snowshoes

[flyefysch]

Hello All-

I've posed questions about snowshoes before and am getting closer to actually purchasing some this winter/spring (not that you'd need them in CT at the moment). The question I have now goes to personal preference. I have found that the three brands out there that seem to be one the higher end of the performance scale are Tubbs, Atlas, and MSR. I will primarily be doing recreational snowshoeing, but hope to be able to get into some overnight/extended day winter camping in the future (both on the AT and other places). So I need a snowshoe that will serve me well for both - and, hopefully, not break the bank. The MSR Denali Classics seem to be intriguing, as their price isn't tremendously high and - from what I've heard - seem to be fairly durable and function well. I'm now looking for more feedback from personal experience. Will the MSR Denali really give enough float in deep snow? Will a mid level shoe be enough for occassional backcountry trips or am I just better off going high end from the get go? Any input is greatly appreciated. Oh, yeah, I'm about 175 lbs without gear - if that makes a difference as to whether or not to avoid one particular make/model.

Thanks!

[virtualfrog]

Disclaimer: I haven't used these yet.

I just received a set of the MSR Denali Ascents (little snow here, even in northern Vermont), though haven't been able to get out on them yet. I also bought the 8" tails for them.

Looking at them, they look to be very nicely built, and well designed. They're a good size w/ the tails, and should hold me nicely (185lbs) in the deep snow we usually get here. I don't know how often you plan to be in the mountains, but the little ascent clip is a pretty ingeniously simply device to add to it.

Will the Denali float you w/o tails? Nah...unless it's really crusty/packed snow already.

So far, I'm about as pleased as you can be, just looking at the things.

[woodsy]

This same conversation came up awhile back,
click here:http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=18579
Good luck

[smokymtnsteve]

I liek my red feathers,,,

my partner uses a set of Yukon charlies,

[Mr. Clean]

The three shoes you mentioned are all good, but what should decide it for you are the different bindings. Get the one that you feel "right" about. I personally own two pair of Atlas, 8x33 & 10x30. The 8x33's have a soft decking that makes almost no noise, even in hard crunchy snow, but the crampons on them are fairly short. I haven't really been able to put the 10x30's to use as we've had little snow here lately.

So, people will rave about this shoe and that, but they are all good. Try putting them on and off with mittens on and see which ones feel right.

[adamkrz]

Check out Sierratradingpost.com,Got a pair of redfeather shoes last year and they work very well.

[stumpknocker]

I have a pair of these and like them; http://www.northernlites.com/

They have a lifetime guarantee. :)