Best Ultralight Snowshoes of 2023 | Tested by Home Decker
Marcelle Huels Dec 9, 2023 7:24 AM
Here, you'll find information on how to choose, size, and properly don a pair of snowshoes so that you may avoid getting stuck in the snow and continue your trekking adventures throughout the winter. To assist you in making the best choice, Home Decker experts have researched and field-tested five pairs of the best ultralight snowshoes currently on the market for trekking and backpacking.
Top Picks
1. Best Overall: MSR Evo Trail 22-Inch Hiking Snowshoes
The EVO Trail snowshoe from MSR is the company's entry-level model. It has the company's tried-and-true strap system and a unibody composite deck that can withstand anything. The binding straps are the same reliable design used by MSR. Although it's more on the recreational end of the spectrum, the EVO Trail is hiker-friendly because its robust side rails provide a firm hold on inclines. Despite its small size (only 22 inches), the EVO Trail may be outfitted with tails for use in deeper snow.
2. Best Budget: Wildhorn Outfitters Sawtooth Snow Shoes
Wildhorn Outfitters is a young company in the outdoor industry that is creating a name for itself because of its reasonably priced yet high-quality products. Sawtooth snowshoes are no different in that regard. Recreational snowshoes include all the essentials you might want in a pair of snowshoes at a reasonable price. The ratchet binding can quickly adjust to the perfect fit for your foot.
3. Best for Backcountry: MSR Lightning Ascent Backcountry
One of the best snowshoes we've used on the steep and rocky terrain was made by MSR and is called the Lightning Ascent. Elevators help reduce strain on your legs when climbing, while a toothed frame and steel crampons provide exceptional grip on steep slopes. The flexible nylon deck of the Lightning Ascents functions as a shock absorber, making them challenging and surprisingly comfortable.
4. Best High-Quality: Tubbs Mountaineer Backcountry Snowshoes
With its expanded sizing options, the Tubbs Mountaineer achieves an impressive middle ground between performance in heavy snow and steep terrain. The Mountaineer features a tubular frame equipped with a heel crampon, two short side rails, and an 8-point crampon beneath the foot. Even if the ground is wet or slick, you will not slide. The Active Fit 2.0 binding system is a significant selling point for the Mountaineer.
5. Best User-friendly: Yukon Charlies Sherpa Snowshoe Kit
Inexpensive and dependable, the Yukon Charlie Sherpa snowshoes live up to the reputation of their manufacturer, Yukon Charlie. The traditional snowshoe is made of a durable HDPE decking and an aluminum frame. Traction may be achieved with steel crampons and a brake bar on gentle slopes, but they should be avoided on the more challenging ground.
Compare Products
- HD Score-
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandMSR
- HD Score-
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandWildHorn Outfitters
- HD Score-
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandMSR
- HD Score-
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandTubbs
- HD Score-
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandYukon Charlie's
- HD Score10.0
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandAtlas Snowshoes
- HD Score10.0
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandMSR
- HD Score9.2
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandG2 GO2GETHER
- Prime
- HD Score9.0
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandYukon Charlie's
- Prime
- HD Score9.0
HD Score is measured by a unique method. Our experts base on various aspects such as price, quality, popularity, customer reviews, and more to discover what is the best outdoor products for consumers. Factor's priority can be changed when evaluating different items. HD Score is not affected by any manufacturer or seller. Learn more
- BrandRESVIN
- Prime
Last update on 2023-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. Are Snowshoes Unisex?
Though most snowshoes are designed for men and women alike, certain brands, such as MSR, offer gender-specific models. Snowshoes designed for ladies are functionally identical to their male counterparts but are scaled down to fit the smaller feet and frames of female snowshoers. Women's snowshoes are often designed to accommodate a smaller foot and are shorter and lighter than men's. One further possibility is that they come in more vibrant hues.
2. How to Walk in Snowshoes?
A little practice is needed to become used to walking on snowshoes and avoid embarrassing falls. The most crucial suggestion is to keep your legs slightly apart while walking to avoid tripping over your own feet. Almost a waddle, but not quite. On compacted snow, your typical walking stride will suffice, but in thick snow, you will need to elevate your legs higher than usual. You may need to sink your toes into the crampons or side rails for extra traction while climbing or to descend on hard-packed regions.
Wearing inappropriate footwear is the most common snowshoeing faux pas. Avoid wearing sneakers or soft-sided boots like dress boots or bog boots because snowshoes need a secure fit. Tightening the straps might be painful since they poke through the soft boots. While walking, the straps may rub or limit blood flow, resulting in chilled feet. A sturdy hiking or a firm rubber boot will work best to attach the snowshoes to your feet without causing any discomfort. On the other hand, a running snowshoe is made to be used with shoes.
Read more
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Marcelle Huels
Hi, I am Marcelle Huels. I started working at Homedecker.com in April 2020. My main job is writing content reviews about the items for outdoor activities such as tents, shelters, bikes, scooters, and more. To do it, I spend a lot of hours searching for information on the internet, reading numerous reports and analytics, and even buying and using various models to make my recommendations more specific, precise, and valuable. So do not through away any of my articles on Homedecker.com.
