MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes
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Average customer review:

5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 -

Read 4 customer reviews...

The MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes are all condition aggressive shoes for the adventurer that needs to be able to get from A to B no matter what the conditions. Updated for Winter 2010 the Lightnings have new PosiTrack AT bindings creating a secure, freeze-resistant attachment, regardless of footwear and are now compatible with MSR's Modular Flotation tails.

The frame of the Lightning Ascents is made from a single blade of high grade aluminium which offers 360° traction on the snow around the foot. The Lightning Ascents are very light at 1.71kg per pair for the 22 inch and 1.76kg per pair for the 25 inch.

All the materials used in their construction are impermeable to water so the shoes do not get heavier with use. The underfoot crampon uses a steel hinge for excellent durability and an integrated heel lifter bar reduces calf fatigue on long climbs. The binding system on the Lightning Ascents is very easy to use and will fit any soft snowboarding or walking boot. It uses three adjustable straps and a broad heel strap. The binding folds flat when not in use which makes the snowshoes easy to put on your pack.

The Lightning Ascents come in 2 sizes, 22 inch and 25 inch.

  • 22 inch for people under 79 kilos (12 st 5 lbs) or any weight if it will always be packed snow.
  • 25 inch for people over 79 kilos (12st 5 lbs) to be used in any snow conditions.
Length Colour Weight (pair) Width Binding type Gait
56cm / 22" Yellow 1.71kg 20cm / 8" PosiTrack AT Unisex/normal width
64cm / 25" Yellow
or Black		 1.76kg 20cm / 8" PosiTrack AT Unisex/normal width

MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes

Stock Level (?) Colour / Size Price  

In Stock
1 available. 		Yellow 25" / 64cm £280.00

In Stock
2 available. 		Yellow 22" / 56cm £280.00

In Stock
1 available. 		Black 25" / 64cm £280.00

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Customer Reviews of MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes:

Average Customer Review: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 4 Reviews

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5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes Review

Reviewer: William Hold, Falmouth   (16-4-2012)

I've had my pair for several years now but have only used them for about 3 weeks in total mostly for back country trips in the European mountains in winter. They provide great traction on snow even on traverses where many other snowshoe designs can lack secure bite on the snow surface. The heel lifter was something I did not use at first as I did not know about it, but this makes ascents much much easier, just remember to put the heel-lifters down when you get to a downhill section to avoid a possible face-plant (putting them down can be done with trekking pole).

The shoes are pretty bulky - particularly if you have to travel by air with them - and recently I bought an MSR tote bag for the snow shoes, which I'd also highly recommend. The snowshoes can be attached directly to your pack when not in use but there is the danger of damaging your pack - another reason to get the tote bag.

5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes Review

Reviewer: Mark Purnell, Oslo   (19-3-2012)

I bought these for off-piste snowboard trips into the backcountry. I therefore use them with snowboard boots and they work perfectly the straps are easy to use once adjusted and the grip is excellent. I like the heel lift function as it really helps with steep ascents - as one reviewer already mentioned it becomes like walking upstairs! There are cheaper options on the market but you get what you pay for and these are worth the extra.

5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes Review

Reviewer: Jim, Abergele   (22-1-2012)

I purchased these snow shoes last year after having some unpleasant days floundering around in deep trail snow. These did get some heavy use over a couple of days when they simply did not leave my feet. I would recommend them if you are going to be travelling in deep snow, especially if you are carrying a heavy back pack. I found the 25 inch model handleable when travelling light, but did also use the tails that can be purchased to make them massive, but very floaty in deep snow. The bindings are simple and can be easily done with gloves on and are very quick release as no need to unthread or thread.

They feel quite light and do not make an annoying creaking noise like other plastic models. the heel lifters make a big difference when steeply climbing although they are a bit fiddly to start with, but by the end of my third day I could manage it with my poles. One other good feature was that they slid down the side of my sack's compression straps without bother. The only downside is the cost really.

5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5 MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes Review

Reviewer: PANAGIOTIS KARAHRISTOS, RAFINA   (28-10-2010)

The MSR Lightning Ascents are night and day stable. On my first hill climb I forgot the heel bar for a few hundred feet. What a difference it made. It was like climbing stairs with it up in place.

I also noticed and appreciate the stability afforded on the traverse on slopes. The heel doesn't move compared to a standard shoe and binding. The only glissading I experienced was steep downhill in a couple feet of powder and it was a controlled downhill jog. Never had any strap issues as far as loosening up .I have used them with snowboard boots.

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