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There’s nothing quite like the adventure of exploring a landscape blanketed by a freshly fallen snow. The pure white palette coupled with the deafening quiet left in the aftermath of a winter storm is truly awesome to step into and appreciate.
A pair of snowshoes grants you access to the wilderness when it’s otherwise impassable. It allows you to immerse into a natural setting unaffected by the usual disturbances of man. Even small, highly frequented woodlands, parks, and public spaces become void of humans after a heavy snow and are temporarily reclaimed by local wildlife alone. To own a pair of snowshoes grants one admission to this raw and authentic landscape — it allows one to get away from it all and feel true seclusion right in one’s own backyard.
Our top list of the best value snowshoes includes some great quality options for men, women, and children. If you’re new to snowshoeing then this is a great place to start. Give the gift of winter exploration to an adventurer in your life or get out there yourself and see what the snow-ridden landscape has been veiling all this time!
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $139.95 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $55.56 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $44.62 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $19.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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Amazon Customer Reviews
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Price: $39.99 Shop at Amazon | Shop now Read our review |
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1. MSR Evo 22 Snowshoe
Pros:- Material is super lightweight and sheds snow very well
- Really great traction achieved through MSR’s unibody traction feature
- Modular floatation tails makes this pair of snowshoes super versatile and up for a wide range of terrain
- Package deals available (include flotation tails, carry case, etc.)
- Several color options available
Cons:- Borders on being an expensive snowshoe, but you get more than you pay for with these — truly an awesome value!
- The bindings take a little getting used to
- Not ideal for deep powder conditions
The Evo 22s are a high quality, top reviewed snowshoe from MSR. If you have some experience snowshoeing or just want to purchase something of superior quality as an introduction, MSR is a great brand to check out. These almost futuristic-looking snowshoes are one of the most popular models on the market – and for good reason.
These are one of the top-performing snowshoes for rolling terrain; if you’re interested in short or multi-day treks across vast, expansive landscapes then look no further. For steep, more mountainous terrain, you might want to check out the Ascents also by MSR. At only three and a half pounds, (total) it’s the plastic base material employed in the design of these snowshoes that makes them so lightweight. The flexibility of the material also allows these snowshoes to shed snow really effectively.
MSR has crafted this model to perform using unibody traction — it’s a system where steel traction rails and brake bars are molded directly into the snowshoe decks. Customer reviews insist the system makes this model seriously solid underfoot even over sketchy, frozen terrain. The duofit bindings compliment the traction control of the Evos beautifully — they provide a snug fit for men’s boot sizes five to fifteen! The bindings are further designed to be easily adjustable while wearing your gloves so you can keep your hands toasty in the field.
Perhaps the coolest feature of these snowshoes is that you can attach separately sold modular flotation tails to the back for all condition adaptability! The flotation tails allow you to easily attach a larger foot bed for increased mobility and maneuverability in deeper snow conditions. You can even attach and detach the tails without removing the snowshoes! It’s a really neat innovation that makes this pair of snowshoes far more versatile than even higher priced competitors.
The tails sell for about $40 on their own, or you can purchase them as a bundle when selecting your Evo Snowshoe. As far as affordable snowshoes go, the Evos by MSR provide the best quality unit without entering too steep a price range. If you want a real and true, versatile snowshoeing experience that won’t limit you as you gain proficiency – start here.
Find more MSR Evo 22 Snowshoeinformation and reviews here.
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2. Chinook Trekker 19 Snowshoes
Pros:- Highly affordable pair of snowshoes considering the quality of craftsmanship here
- Decks are UV resistant so they won’t wear out due to sun exposure
- 19-inch length is ideal for people who weigh between 59 and 90 pounds
- Two separate bindings over the foot and an adjustable heel strap make for a highly customizable fit
- Lightweight aluminum frame is effective and has a cool, sporty look as opposed to some boxier looking models
Cons:- Although the strapping and bindings are effective, there’s some customer complaints about their integrity - don’t cinch these down too aggressively
- Only one color option available
- Not rated for very good downhill control
These are my favorite highly affordable snowshoes on this list for moderate to intermediate terrain. The Trekker 19s by Chinook and come at a killer price point and are ideal for young adults and women weighing in between 59 and 90 pounds.
These aluminum frame snowshoes come equipped with double ratchet bindings for a fit that’s seriously snug and simple to modify. The heel strap is also adjustable so you can find that perfect fit specific to your boot. Heavy-duty aluminum crampons are present on the sole for some much needed added traction.
Customer reviews insist these snowshoes both bite frozen terrain well and perform just fine in deeper, unpacked powder.
