area that facilitates impressive flotation, providing stability and ease of movement in challenging terrains. This makes them particularly well-suited for individuals who are still honing their skills on beginner trails or venturing into areas blanketed with deep snow.
However, like any piece of equipment, the Tubbs Xplore has its limitations. The traction may be less effective on steep or icy terrain, so these snowshoes are best suited for gentler landscapes. Additionally, some buyers have reported binding limitations, especially concerning larger boots and heel strap adjustments in colder conditions. While we have not noticed these issues, it’s important to note that other hikers have. These aspects may pose challenges in certain scenarios, but they don’t diminish the Tubbs Xplore’s value as a solid and affordable option for those entering the world of snowshoeing.
Beginners will find the straightforward binding system easy to use, ensuring a hassle-free experience on their winter excursions. And despite the small limitations, the Tubbs Xplore remains a well-regarded choice for casual users seeking simplicity and functionality in their snowshoeing endeavors.
Conclusion
As we explore the best hiking snowshoes for 2024, it’s not just about selecting the right gear but unlocking the joy of winter exploration. Whether you’re a seasoned winter trekker or stepping into the snowy landscapes for the first time, the right pair of snowshoes elevates your experience. Imagine the tranquility of traversing pristine, snow-covered trails, surrounded by the crisp winter air and the soft crunch of snow beneath your boots.
In understanding the features that make snowshoes exceptional—superior traction, comfortable bindings, durable decking, heel lift features, and optimal sizing—we equip ourselves for confident and enjoyable backcountry adventures. Each snowshoe model is tailored to specific needs, ensuring that every winter enthusiast finds the perfect fit for their preferred terrain. From the reliable grip of the Atlas Serrate to the comfort and shock absorption of the Tubbs Flex VRT, these snowshoes aren’t just tools; they’re companions enhancing your connection with the winter wilderness.
Beyond the technical aspects, snowshoeing offers a unique blend of tranquility and exhilaration. It’s an opportunity to embrace the serenity of snow-covered landscapes while engaging in a heart-pumping outdoor activity. Whether you’re conquering steep inclines, exploring flat trails, or immersing yourself in the quiet beauty of deep snow, snowshoeing is a gateway to the enchanting wonders of winter. So, lace up those boots, find the perfect pair of snowshoes, and step into a winter wonderland that’s waiting to be discovered.
Photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash
