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MSR Lightning Ascent Review

The best snowshoes in our test, complete with high end features and simple engineering
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msr lightning ascent snowshoes review
Chris breaking trail in wind-transported snow.
Credit: Ian McEleney
Price:  $390 List
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Manufacturer:   MSR
By Ian McEleney ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 20, 2022
77
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#1 of 13
  • Flotation - 30% 5.0
  • Traction - 25% 9.0
  • Stride Ergonomics - 15% 8.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 9.0
  • Bindings - 15% 9.0

Our Verdict

Year after year, the MSR Lightning Ascent takes the top spot in our review. The latest version of what has become a classic snowshoe features a binding design that is just as secure and more comfortable than the previous iteration. However, the Paragon binding is harder to use, especially for folks with big feet. Hikers who favor softer winter footwear may find this trade-off worth it. Otherwise, the design is unchanged from the simple, solid setup our testers have come to love. It features excellent traction and binding security, along with good stride ergonomics. This model works well for anyone who needs snowshoes, though those traveling off the beaten path will most appreciate them. See it ranked against other top products in our article on the best snowshoes.
REASONS TO BUY
Rigid
Precise
Excellent binding security
Impressive traction
REASONS TO AVOID
New binding trades ease-of-use for comfort
Editor's Note: This review was updated on December 20, 2022, after refreshing our entire lineup.

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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Our overall champ combines simplicity and high-quality materials, features, and engineeringThis model is a well-rounded performer and boasts a lower price than most, making it a great valueA good choice for off trail travel and softer snowA good choice for firm, hard packed snow when you don't need a ton of floatMost cheap snowshoes have poor bindings, but we found the G2 to be comfy and secure
Rating Categories MSR Lightning Ascent Atlas Helium Trail Crescent Moon Big S... TSL Symbioz Hyperfl... G2 Ratchet Binding
Flotation (30%)
5.0
7.0
9.0
2.0
8.0
Traction (25%)
9.0
5.0
4.0
9.0
2.0
Stride Ergonomics (15%)
8.0
7.0
4.0
8.0
3.5
Ease of Use (15%)
9.0
9.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
Bindings (15%)
9.0
6.0
6.0
7.0
5.0
Specs MSR Lightning Ascent Atlas Helium Trail Crescent Moon Big S... TSL Symbioz Hyperfl... G2 Ratchet Binding
Uses Spring snow and steep terrain Spring snow and moderate terrain Deep snow Groomed trails Spring snow and groomed trails
Optimum Weight Load (per manufacturer) 22": up to 180 lbs;
25": 120-220 lbs;
30": 150-280 lbs
23": 80-160 lbs;
26": 150-220 lbs;
30": 200-270+ lbs
up to 225 lbs S: 65-180 lbs;
M: 110-260 lbs;
L: 150-300 lbs
21": up to 150 lbs;
25": up to 200 lbs;
30": up to 250 lbs;
36": up to 300 lbs
Weight (per pair) 4 lbs 0 oz 3 lbs 7 oz 5 lbs 2 oz 4 lbs 9 oz 4 lbs 8 oz
Surface Area 188 in² 207 in² 256 in² 162 in² 225 in²
Dimensions 25 x 8" 27 x 9" 32 x 10" 22 x 8" 30.5' x 9"
Crampon/Traction Aids Steel crampons, rails, and teeth Steel crampons and rails Steel crampons Many steel teeth Aluminum crampons and teeth
Frame Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Composite Aluminum
Deck Material Fabric Nytex nylon Polyurethane fabric Composite Polyethylene fabric
Heel Lift Yes Yes Optional Yes Yes
Binding/Deck Connection Hinged Hinged Strapped Hinged Hinged
Binding System Rubber net and straps with pin-in-hole Nylon straps with plastic buckles, rubber strap with pin-in-hole Rubber straps with plastic buckles Combination of rigid plastic, nylon straps, cam locks, and ratchet style straps Ratchet straps with plastic buckles, EVA padding, rubber tension straps
Flotation Tails Sold Separately? Yes No No No No
Men's and Women's Versions? Yes Unisex Yes Unisex Unisex
Sizes Available 22", 25", 30" 23", 26", 30" One size (32") S (20.5"), M (23.5"), L (27") 22", 25", 30", 36"
Tested Size 25" 26" 32" M 30"

Our Analysis and Test Results

The excellent features of this snowshoe have remained virtually unchanged for years other than the binding system in more recent years. The latest version of the bindings adds more comfort, though at the cost of being slightly less easy to use than the old rubber strap design.

Performance Comparison


msr lightning ascent snowshoes review - the lightning ascent is our testers favorite snowshoe for steep...
The Lightning Ascent is our testers favorite snowshoe for steep, mountainous terrain.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Flotation


Flotation is the main reason to reach for a pair of snowshoes, and the best models keep you on top of or just below the snow's surface. There is a clear correlation between surface area and flotation. The Lightning Ascent is average among the models in our test regarding surface area specs, but the lightweight aluminum frame and urethane-impregnated nylon deck boost the flotation. A couple of other models float better because they provide more surface area when wearing the manufacturer's recommended size for our tester's weight.


Stride ergonomics and flotation are two metrics that exist in tension, as a larger snowshoe floats better but doesn't usually walk as naturally. In the case of the Ascent, our testers felt that these two characteristics were in excellent balance. We suspect this is due both to the hinged binding design and the slightly rockered shape of the frame.