There’s a wide range of sizing available with this model, so make sure to choose your pair wisely. The decks are built from UV resistant polyethylene so they won’t get worn out over time by the intense light of a snow-laden landscape. Although these snowshoes are geared towards more leisurely outings, Chinook has really built this pair to last for many seasons of trekking.
The included carry bag is a nice added touch for travel and for packing up your shoes mess-free. For a pair at this price point, Chinook has engineered a sharp pair of snowshoes with an outstanding reputation.
Find more Chinook Trekker Snowshoes information and reviews here.
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3. Chinook Trekker 30 Snowshoes
Pros:- 30-inch snowshoes intended for users weighing between 180-250 pounds
- Heavy duty aluminum crampons rotate freely to bite into snow while heel crampons provide traction for heading down mild slopes
- UV resistant polyethylene decking
- Easy-to-use dual ratchet bindings and heel straps with quick release buckles
- Carry bag included
Cons:- Compatibility will be difficult for users much under 180 pounds
- 5-pound weight is fairly cumbersome, but most larger folks will manage the weight well
- No color selection
The Chinook Trekker 30 Snowshoe is an impressively high-quality for the price point 30-inch option intended for heavier users weighing between 180 and 250 pounds.
These are built with UV resistant polyethylene decking and easy-to-use dual ratchet bindings and heel straps with quick-release buckles. Heavy-duty aluminum crampons rotate freely to bite into snow while heel crampons provide traction for heading down mild slopes, so the Trekkers are built with lifespan and variable terrain in mind.
While they are likely not suitable for truly intense pitches and particularly long treks, these snowshoes offer some truly awesome performance and overall integrity for the price point. No doubt an excellent value buy from Chinook!
Find more Chinook Trekker 30 Snowshoes information and reviews here.
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4. PEXMOR Lightweight Aluminum Snowshoes
Pros:- 21-Inch snowshoes intended for users 70-110 pounds
- HDPE decking and aluminum frame ensure these snowshoes remain lightweight at 3.9 pounds
- Built with a slightly upturned rounded tail and solid serrated crampons
- Nylon bindings are not nearly as susceptible to damage as cheap plastic ratchet straps
- Storage bag included
Cons:- Some may not like the dexterity required to adjust the nylon webbing bindings
- Limited sizing
- No color selection
The PEXMOR Lightweight Aluminum Snowshoes are a brilliant beginner’s choice for aspiring snowshoers weighing between 70 and 110 pounds.
These 21-inch shoes are built with HDPE decking and an aluminum frame to ensure they remain lightweight at just 3.9 pounds. Built with a slightly upturned rounded tail and solid serrated crampons, they can hold their own on varied terrain, but shouldn’t be used on truly steep pitches or unpredictable snow pack.
The nylon bindings are not nearly as susceptible to damage as cheap plastic ratchet straps are, but will require you to deglove in order to make adjustments, so it’s a matter of preference really.
All things considered, this is a simple and straightforward pair of entry-level snowshoes that’s perfect for those seeking a reliable and easy to use option for navigating less than challenging conditions.
Find more PEXMOR Lightweight Aluminum Snowshoes information and reviews here.
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5. Gpeng Aluminum Alloy All Terrain Snow Shoes
Pros:- Several sizes available to accommodate a wide range of user weights
- High integrity aluminum alloy frame paired with high quality PE decking combine to ensure adequate lifespan
- Slightly upturned rounded tail is meant to promote max floatation and fast movement
- Integrated crampons for enhanced traction on varied terrain
- One-buckle tightening mechanism coupled with an TPE heel strap provides efficient support
- Multiple color options available
- Carry bag included
Cons:- Complaints about the integrity and sizing of the carry bag
- Reported difficulties getting boots in and out of the strapping depending on the footwear
- Integrity of the strapping is questionable
The Gpeng Aluminum Alloy All Terrain Snow Shoes are likely the most versatile and reasonably affordable option on this list considering their stellar price point!
Available in several sizes to accommodate a wide range of user weights and built with a high integrity aluminum alloy frame paired with high-quality PE decking, these are a great entry-level pair for virtually anyone looking to get out on the snow!
A slightly upturned rounded tail is meant to promote max floatation and fast movement while integrated crampons are present for enhanced traction on varied terrain. A one-buckle tightening mechanism coupled with an TPE heel strap goes on to provide impressively efficient support at this price point.
Offered in multiple color options all of which include a carry bag for easy storage and transport, there’s a pair of Gpenf Aluminum Snowshoes for every winter athlete’s tastes!
Find more Gpeng Aluminum Alloy All Terrain Snow Shoes information and reviews here.