Venturing into a winter landscape on snowshoes is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the season. Whether you’re breaking trail on a forest path or tackling a steep, backcountry ascent, the right pair of snowshoes provides the flotation and traction needed to travel safely and efficiently over deep snow. The wrong pair, however, can lead to a frustrating and exhausting outing. This guide is designed to help you find the perfect match for your winter adventures, from casual hikes to serious mountaineering objectives.
The key to a great snowshoe lies in its frame, decking, binding system, and crampon configuration. Different terrains demand different features; a lightweight model might be ideal for packed trails, while aggressive, technical terrain requires a more robust build with serious bite. We have compiled a list of ten top-performing snowshoes from trusted brands like Tubbs, MSR, and Atlas to help you navigate the options and make a confident choice for your next winter expedition.
Our Top Picks for Hiking and Backpacking Snowshoes
- Tubbs Mountaineer 25
- Atlas Snowshoes Helium MTN
- TSL Snowshoes Symbioz Racing
- TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjustable
- MSR Lightning Ascent Women’s
- Tubbs Flex VRT Backcountry
- MSR Evo Ascent Backcountry
- Tubbs Mountaineer 36
- Tubbs Men’s Xplore Kit
- Tubbs Flex ALP Snowshoe
Tubbs Mountaineer 25
The Tubbs Mountaineer 25 is built for serious backcountry travel and mountaineering. Its Pro-Step Frame and Soft-Tec Decking are engineered to provide reliable flotation in deep snow, while the R2 Revolution Response articulation allows for a natural and efficient stride. This design helps reduce leg fatigue over long distances, making it a solid choice for extended trips into untracked terrain.
Control is paramount on steep and variable slopes, and the ActiveFit 2.0 Binding delivers a secure and comfortable fit around a wide range of winter boots. The binding system is easy to adjust, even with gloved hands, ensuring your foot stays firmly in place when you need stability the most. This model is a workhorse for those who demand performance and durability from their gear.
Atlas Snowshoes Helium MTN
For those who prioritize speed and a lightweight build without sacrificing technical performance, the Atlas Helium MTN is an excellent option. The standout feature is the BOA Fit System, which replaces traditional straps with a micro-adjustable dial. This allows for a precise and secure fit that can be fine-tuned in seconds, a major advantage when navigating technical sections.
The Helium Deck is designed with louvers that effectively shed snow, preventing buildup and keeping the overall weight down. Combined with the aggressive Helium MTN Crampon, these snowshoes provide reliable traction on a variety of surfaces, from icy crusts to steep, hard-packed slopes. They are a top-tier choice for fast-and-light winter missions in the mountains.
TSL Snowshoes Symbioz Racing
The TSL Symbioz Racing snowshoe is engineered for one primary purpose: speed. As one of the lightest racing snowshoes available, weighing just over 1.3 pounds per pair, it minimizes energy expenditure with every step. Its hyper-flexible design is a standout feature, allowing for a running motion that feels much more natural than with traditional, rigid snowshoes.
Despite its lightweight construction, it doesn’t compromise on a secure fit. The adjustable binding is designed to hold your foot firmly in place during dynamic movement, providing the control needed for racing or fast-paced training on packed snow. If your winter activities involve running or moving quickly on established trails, this model is worth a close look.
TSL Outdoor Symbioz Hyperflex Adjustable Snowshoes
Building on the flexible platform of the racing model, the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjustable snowshoe offers versatility for a wider range of users. The hyperflex technology allows the deck to twist and move with your foot, which enhances comfort and preserves a natural gait on uneven terrain. This can significantly reduce fatigue during long days on the trail.
The adjustable binding system accommodates a broad range of boot sizes, making it a practical choice for rental operations or families where one pair might need to fit multiple people. Its combination of a flexible feel and a user-friendly binding makes it a great all-arounder for recreational hiking and fitness snowshoeing.
MSR Lightning Ascent Women’s Snowshoes
The MSR Lightning Ascent is a premium women’s-specific snowshoe built for demanding backcountry and mountaineering use. Its tapered, ultralight frame is designed to complement a narrower stride, preventing leg strain and improving efficiency. Weighing under 4 pounds for the pair, they are remarkably light for a snowshoe with such robust traction.
These snowshoes excel on steep, technical terrain. The 360-degree traction frame and durable steel DTX crampons provide edge-to-edge grip, giving you confidence on traverses and icy slopes. The Paragon bindings are a highlight, featuring a one-piece strap that contours securely to your boot without creating pressure points, offering a precise and comfortable fit.
Tubbs Flex VRT Backcountry Snowshoe
The Tubbs Flex VRT incorporates advanced technology to improve performance and comfort in the backcountry. Its Torsion Deck is engineered to articulate with your foot’s movement, which enhances traction by keeping more of the crampon in contact with the snow. This design also helps maintain your natural walking motion on uneven surfaces.
It features a high-performance binding with a Boa closure system, allowing for a precise and even fit with a simple turn of a dial. The Viper 2.0 Carbon Steel Toe Crampon provides aggressive, responsive traction when you need it most. This model is for the snowshoer who wants modern, technical features for challenging winter conditions.
MSR Evo Ascent Backcountry Snowshoes
The MSR Evo Ascent is a versatile and dependable workhorse, ideal for both beginners and seasoned snowshoers heading into rolling or mountainous terrain. Its grip comes from steel traction rails and brake bars that are molded directly into the deck, providing a reliable and durable bite on hard-packed snow and ice.
A key feature for tackling hills is the Televator heel lift, which easily flips up to reduce calf strain on steep ascents. The Tri-Fit bindings are simple, freeze-resistant, and easy to adjust with gloves on, accommodating everything from hiking boots to insulated winter pac boots. This combination of features offers tremendous value and performance.
Tubbs Mountaineer 36
The Tubbs Mountaineer 36 shares the same high-performance DNA as the Mountaineer 25 but is designed for larger loads or deeper snow conditions. The extended surface area provides maximum flotation, making it an essential tool for winter backpackers carrying heavy packs or for users in regions with very light, powdery snow.
It utilizes the same proven Pro-Step Frame and R2 Revolution Response articulation as its smaller sibling, ensuring a efficient and natural stride. Paired with the secure ActiveFit 2.0 Binding, this snowshoe offers the control and flotation needed for the most demanding winter expeditions where failure is not an option.
Tubbs Men’s Xplore Kit
The Tubbs Men’s Xplore Kit is the perfect all-in-one solution for someone just starting out or for recreational use on groomed and broken trails. This kit includes not only the snowshoes but also a pair of adjustable poles and gaiters, providing everything you need for a comfortable and stable first experience.
The snowshoes themselves are designed for ease of use and reliability on typical winter paths. The inclusion of poles adds balance and support, while the gaiters help keep snow out of your boots. This bundle offers significant value and convenience, removing the guesswork from gearing up for a day in the snow.
Tubbs Flex ALP Snowshoe
The Tubbs Flex ALP snowshoe is designed to bridge the gap between recreational trail models and technical backcountry performers. It likely incorporates elements of Tubbs’ Flex series, such as torsional articulation for a natural stride, in a package suited for a variety of mountain conditions.
This model would be an excellent choice for the snowshoer who ventures beyond packed trails and needs a versatile tool that can handle rolling terrain, some steep sections, and variable snow. While specific features for this model are not listed, Tubbs’ reputation for quality bindings and reliable traction suggests a product built for confident movement in the winter mountains.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Snowshoes for Hiking & Backpacking Terrain
When I first started looking for snowshoes, I was overwhelmed by the choices. It turns out, picking the right pair isn’t just about size; it’s about matching the shoe to your weight, the terrain you’ll be on, and your activity level. Getting this right is the difference between a fun day in the snow and a frustrating slog. Let me walk you through the main things I consider.
The first and most critical factor is flotation. This is the snowshoe’s ability to keep you on top of the snow, and it’s primarily determined by size. The rule of thumb is simple: the more you weigh (including your backpack), the larger the snowshoe surface area you need. Manufacturers provide weight range charts for their models, so pay close attention to those. For a day hike with a light pack, a smaller shoe might be fine. But for winter backpacking with a heavy overnight load, you’ll definitely want a larger model for maximum flotation.
