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MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes
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MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes

Item # 690363

$139.95

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Quickly becoming the standard for snowshoe aficionados--these lightweight, platform snowshoes provide superior flotation and traction.

  • Strong, bombproof UniDeck™ injection-molded decks will last season after season, resisting icy build-up
  • Mitten-friendly strap bindings with heel stabilizers stay pliable and easy to use in cold temperatures
  • Steel crampons offer positive traction for climbing, while multi-toothed steel side rails offer grip for traversing side slopes and icy terrain
  • Molded braking bars in decking create a snowplow effect, providing grip for uphill and downhill travel
  • Attachable Flotation Tails™ (sold separately) add buoyancy when walking in deep powder snow or carrying heavy loads
  • Please note: without tails, recommended load is 90 - 125 lbs., with 4 in. tails, recommended load is 125 - 175 lbs. and with 8 in. tails, recommended load is 175 - 225 lbs.+
  • Recommended load specification includes weight of hiker with gear in soft snow conditions; flotation will vary with snow conditions

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

Made in USA.

Item 690363

MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes Specs

Specification

Description

Suggested useTrail
Dimensions22 x 8 inches
Weight (pair)3 lbs. 10 oz.
Recommended load90 - 125 pounds
Frame materialPlastic
Deck materialPlastic
Crampon materialStainless steel
Instep cramponNo
Heel cramponNo
Lateral cramponYes
Heel liftNo
GenderUnisex

MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes
 
4.1

(based on 19 reviews)

78%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (15)
  • Attach securely (14)
  • Easy entry & exit (14)
  • Good traction (14)
  • Stable (14)

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Deep snow (12)
    • Flat terrain (12)
    • Icy conditions (12)
    • Off trail (11)
    • Rolling terrain (11)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Casual adventurer (12), Advanced (6), Casual photographer (3)

    Reviewed by 19 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-10

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    (11 of 11 customers found this review helpful)

     
    5.0

    Great!

    By jox

    from Golden, CO

    About Me Advanced, Alpinist

    Site Member

    Pros

    • Attach Securely
    • Compact Design
    • Easy Entry & Exit
    • Lightweight
    • Stable

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • All Terrain
      • Day Hikes
      • Deep Snow
      • Icy Conditions
      • Off Trail

      Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

      The best snowshoe out there...hands down! If yer going to climb hills while shoeing, get the EVO Ascents with the heel lift bar...it works superbly and aleviates calf burn. The teeth on these shoes are incredible for gripping steep snow and for holding power on icy terrain. The pivot allows the shoe to remain flat while walking so that you don't hurl snow up onto your backside.

      • Sizing:
      • Feels true to size
      • Width:
      • Feels true to width

      (9 of 10 customers found this review helpful)

       
      5.0

      Ranger Recommended

      By Grizzly Dan

      from Central Massachusetts

      About Me Casual/ Recreational

      Site Member

      Pros

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

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Flat Terrain
        • Icy Conditions
        • Rolling Terrain
        • Steep Pitches

        Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

        I recently went backpacking in the Adirondacks and these were the best.

        The crampons bit into the hard pack and ice awesome. We crossed paths with several other groups and the few without Denali's wished they had them.

        Even the rangers patrolling the mountains were all wearing these. If you are going hiking someplace where there is an already established trail; buy the Denali's.

        The rangers did say though that for places with alot of deep powder that they prefer the more conventional aluminum style snowshoes.

        Otherwise I can't recommend these enough! I can't imagine having any other type of snowshoe for hiking.

        And for other reviews that claim the bindings keep coming lose on them, they must not know how to use them. Nobody in my party or any others that I asked had any problem. They held secure the entire trip.

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size
        • Width:
        • Feels true to width

        (7 of 7 customers found this review helpful)

         
        4.0

        I would buy this product again.

        By bikejr

        from Renton, WA

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Compact Design
        • Easy Entry & Exit
        • Good Traction
        • Modular with tails

        Cons

        • Heel strap has come loose

        Best Uses

        • All Terrain
        • Deep Snow
        • Flat Terrain

        Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

        This is my first year snowshoeing. Since I am really a hiker I wanted a good shoe that was easy to strap on the back of a pack when snowshoes were not always needed at the start of a hike. These with the modular design have fit the bill. I didnt' initially use the tails, but have found lately that the 4 inch tails have become pretty standard. With the tails though it is easy to carry just want you want/need meaning you aren't stuck with a 26 or 30 inch snowshoe if you really don't need it for the conditions. I currently weigh about 215 dressed to hike without pack and will typically carry 20-25 lbs in my winter day pack (arrgh). There are times I might have wanted the 8 inch tails, but unfortunately wasn't carrying them. The 4 inch have been adequate if whatever I have encountered to date.
        My hikes have typically been up snow covered logging roads with a few side excursions. No super steep terrain of late. I think I'd like the televator heel feature for a lot of steep climbing.
        I typically wear my Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR Trail shoes with these which work great. Just make sure you have the Gortex ones...
        The only real complaint (thus why I didn't rate it 5 stars) I have is that I've had the heel strap come loose a few times. I think I am better at really pulling it tight which seems to help. You really want it as tight as you can get it. If this comes off it can lead to some interesting situations when it comes off and you suddenly are shoeless and posthole up to your waist with the one foot.

