Choosing the Best Snowshoes for Beginners

Gerda Ferry
  Sep 22, 2023 4:37 AM

Snowshoes are a need for anybody interested in learning the sport. In this article, I'll highlight many excellent entry-level models that won't break the bank. Here are a few of the best snowshoes for beginners, with enough information to help you choose. Let’s start at Home Decker right now!

Top Picks

1. Best Overall:  MSR Evo Trail 22-Inch Hiking Snowshoes 

In the world of snowshoes, the MSR Evo is a true classic. These snowshoes are easy to use, well-made, and practical. These snowshoes differ from others in that they don't weigh as much. After a long day of hiking, it is a welcome sight. Complete with large crampon teeth on the toes and full-length crampon rails, their crampon system is among the best available. In fact, I have seldom ever struggled to get traction, and the only time I've ever slipped was due to the inevitable compression of snow.

2. Best Design: Chinook 80001 Trekker Junior Snowshoes 

If you need snowshoes but are on a tighter financial budget, the Chinook Trekkers are the way to go. They are the least expensive option of the three reviewed models here, but they nevertheless provide you with everything you need to begin snowshoeing right away. They're built to last with a sturdy aluminum tube structure and polyethylene skin. They're heavier than the Evos up top, but they're not terrible.

3. Best Easy to Wear: Atlas Snowshoes Helium-Trail 23 Kit 

The Atlas 10 Series is another popular choice among winter travelers and hikers. It comes in a variety of lengths, the shortest of which is 25 inches and the longest of which is 35 inches. Generally speaking, the bigger the snowshoes you need, the more weight you'll be able to carry, or the drier and deeper the snow will be. Metal frames with Nytex nylon decks are included, setting it apart from the MSR Evo. It's a little heavier, but the increased durability is worth the compromise.

4. Best Value: Tubbs Snowshoes Wilderness Women's Snow Shoes 

Tubbs Wilderness is the next best snowshoe for beginners on our list. You won't find a more reliable snowshoe for wintertime backcountry travel. All because it has a sturdy build and solid traction systems. The carbon steel crampons beneath your toes aren't very sharp, but they bite down securely on fresh snow. Conversely, the heel crampons aren't great for going downhill, but they come in for hiking up and down steep inclines. They'll wow you while your backpack's loaded down with books. When striking the packed snow, they maintain their stability and strength.

5. Best High-Quality:   Crescent Moon All-Terrain Snowshoes 

Year after year, reviewers, editors, and consumers all agree that the Crescent Moon SPL (Single Pull Loop) binding is the finest on the market. The flexible polymer used in the binding system's wraparound design offers outstanding support and comfort without requiring frequent readjustment. Whether you're wearing gloves or not, you may adjust the whole harness by pulling the loop at the top of the binding. To adjust the heel, just ratchet it forward until it feels comfortable. The access and egress are both simple and rapid. Powered by a spring-loaded cam and ratchet buckle.

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1
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    MSR
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  • Brand
    Chinook
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3
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    Atlas Snowshoes
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    Tubbs
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    CRESCENT MOON
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    FLASHTEK
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    Ito Rocky
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  • HD Score

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  • Brand
    NineTrees
9
  • HD Score

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    9.0
  • Brand
    Retrospec
10
  • HD Score

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    9.0
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    HRking
11
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    9.0
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    Odoland
12
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    9.0
  • Brand
    Winterial

Last update on 2023-09-22 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

FAQs

1. What size snowshoes do I need for my weight?

Snowshoes with a 20-inch width can support up to 80 pounds, those with a 21-inch width can support up to 125 pounds, those with a 25-inch width can support up to 175 pounds, those with a 30-inch width can support up to 220 pounds, and those with a 35- or 36-inch width can support more than 220 pounds.

best snowshoes for beginners

2. Do you need poles for snowshoeing?

When snowshoeing, poles may be quite useful, to put it briefly. The poles' ultimate purpose is to provide additional stability. So, much as with skiing, the poles aren't strictly required but might come in handy. The higher the slope, the greater the significance of the poles.

Conclusion

A pair of full-fledged wilderness snowshoes is probably overkilled for traversing flat terrain and some minor rolling hills. On-trail snowshoeing in forest service areas doesn't need much, despite the fact that snowshoes are far superior in terms of float, traction, and security. The MSR Evo and the Atlas 10 Series are just two examples of recreational versions that excel in easy terrain.

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