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MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes

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Product Description,
Product Specs,
Reviews

These MSR Lightning Ascent 25 snowshoes offer premium traction and performance for exploring mountain terrain and venturing into the backcountry.

Total-Traction™ frame is made from a single, vertical blade of aerospace-grade aluminum, supported by 2 cross-members of high-strength steel
Frame supplies 360° of traction, thanks to aggressive teeth integrated into the frame along the outside edges and underfoot
Urethane-impregnated nylon decking is lightweight, waterproof and durable; heel strike area features a welded reinforcement patch
Bindings fit a variety of boots, open wide for easy access, and feature 3 easily adjustable silicon instep straps and a heel strap for a secure fit
Steel crampons underfoot not only grip well, they provide stability and reduce heel drift for an efficient gait
Heel lifts ease the strain on your calves during steep ascents
All materials are waterproof, so they don't soak up water, freeze and get heavy; straps remain adjustable and easy to use in all conditions
Lightning Flotation Tails (sold separately) add buoyancy when walking in deep powder snow or carrying heavy loads
Please note: without tails, recommended load is 120 - 210 lbs., and with 5 in. tails, recommended load is 120 - 270 lbs.
Recommended load specification for the MSR Lightning Ascent 25 snowshoes includes weight of hiker with gear; flotation will vary with snow conditions

Please note: MSR products can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.

Made in USA.

Item 805325

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MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes

4.4

(based on 19 reviews)

94%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Good traction (18)
Attach securely (16)
Lightweight (15)
Stable (15)
Easy in/out (12)

Cons

Best Uses

Everyday (15)
Icy conditions (14)
Off trail (14)
Steep pitches (14)
Rolling terrain (12)

- Sizing:
- Feels full size too small
  
  Feels half size too small
  
  Feels true to size
  
  100%
  (14 reviews)
  Feels half size too big
  
  Feels full size too big
- Width:
- Feels too narrow
  
  Feels true to width
  
  93%
  (13 reviews)
  Feels too wide

- Reviewer Profile:
- Intermediate (10), Advanced (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (17)

Reviewed by 19 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Feb

2013

4.0

good purchase

By carl the mountain maniac

from snohomish, wa.

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

great design, worked great on soft and hard snow

Comment on this review

Feb

2013

5.0

Excellent Product

By Hiker Bri

from Lakewood, Colorado

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Compact Design
Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Flat Terrain
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Rolling Terrain
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

A relative newbie to snowshoeing, I tried the big box store deal snowshoes & poles a couple times, which are fine for short distance & flat landscape. Since upgrading to the MSR's, I've definitely "upgraded" my experience with no problems going up/down steep pitches, traversing ice or slick wind-blown sections. I don't slide at all going up or down any pitch. Being 6'1" about 220, I'm on the upper end of 25" snowshoes, but with the 5" extenders, I can handle very soft snow conditions if need be. They are pricey, but a good investment in my mind. Very well made.

Comment on this review

Jan

2013

5.0

Love them in Yosemite National Park

By Jeff from Vegas

from Las Vegas

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Compact Design
Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Difficult Entry & Exit

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

I bought the snowshoes just before my annual trip to Yosemite National Park. When we were there it snowed roughly 6 inches up on Badger Pass. WE snowshoed 4 of the 5 days we were at Yosemite.

The traction was good going uphill or downhill, and it was solid in the powder up on the mountain and in the icy condtitions down in the valley. My wife got the ladies version of these snowshoes.

The only downside is the entry system, which is difficult in to work in thick gloves or with cold hands.

Even so my wife and I both strongly recommend them.

Comment on this review

Jan

2013

5.0

Gold Standard

By Colorado Runner

from Lafayette, CO

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Flat Terrain
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Rolling Terrain
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

If you want snowshoes get these...or buy something else and wish for these. Excellent traction and hold, you feel very agile using these. Comfortable to walk all day in these snowshoes. The buckles can be a little difficult but they dont slip while wearing the shoes, I would rather walk 6 hours and never have to adjust the fit. If you like snowshoeing dont buy two sets, just get MSR and be done with it.