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size
        • Width:
        • Feels true to width

        (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

         
        3.0

        Not Impressed

        By snow6

        from Boulder, CO

        About Me Advanced

        Pros

        • Good Traction
        • Lightweight

        Cons

        • Back Strap Issues
        • Difficult Entry & Exit

        Best Uses

        • All Terrain
        • Deep Snow
        • Off Trail

        Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

        I have had these snowshoes for this entire season. I am constantly having problems with the back strap coming undone from the side without the clamp on it. It creates a major problem when you're in the backcountry and you step completely out of your shoe. The strap doesn't stay secure and eventually works itself out of the clasp. The three strap system also makes it a bit more cramped trying to get the shoe on especially when it is cold out.

        I just took them back and ordered a pair of MSR Lightning Ascent 22's which I have used before. For the extra money I would go with them if you are looking for a good all around snowshoe.

        • Sizing:
        • Feels true to size
        • Width:
        • Feels true to width

        (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

         
        5.0

        If it ain't broke, don't fix it

        By T Bone

        from Denver, CO

        About Me Casual/ Recreational

        Site Member

        Pros

        • Attach Securely
        • Compact Design
        • Easy Entry & Exit
        • Good Traction
        • Lightweight
        • Repels snow very well
        • Stable

        Cons

          Best Uses

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

          Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

          I have the older model with the lace-up bindings, but the design of the decks remain unchanged. What a great product. I have great faith in the rugged, molded design of the Denali's. What I like in particular is how well the decks repel snow when in deep powder. I'm running and jumping though powder while it seems all my friends are doing is being tripped up by they're big, clunky shoes. The Denali's also don't have all those riveted connections that are subject to failure. Solid piece of equipment that will last a lifetime. Great for beginners and advanced alike.

          • Sizing:
          • Feels true to size
          • Width:
          • Feels true to width

          (5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Great snowshoe bargain!

          By Larz

          from Davis, CA

          About Me Advanced

          Site Member

          Pros

          • Attach Securely
          • Easy Entry & Exit
          • Lightweight
          • Stable

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Day Hikes
            • Deep Snow
            • Off Trail

            Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

            These are a good bargain shoe. In general are great for recreational use. With tail extensions they float very well in deep powder. Crampons are not as rugged as more expensive shoes, but they do the trick most of the time. I bought a second pair for beginner guests to wear when I take them out for the first time.

            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Width:
            • Feels true to width

            (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            I don't think they get any better!

            By Xpaun67

            from Eden Prairie, MN

            About Me Casual/ Recreational

            Site Member

            Pros

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

            Cons

            • NONE SO FAR

            Best Uses

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

            Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

            After a bad experience with a rival brand I decided to go with these after taking some time looking at the design. The bindings are excellent! I've never had them fall off yet. Also the grip is incredible. I've climbed steep hills that were iced over from sleds with ease. The floatation tails are nice to take on and off depending on what kind of trek I plan on taking.

            • Sizing:
            • Feels true to size
            • Width:
            • Feels true to width

            (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

             
            3.0

            Heel strap too short

            By Prez

            from St. Paul, MN

            About Me Casual/ Recreational, Getting Started

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Good Traction
            • Lightweight
            • Stable

            Cons

            • heel strap too short

            Best Uses

            • Deep Snow
            • Flat Terrain
            • Icy Conditions
            • Rolling Terrain

            Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

            I got these for Christmas and thought they were great, until I got new boots. [...]I'm still growing and had to move up to size 14 boots. The first time I used them with my new boots, on a snow camping trip in the middle of winter, I dicovered that the heel strap was a few inches too short. I eventually got them to (sort of) work by pulling the strap with a plyers, but it was a hassle. They provided good flotation in 5 foot deep powder (I weiegh 180 and my tobbogan was about 70 lbs.)with the 8 inch tails, and i was impressed by that. I've E-mailed the company several times asking if longer straps are available ( I couldn't find them anywhere on their site) but I haven't gotten any response ( it's been almost a year). So I guess I wouldnt reccomend them to anyone with feet larger than size 12 mens.

            • Sizing:
            • Feels half size too small
            • Width:
            • Feels true to width

            (4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)

             
            5.0

            Newer Style Brings Perfection

            By MyRy

            from Portland, OR

            About Me Casual/ Recreational, Getting Started

            Site Member

            Pros

            • Attach Securely
            • Compact Design
            • Easy Entry & Exit
            • Lightweight
            • Stable

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Day Hikes
              • Deep Snow
              • Icy Conditions

              Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

              This snowshoe is by far my favorite. Having tried several styles and subjected this one to a rigorous weekend excursion, I would choose this one every time. The traction design makes it perfect for uphill climbing and icy conditions and the tail addition makes it perfect for deep snow. Probably some of the least bulky shoes on the market, I never tripped over myself like I did with other brands. Made to last, rugged and technologically advanced.

              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size
              • Width:
              • Feels true to width

              (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Love the shoes but not the bindings.

              By Wolflick Annie

              from Saint Marys PA

              About Me Advanced

              Site Member

              Pros

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

              Cons

              • Bindings dry rotted
              • Break Easily

              Best Uses

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

              Comments about MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes:

              I love these shoes. I have weak legs because of a broken back and the lightweight design make them feel like I don't even have them on. The only drawback is the bindings which have dry rotted and have broken and are no longer useable. I tried to find replacements but was unable to. I now have them rigged out with shoelaces and they work OK. I tried others but the weight was to much. I will use these with the shoelaces until I am able to buy a new pair.

              • Gift:
              • No
              • Sizing:
              • Feels true to size
              • Width:
              • Feels true to width

              Displaying reviews 1-10

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