10 Best Budget Snowshoes 2025 in the United States

The MSR Lightning Ascent Women's Snowshoes stand out as a solid choice for winter hiking enthusiasts, especially those navigating mountainous terrain. Weighing in at just 3.88 pounds per pair, they offer a lightweight design that makes them manageable over long distances. The tapered frame is tailored for those with a narrower stride, enhancing comfort during use.

One of the key strengths of these snowshoes is the 360-degree traction system combined with durable steel DTX crampons. This feature provides exceptional grip, particularly beneficial when traversing steep and icy surfaces. Additionally, the Paragon bindings are designed for a secure fit, eliminating discomfort often caused by pressure points, which is a huge plus for longer outings.

The Ergo Televator heel lift bar is another highlight, effectively increasing uphill efficiency and minimizing fatigue during steep climbs. This feature can be a game-changer for those tackling challenging ascents, making your trek much more enjoyable. Potential buyers should consider a few limitations; the snowshoes are only suitable for individuals weighing up to 180 pounds and are specifically designed for women. While they are highly functional, the price point may still be on the higher end for a budget snowshoe, which could be a consideration for those looking for more economical alternatives.

The MSR Lightning Ascent Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes are an excellent choice for those who engage in aggressive backcountry pursuits and rugged terrain. Weighing in at just 4.33 pounds, they offer a lightweight design without compromising on performance. Their standout feature is the 360-degree Traction Frame, which enhances grip on traverses and steep slopes, thanks to the durable steel DTX crampons that provide exceptional traction. This is particularly beneficial for those who tackle alpine conditions.

One of the notable advantages is the Paragon bindings, designed to provide a comfortable, glove-like fit around the boot. This feature helps eliminate pressure points and offers easy alignment, which is essential for maintaining stability in challenging conditions. Additionally, the Ergo Televator heel lift bar is a significant perk, allowing for increased efficiency on uphill climbs and reducing potential fatigue during long hikes.

The MSR Lightning Ascent snowshoes are ideal for serious outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable, high-performance gear for backcountry adventures. They offer a solid combination of weight, traction, and comfort for those willing to invest in quality gear.

The MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes are designed to be a durable and reliable option for budget-conscious snowshoe enthusiasts. With a size of 22 inches by 8 inches, these snowshoes are suitable for a range of foot sizes from 3M-13M/5W-15W (EU 36-47), making them versatile for both men and women. The frame material is plastic, specifically an injection-molded UniBody deck that provides flexibility and durability. This makes the snowshoes lightweight, weighing in at 3 lbs 10 oz (1.64 kg), which is convenient for extended use without causing fatigue. However, the plastic frame may not offer the same level of robustness as metal frames under extremely rough conditions or heavy loads.

The maximum weight recommendation is 180 pounds, so they are best suited for lightweight to moderately heavy users. The bindings are a standout feature; the Paraglide binding with stretch mesh hugs the feet securely and fits various footwear types, from light hikers to snowboard boots. The glove-friendly binding straps and buckle tabs make it easy to get in and out of the snowshoes, even in cold weather. Traction is another strength, with steel crampons and traction rails providing a reliable grip on icy and snowy terrain. However, these snowshoes lack a dedicated heel lift feature, which can make uphill hiking more strenuous.

An added benefit is the attachment points for 6-inch modular flotation tails (sold separately), which can be used for better flotation in deep snow. Made in the USA, these snowshoes are ideal for casual snowshoeing and light trekking on flat to moderately hilly terrains, making them a good choice for beginners and occasional users.