Customer Reviews

MSR Denali Classic Snowshoes, Black

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought the MSR Denali snowshoes after trying out a pair belonging to a friend. They perform very well in all sorts of conditions: deep snow, shallow snow, steep hills and icy, rocky mountains, climbing over icy logs, pulling sleds full of winter camping gear. The best feature of these snowshoes is the binding, which is extremely quick and easy to put on and take off, even when you are wearing gloves or mittens. It securely fits a wide range of boot styles and sizes and never comes loose unexpectedly. The steel crampons under the toes allow you to climb and descend very steep hills and mountains, even if they are icy or there is rock under the snow. The full-length serrated steel rails along the edges make it much easier to balance on icy logs when you are bushwacking. They seem to be much more durable than my previous snowshoes, (some aluminum-frame Yukon Charlies which broke after an hour of use). I used these MSR snowshoes this spring in Minnesota and Colorado, and my friend has used his for several years in Minnesota, including several multi-day winter-camping trips in the Boundary Waters. Another nice feature of these snowshoes compared to more conventional designs is that they are modular. You can add flotation tails of different lengths, depending on conditions. The basic snowshoes are 22" long, but I also purchased 4" and 8" tails on sale for about $15 each. I can use the basic snowshoes in shallow snow or for more maneuverability in thick brush or forest. I can add the longest tails for deep snow or when I'm carrying a heavy pack. The only downside to these snowshoes is that they are slightly more noisy than aluminum/wood/webbing/fabric snowshoes when you walk on a hard surface like bare ice or rocks or very hard crusty snow. But the difference isn't that much from aluminum snowshoes, and I don't generally walk on surfaces like that very often or for very long when I am wearing soowshoes.

I suppose one could get fancier shoes, but I doubt you'd gain enough functionality to make the price differential worthwhile. Unless you're a gear snob or do some really heavy-duty backcountry snowshoeing in extreme conditions - these should be more than adequate.

The construction is extremely durable - dare I say utilitarian? At first I wasn't so sure about the bindings and their ability to hold up but after a long day with some good elevation and steep slopes and all kinds of snow, I became a believer and that's only been reinforced over time. I can put them on and take them off with gloves on and that rocks in my book.

They are light, cling to your feet well, and you don't kick snow up onto your behind like a certain other brand I won't mention. I never had any ice ball up under my feet either. They also don't slop around on your foot which I appreaciate. I like that you have length when you want it and not when you don't. And going up slopes - wow!!! I cannot say enough about their traction. The crampon and rails really grip. While everyone else is slipping and sliding I power up the steep sections like I'm wearing tank treads. I have no problem pulling ahead in the flats either due to the light, tight fit which really reduces fatigue.

The last little trivial thing I like is that when you're not wearing them they fit together really tight which makes it very easy to strap them to your pack securely when you don't need them. And since they go on and off so quickly and easily, and are so light - it's not an ordeal to take them on a hike and put them on when you need them and take them off when you don't.

I love these shoes!

Once you get these on, which can take a while, they stay on. I have had no problems with my feet slipping around or coming out of the bindings. When I hike with these I barely notice anything on my feet. They are small in size so the flotation is not as good as larger snowshoes. That is the price you pay for having snowshoes you barely know are there. These have excellent traction for more challenging terrain.

We are first time snowshoe users: I am 175lbs and my wife is 112lbs. We quickly learned to use the bindings, no problems, and walking in them is a breeze. They are very light and the flex allowed to the foot makes walking very natural and not clumpy. The ice-cleats are rock solid. ONE issue was the tails that I got and shown on the Denali Classic page are NOT, NOT made for the Classics. The 6" tails are for the EVO only. When I called MSR (not open on weekends) the woman sounded like this was a very common complaint and I can see why since Amazon has it listed as ok. Otherwise the product is very easy and fun to use. The 4" and 8" tails are fine for the Classic.

I've got several styles of wood shoes and 3 pair of Atlas in different sizes. I spend a lot of time on snowshoes mostly following my hounds in the steep mountains, far from any trail. I go where they go which might be through ledges, beaver bogs, blowdowns, ect. The first season I had the MSR's they became my favorite when the conditions were right for a small to medium snowshoe. They could replace my two smallest pairs of Atlas because of the tail. I didn't like the rubber straps, but they worked better than I thought they would, and stayed on all day for me. I like them a little bit better than the Atlas when climbing a steep grade. Where they shine is going across a steep grade. If I reviewed them after the first season it would have been 5 stars.
The second season things went bad. The rubber straps had some age on them, and I broke one nearly every time out. Parts started falling off. Some in the woods, and some vibrating around in the back of my pickup. MSR sells a repair kit and the rubber straps. You'll need them if you put them through rugged use. Then I broke the metal part of the binding. I didn't have as many miles on them as some of my Atlas that never gave me a problem.
The MSR's are affordable. They'll probably stand up to easier use than I put them through. I'll fix mine or buy a new pair and have them for parts.

Bought these snowshoes two winters ago for out of track trekking.

They rapidly show signs of wear but I didn't mind as different sellers told me that they were indestructibles.

But after using them well, maybe 20 times, the plastic frame broke.

If you intend to do snowshoeing off the beaten then go for another model.

These snowshoes are great; by far the best I have ever used. I rented last year to make sure I enjoyed the sport and then bought these from some solid reviews and advise from friends. The buckles are very easy to operate; the cleat all the way around the shoe is a huge plus. They are very light and sturdy, definitely worth the money. In my opinion these are the best snowshoes out there for the money, excellent product in every way. Made in the USA!

I bought these by accident (I actually wanted the Ascents), but they are good MSR snowshoes. It's my own fault for hurrying and getting these, but for flats and medium grade snowshoeing, they are great. Good for running as well.
I have 1 pair of ascents and they are still in good condition, but I wanted a spare for friends and 'just in case'. I'm going to add the heel-risers myself and then they'll be what I intended to buy.
MSR rocks!

I purchased the MSR Denali Snowshoes and WOW what can I say, other then, the 'shoes perform beyond my expectations!!!

Most people buy snowshoes for treking in the mountains, hunting and hiking. While I enjoy those activities, I really bought them for work!!!

Here in Nebraska, in the last 30 days, we have received over 40 inches of snow(a record)and as a CATV, Phone and Internet Technician, it was starting to get real old real fast trying to walk through yards and alleys. I have been in yards where drifts have topped 6 feet! When you sink to your waist on EVERY step, it makes for a lousy day until I found the MSR Denali Snowshoes/Tails!!!!

They sink maybe 2 or 3 inches, but big deal!! The other techs make fun of me, but hey I buy lots of tools to make my job easier and this is by far, 1 of the best winter "tools" that I have ever bought that pertains to my job! I guess the other techs are just too cool and like being in "quick sand"!!!

MSR ROCKS!!! BUY their 'shoes and tails and you won't regret it!!!!!

I fought the strap bindings on a different brand of snowshoes and hated them. these are the ticket.