How to Choose Snowshoes

Explore the deep powder of the backcountry with the Atlas Montane snowshoes. Their top-notch tubular frames, comfortable bindings and sharp crampons inspire confidence to roam freely.
Imported.
Best Use | Snowshoeing |
---|---|
Snowshoe Terrain | Mountain Terrain |
Snowshoe Closure | Rubber Strap |
Max Recommended Load | 25 IN: 200 pounds 30 IN: 250 pounds 35 IN: 300 pounds |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Deck Material | Nytex |
Crampon Material | Steel |
Toe Crampon | Yes |
Heel Crampon | Yes |
Side Traction | Yes |
Heel Lift | Yes |
Dimensions | 25 IN: 25 x 9 inches 30 IN: 30 x 9 inches 35 IN: 35 x 9.5 inches |
Weight (Pair) | 4 lbs. 5.3 oz. |
Gender | Unisex |
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Used these snowshoes a few times each winter and always carefully stored them -- but the rubber bindings and tail deck completely disintegrated. My partner's older snowshoes, by contrast, are in great condition. Despite the clearly defective materials, Atlas wouldn't honor their warranty. I sent photos and explained the problem, but they stated they have only a "limited lifetime" warranty -- emphasis on "limited." Although the warranty is written in a way that it appears to cover defects in materials, Atlas simply refused to cover anything after 1 year. When I requested clarification on what was covered for a lifetime, they ghosted me (despite my reminder email). I then saw that another reviewer had a similar experience (see below). So, basically, they sell a disposable snowshoe. DON'T TRUST ATLAS.
I bought a pair of Montane Atlas snowshoes in early January 2025. I took them out for a 1.5-hour hike (with a windchill of -30°C), and noticed tears in the material that connects the mesh to the frame. I returned the product to the retailer, and managed to get an exchange, but only with much reluctance. They told me that the tears were due to improper use. With the new pair of Montane snowshoes, I went on a snowshoeing trip at the end of February (again, with a windchill of around -30°C), and the tears were even worse. This time, I contacted Atlas directly to explain the issue with both pairs of snowshoes (a total of just a few hours of use). They simply replied that this part wasn’t covered by the warranty and that it was due to improper use. Worse, when I asked if they had any repair suggestions, they told me they didn’t have any options in Canada. I had the same pair of snowshoes for 20 years (from another company) and never had a problem, so I don’t buy the "improper use" argument. Anyway, what kind of improper use can you have with a pair of snowshoes when you’re just walking in the snow? Over the past 25 years, I’ve dealt with several outdoor companies, some of which offer impeccable service and live up to their reputation. With Atlas, both the products and the service are very disappointing. It’s better to choose another company.
I purchased 2 top end pairs of these snowshoes several years ago (11-13 yrs ago). Used a season or 2 backcountry skiing, then hung them up in garage. This year went to use, and both pairs literally had the rubber disintegrate and broke apart in multiple locations. Not repairable, nothing worth saving. REI had no record of sales older than 10 years but went to bat reaching out to Atlas. Atlas Rep said lifetime warranty is on expected product lifetime… whatever that is or means is not my understanding. If it falls apart because materials are bad in 5, 10, 20 years it should be covered. Obvious material issue and refusal to accept responsibility!! Will NEVER RECOMMEND this companies product. Lifetime warranty means NOTHING. Buyer beware