MSR Denali Evo Snowshoes and Tails : Like Walking on Air

I learned to snowshoe in Minnesota, where there was plenty of deep snow and absolutely no risk of avalanche. In fact, there wasn't much chance of ever encountering an incline. Not that I didn't have fun, but my experiences didn't fully prepare me for mountain conditions.

When I moved to Seattle and wore my standard issue snowshoes (which were designed for flotation, not for climbing) in the mountains, I did some sliding around. Okay, it was more like I fell a few times. My old snowshoes worked fine, but I wanted something more.

I couldn't believe the difference when I tried MSR's Denali Evo Snowshoes. With two serrated steel blades running the length of each side of each snowshoe, plus a hinged front steel claw, the Evos provided incredible stability and traction. The hinged claw also allowed me to walk more naturally since I only lifted my heel with each step, not the entire snowshoe.

I liked the studded footplate on top of the claw because it helped grip my boots. Four straps held my boots in place and were easy to adjust for a snug fit. Just a few tugs on the straps, and I was on my way. Since the snow was deep and we were making new trails, I add 6" flotation tails to my snowshoes for some extra lift. Nice. I was walking through fresh powder like I was walking on air.

Bottom Line: All in all, the Denali Evos were a perfect fit for me. I felt more in control when climbing up and down. They were easy to put on, take off, and adjust. And, thanks to the tapered tails and tips, I didn't trip over myself.-- E.D. (Jan 07)

Price: $169.95 (snowshoes), $29.95 (flotation tails)

Manufacturer's Site: www.msrgear.com

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