Winter travelers who need to augment their flotation in fresh snow or deep powder should look into the Lightning Tails. This MSR accessory adds 5 inches of length to the snowshoe. Our testers liked these on mellow terrain but found them to be rather cumbersome on steep or technical ground.

msr lightning ascent snowshoes review - we calculated the surface area ourselves, the 25" lightning ascent...
We calculated the surface area ourselves, the 25" Lightning Ascent offers 188 square inches.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Traction


The Lightning Ascent features the most extensive traction design in our review. Under the forefoot are two large sharp points reminiscent of the front spikes of a crampon. Just behind this is a row of points featuring two large spikes and a selection of smaller ones. A similar row exists under the part of the deck where the user's heel sits. Additionally, the lateral frame includes serration along about half of their length.


The vertical orientation of the aluminum frame pieces means that any part of the frame touching the snow provides traction in at least one direction. This design stands in contrast to that of a tubular structure, the round shape of which only reduces grip. Furthermore, this means that the Lightning Ascent has lateral traction that's unmatched by any other product in our review, making this snowshoe an excellent performer when sidestepping on a steep slope or for switchbacking in firm conditions.

msr lightning ascent snowshoes review - for traction, the lightning ascent boasts two big crampon-style...
For traction, the Lightning Ascent boasts two big crampon-style front points (in red) and two more rows of points behind (in grey). Much of the vertically oriented frame is also serrated, significantly enhancing the traction.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Stride Ergonomics


A number of the snowshoes in our review have great stride ergonomics. In this metric, we are examining the size and shape of the deck as well as the binding to deck attachment. Smaller and more shapely decks are generally easier to walk in, though there's often a sacrifice in flotation. Our testing team prefers a hinged attachment of the binding to the deck, which the Lightning Ascent has. Though this sacrifices some walking comfort on firm trails, we're happy to trade that comfort for precision in steep, firm, or otherwise rowdy terrain.


The gentle taper in the deck from mid-foot to tail enhances the ergonomics slightly without giving up much flotation. Our testers also suspect that the rockered deck shape helps. The relatively lightweight of the Ascent (4 pounds even for a pair of the 25") makes them far less cumbersome with each step than heavier models.

msr lightning ascent snowshoes review - our testers felt that the tip-to-tail rocker of the deck contributes...
Our testers felt that the tip-to-tail rocker of the deck contributes to good walking efficiency.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Ease of Use


When it comes to ease of use, our testers look for snowshoes that are easy to put on, adjust on the fly, and take off when they're done hiking. The heel strap of the Lightning Ascent will be familiar to many users; it's a simple rubber strap with a belt-style buckle that won't freeze up and is very durable.


Our testers had problems with the straps that secure the redesigned part of the binding. The rubber webbing that cages the forefoot is secured by two rubber straps that pass through buckles near the foot's arch. We found that though these straps are long enough to fasten, the tails aren't long enough to grab easily, especially with a larger foot in the binding using up more of the strap. This effect was exacerbated when we wore gloves, which folks will often wear while snowshoeing. A small hole at the end of the strap helps a bit, but we just wished these straps were a couple of inches longer.

MSR also changed the design of its strap keepers. They're just as easy to use but seem to be more durable. This update is a welcome improvement because the keepers are, in our experience, the most broken part of any MSR snowshoe. Finally, the heel lifters snap into place securely but are also simple enough to disengage.

msr lightning ascent snowshoes review - a size 11 keen venture (a light hiking shoe) leaves 3 inches of...
A size 11 Keen Venture (a light hiking shoe) leaves 3 inches of strap tail for grabbing and adjusting. Bulkier or larger sized footwear leaves even less tail available.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Bindings


MSR has long been a leader regarding binding security, and while the Paragon binding is a newer feature, we found it kept up the tradition. The rubber mesh/webbing securely cradles the forefoot with zero slippage, and the heel strap keeps the foot in place on steep uphills.


All of the rubber strap-based bindings perform highly in this metric. None of them will come loose once properly fastened — except through user error.

msr lightning ascent snowshoes review - the heel strap should be familiar to the users of any msr snowshoe...
The heel strap should be familiar to the users of any MSR snowshoe model. It features an improved strap keeper.
Credit: Ian McEleney

A comfortable snowshoe binding distributes the tension of the binding as evenly as possible around the foot. Meaning that even if you're wearing thin or soft footwear, there are no hot spots, and circulation to the toes isn't restricted. The Paragon binding system found on the Lightning Ascent nails it for comfort. Though the red rubber webbing looks like something Spider-Man might want on his snowshoes, it distributes binding tension evenly regardless of footwear. We think the Ascent nails a balance of comfort, simplicity, and packability with the binding.

msr lightning ascent snowshoes review - the binding on the lightning ascent is comfortable whether it's...
The binding on the Lightning Ascent is comfortable whether it's paired with a hiking shoe (top), a trail runner (bottom left), or a supergaiter mountaineering boot.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Should You Buy the MSR Lightning Ascent?


Though the Ascent is a pricey snowshoe, we think it's a reasonable value. That is, as long as you'll be using it in the situations it was designed and built for: rugged, mountainous terrain. This is the sort of terrain this snowshoe shines in and what justifies the higher price tag.

msr lightning ascent snowshoes review - testing flotation.
Testing flotation.
Credit: Jessica Haist

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?


For hikers who will only occasionally be flirting with rowdy alpine terrain, the MSR Evo Trail could be a better choice. It offers slightly less flotation and traction but is still easy to use, has comfortable bindings, and can be pressed into service for brief above-treeline forays. Those who know they'll be on steeper ground should look at the Tubbs Flex VRT. It offers many of the same features as the Lightning Ascent with a smidge more flotation for larger hikers or larger packs.

Ian McEleney