Next, think about the terrain you’ll be tackling most often. Are you sticking to flat, groomed trails, or are you heading into steep, mountainous backcountry? For flat and rolling terrain, a simple, all-around binding and a flat, symmetrical frame will work well. If you’re going into the mountains, you need two key features: heel lifts (also called ascenders) and aggressive traction. Heel lifts are little bars you flip up under your heel when climbing a steep slope. They reduce calf fatigue immensely by letting your foot rest flat. For traction, look for sharp, steel toe and heel crampons that bite into hard-packed and icy slopes.
The binding system is your direct connection to the snowshoe, and it needs to be secure and easy to use. I look for bindings I can operate with a gloved hand. Rotating or swivel bindings are great for a natural walking gait, while fixed bindings can be more stable for specific tasks. The material matters, too; frozen, stiff straps are a nightmare, so many modern bindings use materials that stay flexible in the cold.
Finally, consider the frame material. Most modern snowshoes use lightweight aluminum or composite materials like plastic. Aluminum frames are generally more durable and better for rugged, icy conditions where the frame might get banged on rocks. Composite frames are often lighter and can be more resistant to water and corrosion, which is great for wet, heavy snow. Your choice here will affect the overall weight and longevity of your gear. By thinking about your total weight, the terrain, and these key features, you can confidently pick from the many options for the best snowshoes for hiking & backpacking terrain that fit your specific winter plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size snowshoes do I need?
Snowshoe size is all about total weight flotation. You need to calculate your total weight, which includes your own body weight, the weight of all the clothing and boots you’ll be wearing, and the weight of your backpack with all its gear. Once you have that number, use the manufacturer’s sizing chart for the specific model you’re looking at. These charts typically break down into small, medium, and large sizes based on weight ranges. A common mistake is buying snowshoes that are too small, which will cause you to post-hole (sink deep into the snow), making your hike exhausting.
Can I use my regular hiking boots with snowshoes?
Yes, in most cases you absolutely can. The vast majority of recreational and mountaineering snowshoes are designed to be used with sturdy, insulated winter hiking boots. The bindings are adjustable to fit a wide range of boot sizes. The key is that your boot needs to have a relatively stiff sole to effectively transfer pressure to the snowshoe’s crampons for traction. Soft, flexible shoes won’t work as well. Your boot should also be waterproof.
How do heel lifts work and when should I use them?
Heel lifts, or ascenders, are a fantastic feature for anyone planning to hike up hills. They are small, flip-up bars located under the heel area of the snowshoe. When you’re climbing a sustained, steep slope, you flip these up so your heel rests on them. This keeps your foot relatively level, like you’re standing on a small step. This simple action drastically reduces the strain on your calf muscles, saving a significant amount of energy on long ascents. I use them anytime I’m on a slope that feels like it’s burning my calves.
Are there different types of snowshoes for men and women?
While the core function is the same, many brands offer women-specific models. These are typically designed with a slightly narrower frame and a binding system that is positioned to better accommodate a woman’s generally narrower stance and hip structure. This can lead to a more comfortable and natural walking gait, reducing fatigue. That said, a unisex or men’s model can work perfectly fine for many women. It’s best to focus on the fit and the weight rating rather than the gender label, but if you have the option to try a women-specific model, it’s worth considering.
What kind of maintenance do snowshoes require?
Snowshoes are pretty low-maintenance, but a little care will make them last much longer. After each use, I knock off any caked-on snow and let them air dry completely before storing them. Do not store them in a damp bag or a hot car trunk. It’s a good idea to periodically check the bindings for any signs of wear or damage to the straps and buckles. Also, inspect the crampons and cleats to make sure they are still sharp and securely fastened. A quick wipe-down of the frame prevents long-term corrosion. Finding the right pair from a list of the best snowshoes for hiking & backpacking terrain is the first step, but taking care of them ensures they’ll be ready for many seasons to come.