Comment on this review

Oct

2012

5.0

Love them!

By firemanmargarita

from Folsom, CA

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Flat Terrain
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Rolling Terrain
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

I love these snowshoes! I have never had any problems with them. I have used them all over the Lake Tahoe area in all conditions of snow and they have never let me down. They are comfortable, secure to multiple styles of boots that I have tried well.

Comment on this review

Apr

2012

5.0

Great West Coast snow shoe

By Bruce Photodude

from Courtenay BC

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Great on icy side hills
New straps flexible cold
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

This is my third pair of MSR's. I use them once a week all season on Mt. Washington.
They are far & away the best for varied terrain & different snow conditions. Very durable & reliable. Great to have the ascent feature for long hills.
Non-MSR friends seem to have lots of trouble on icy side hills & steep descents. We've all converted to MSR Lightnings.

Comment on this review

Mar

2012

4.0

Excellent except for the front clips

By blkpanther

from Portland, OR

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Bad placement of clip

Best Uses

Flat Terrain
Icy Conditions
Rolling Terrain
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

These snowshoes worked flawlessly except that, I used these once after I bought them and the front clip wore cuts into the fabric. I think maybe the large toes of my boots pushed the clip out too far while going uphill. We traveled off the path into deep snow and even though I weigh about 70 lbs more than the girls I was with I didn't sink anymore than they did. I haven't used the powder attachment yet though. I had no trouble slipping, even on ice. I also liked the flip up accent bar. It was easy to use and saved my calves.

Comment on this review

Feb

2012

4.0

wintry backcountry freedom

By mountain angel

from Glide, OR

About Me Intermediate

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight

Cons

Best Uses

Deepery powdery snow
Off Trail
Steep icy traverses
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

A cautious buyer, I first borrowed these snowshoes from a friend and went on a single-day trip up Norse Peak. Loved them. Saved my pennies, bought my own pair, and promptly took them on a three day trip though the Diamond Peak Wilderness. The teeth around the frame of the shoe allow you to dig in and stick on steeper icy slopes - great feature when your main trip intent is a mountain summit. They also perform well in deeper powdery snow.
The straps are fast and easy to attach, even when wearing thick gloves. Extra strap tail unclips easily from the clips that hold it, but that in no way affects the buckling system.
The heel lift of the 25" shoe may not accommodate smaller feet. I wear women's 9.5, and when properly strapped in, the heel lift was near the edge of my boot. There will also be lots of excess strap if you have smaller feet - easy problem to take care of.
In any case, a great shoe, and I'm looking forward to taking them on more trips!

Service and delivery comments:

well-packaged, very timely delivery.

Comment on this review

Feb

2012

4.0

first timer and I loved it

By high on flats

from Columbus, KS

About Me Beginner

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Compact Design
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Icy Conditions
Rolling Terrain
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

went on my 1st snowshoe hike, was only going to go 3 miles, made one wrong turn and went 6 ohn! They performed excellent! No unusual muscle pain because of awkwardness or un-natural performance of the equipment. The only draw back I have is the hole your boot passes through when you walk is a hair to small. The metal buckle that strapped around my boot tore a small rip in the side of both snowshoes.

Comment on this review

Jan

2012

5.0

LEGIT SHOES

By skeezbox

from Rocky Mountains

About Me Expert

See all my reviews

Pros

Attach Securely
Easy Entry & Exit
Good Traction
Lightweight
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

All Terrain
Deep Snow
Icy Conditions
Off Trail
Steep Pitches

Comments about MSR Lightning Ascent 25 Snowshoes:

First set of shoes that have adequate float and provide excellent traction on ice, steep grades. 190+40 pound pack with clip on provided more than enough float. May not float as well as tubs on crust but outperform in all other conditions.