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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Showshoes Are Good Gear For Beginners

Michael Hodgson And Bryan Chitwood Special To Outdoors

Product: MSR Snowshoes

Description: A 22-inch, 3-pound, 7-ounce modular snowshoe made of HiMont ProFax polyproplene with metal crampons and a protective carrying sheath. Two optional tails are available: the 4-inch tail (adds 12 ounces) and a 6-inch tail (adds one pound) and attach to the main unit with screw knob.

Pro: Using non-stick materials, MSR has virtually eliminated ice and snow build up both on and under the deck of the snowshoe. The binding is widely adjustable, and accommodates boot sizes from 4 to 14. Neoprene laces don’t freeze up at all. The crampon-style side rails on the snowshoe provide superb grip when traversing slopes and on icy terrain (although these are not a replacement for crampons by any stretch of the imagination!) The binding hinge design with a steel claw is superb for hiking and keeps the snowshoe firmly planted in the snow and prevents snow from being kicked up on your back with each step. The carrying case that comes with each shoe allows for easy attachment to the back of any pack and protects the crampons and gear around them from damage. Versatility: With the purchase of the two different sizes of tails, you effectively have three snowshoes for a much lower price than you would pay to buy each snowshoe separately. With all the options, it is possible to fit any weight of snowshoer, making this a great addition to a backcountry or ski cabin for those “I just dropped in for the weekend” guests.

Con: The weight! A pair of MSR’s with the 6-inch tail added are almost one pound heavier than it’s nearest competitor, the Vermont Tubbs Katahdin. The polyproplene is slippery which makes it most interesting when negotiating a steep downhill stretch. Forget walking: It’s step and slide, skid and slip your way down. Fun for sure, but I suspect that many snowshoers would rather have a more secure platform for the descent. The plastic scratches and nicks very easily, meaning you want to avoid rocks like the plague. Also, the binding system is much tougher to get into than advertised and definitely needs some type of heel cleat to provide additional lateral stability when traversing a slope.

Comments: The Denali Llama provides an outstanding introductory package for occasional and beginning snowshoers and an excellent and most versatile snowshoe for a person who treks over a wide variety of conditions(snowboarders take note). Still, if you are a serious winter explorer, you might do better checking out the likes of companies such as Tubbs, Yuba or Atlas, just be prepared to spend a lot more.

Suggested Retail: $99 for basic shoe; $35 for 4-inch tail accessory; $40 for 8-inch tail accessory.

Company: Mountain Safety Research, P.O. Box 24547, Seattle, WA 98124; (800) 877-9677.