MSRÂ Lightning Ascent Snowshoes - Women's
This product is not available. Good news: we have a newer version.
The pinnacle of ultralight, aggressive all-terrain performance, the women's MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes have tough, reliable decking for exploring mountainous winter wonderlands.
Shop newer version- PosiLock AT bindings offer maximum foot security and packable performance, ideal for mountaineers
- Heel lifts deploy with the simple flick of a pole grip to reduce fatigue and increase traction on the steeps
- 360° Traction frames deliver a level of security that tubular frames simply can't, especially on traverses
- Women-specific frames were engineered with a renowned biomechanics expert, resulting in a lower profile that saves weight and improves agility for those with a narrow gait
- Aggressive crampons with external traction teeth ensure control and tenacious grip, especially on challenging terrain
- Add-on modular flotation tails (sold separately) accommodate heavier loads, or allow you to go from packed snow to deep powder with a single pair of snowshoes
Made in USA.
| Best Use | Snowshoeing |
|---|---|
| Snowshoe Terrain | Mountain Terrain |
| Snowshoe Closure | Rubber Strap |
| Frame Material | 7075-T6 aluminum |
| Deck Material | TPU-coated nylon |
| Crampon Material | Martensetic steel |
| Toe Crampon | Yes |
| Heel Lift | Yes |
| Gender | Women's |
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Women's shoes perfect for this male
I have used these for the last 2 years. This last week I have snowshoe'd 28+ miles, over 8,500' elevation gain, in 16 total hours in the Utah mountains. WIDTH: Being only 5' 9"" tall, I find the more narrow shoe easier to walk in and more stable on side slopes than my tube style snowshoes. I have used the male version (3/4"" wider) and trip too much as you step on the other snowshoe. This narrower version is a HUGE plus for me. BINDING: The binding does stay put for me, but I do understand other reviewers regarding the tabs not holding. The fore-most binding bracket does tear up the fabric on the inside of the toe-box opening (and my boot is not too big - Solomon Quest 4D). TRACTION: outstanding. PACKABILITY: They do nest together well if I have to put them in my pack and use my spikes for faster travel. Having said all this - the snowshoe you use, is better than not going at all.
Snowshoe deck tearing
I bought these snowshoes this winter and have used them just 4 times. The decks on both shoes are fraying and the lamination is coming undone because it appears the rocking motion of the crampon as you step is causing the metal buckle to rub. Not on the other side (non-buckle side). Both snowshoes. I am afraid to re-order this buckle set up. I think I shall go for the Lightning Explore model because the bindings do NOT use that same metal buckle that is so close to the toe. Maybe I have a wide foot. I really don't know. All I know is that it rubbed for me, and I'm afraid the fabric will not hold up for the long haul. REI and MSR have great warranties, so I will just reorder something else. I gave these snowshoes a fair rating only because they are fabulously light and nimble. Laborious to put on and remove, and the danged fraying. :\
The Best
My husband posted a review on the men's which I agree with completely. So I've just copied and pasted his. Definitely worth the purchase My wife and I moved to Colorado the end of August 2014 from Illinois. We jumped right into outdoor activities. When winter came our friends took us snowshoeing, letting use their spares. Although they worked, they also told us when we were ready to buy, they could recommend nothing but the Lightening Ascent from MSR. So as the season winds down we bought men's and women's and could not be happier. We've been through Rocky Mountain National Park, and over the Continental Divide. We can't wait for next winter!
Love 'em!
I bought these snowshoes a couple of years ago, but didn't want to review them until I had spent some time in them. I love them. My friends have other (and cheaper) snowshoes, but I think mine are worth every penny. They don't throw snow up onto the back of your legs and rear. They are very light. They seem to track true, as evidenced by the trail they leave. They don't get ice balls under the crampons. The bindings hold very well, though they take a bit more work as opposed to my friends' snowshoes. Since we don't get a ton of snow, we have a lot of varying conditions and these snowshoes handle them very well. I will keep these forever.
Cracked after 2 uses
I've used the EVO Ascent snowshoes for the past 5+ years over a variety of terrain and conditions. Lots and lots of miles on them with no issues. I'd been wanting to upgrade to the narrower lighter shoes for several years and finally did. I was extremely surprised that after two uses I have cracks in the coverings on both shoes. I'm not at or over the weight limit including my pack and gear. I've contacted customer service. I hope these were a flawed pair and I receive a replacement or refund timely. I'm extremely disappointed. I'll update with outcome.
Needs more clips on the straps, but otherwise perfect.
The straps have a tendency to flop around and slide out of the clips, but luckily you can buy more clips and add them to the straps which solves the problem. Other than this they are fabulous snowshoes; I have the original version, have used them for years, and they have always performed perfectly in all conditions and with any footwear. My favorite for icy, steep, rocky, and unpredictable conditions such as the NH White Mnts. Other people in our group with different snowshoes were slipping and sliding, but not those of us wearing these! Bombproof, excellent traction, very maneuverable and comfortable to wear all day. Light enough to carry on your pack if you have to.
They Go Anywhere!Even on Ice and Don't Gather Snow
I have owned these snowshoes for six years. I can literally run circles around my friends with other brands of snowshoes. They dig into the snow and icy conditions better than any others and not only that, you can get in wet spots and while others are busy trying to chip off balls of ice from their snowshoes, I just keep on walking without any problem whatsoever. I have used these to climb very steep slopes without any slipping. Wouldn't buy anything else. Also as an aside MSR provides superior customer service if ever you have a problem with any of their products. II know that first hand. Signed: A Hardy Canadian.
While everyone was sliding down on their butts ...
I bought these because we often have icy conditions on the mountains close to home. I rave about how amazing these are and was pretty much selling them in the lodge to anyone complaining about how wet they were (due to flickage) or how they had to slide down the trail on their butt. I easily walked down ... didn't slip once. Even for a beginner, I had NO problem! So excited that we have actual snow this year and I plan on getting out as often as possible!!!
Finally a snowshoe that really works!
After a little bit of fumbling to get used to the bindings, this snowshoe skyrocketed to ultra premium status. Not only does the binding conform very easily to your boot, it feels like you don't have a snowshoe on your foot. No pressure points, no tightness, just a simple ability to walk in the snow ... or ice ... or slush ... or just about anything. Took this out for the first time in Salmon la Sac, WA and it performed great in all conditions from ice to packed snow to deep wet snow. I purchased the women's version since the men's are normally a bit too wide. Recommend this to anyone who is tired of dealing with your foot falling asleep and having poor traction on multiple surfaces.
I Love My Lightning Ascent for Women Snowshoes
I bought these 10 days ago, never having snowshoed before. They were recommended to me by the salesman at REI, and I love them. I'd love them even more if the straps were easier to secure. That being said, these snowshoes perform beautifully on ungroomed trails, and also on icy trails. They are perfect for climbing steep hills, thanks to the televator. Thanks to my Lightning Ascents for Women, I love snowshoeing.