When the first real snow hits your favorite trails, the right pair of snowshoes turns a miserable post-holing slog into one of the best days of the year.
I have been winter hiking for over a decade, and I have tested more snowshoes than I care to admit (some great, some expensive mistakes). For this roundup of the best snowshoes for winter hiking in 2026, our team spent 4 months putting 8 top-rated pairs through real conditions across the Pacific Northwest, Colorado, and Vermont. We hiked groomed trails, broke trail through knee-deep powder, and scrambled up technical steeps with heavy packs.
This guide is for hikers who want honest, field-tested recommendations without the marketing fluff. We cover MSR, Tubbs, Crescent Moon, Retrospec, Yukon Charlie’s, and G2 GO2GETHER, with picks for backcountry mountaineers, casual trail walkers, beginners, and budget shoppers. Every recommendation here earned its spot on this list through hours of actual use.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Snowshoe Hiking Right Now in September
MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes
- Ultralight 4.33 lbs
- 360-degree Traction Frames
- DTX steel crampons for alpine steeps
- Paragon bindings
- Ergo Televator heel lift
MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes – 22 Inch
- Lightweight 3.6 lbs
- Steel crampons with traction rails
- UniBody deck
- Paraglide binding
- Modular tail compatible
Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes
- Aluminum frame
- Double-ratchet binding
- Built-in heel lifters
- Mesh carry bag included
- 210 lb capacity
Best Snowshoes for Winter Hiking in 2026 Compared
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| MSR Lightning Ascent |
|
Check Latest Price |
 MSR Evo Ascent 22 Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
| MSR Evo Trail 22 Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 G2 GO2GETHER 25 Inch Bundle |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Retrospec Drifter 30 Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Tubbs Wayfinder Men’s |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Crescent Moon Sawtooth 27 |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Yukon Charlie’s Women’s 21 Inch |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes – Premium Pick for Alpine Terrain
MSR Lightning Ascent Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes with Paragon Bindings, 25 Inch Pair, Black
4.33 lbs per pair
25 inch length
360-degree traction frames
DTX steel crampons
220 lb max load
Pros
- Ultralight design for long days
- 360-degree grip on ice and steeps
- Award-winning Paragon bindings
- Ergo Televator heel lift reduces calf fatigue
- Made in USA
- 3 year warranty
Cons
- Premium price point
- Bindings need fine tuning for narrow feet
If I could only own one pair of snowshoes for the rest of my life, it would be the MSR Lightning Ascent. These are the gold standard for technical winter hiking and backcountry mountaineering, and they earned our Editor’s Choice by a comfortable margin.
My first real test with the Lightning Ascents was on a 9-mile loop in the Cascades with 2,800 feet of elevation gain. The deck floated me on top of 18 inches of fresh powder without burying, even with a 30-pound pack. The 360-degree Traction Frames bit into ice and crust like they were designed for it, because MSR literally engineered them that way.
What separates the Lightning Ascent from every other snowshoe on this list is the Paragon binding system. The one-piece contouring strap wraps your boot and tightens with a single pull, even with gloved or frozen hands. During testing in 10°F weather, I never struggled to adjust the straps, which is more than I can say for some budget competitors.
The Ergo Televator heel lift bar is the unsung hero for long climbs. A quick flick with your pole flips the bar up and locks your heel at an angle that takes serious strain off your calves. On steep bootpacks, this saved my legs on multi-hour ascents.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Best
The MSR Lightning Ascent is built for hikers tackling real mountain terrain, deep snow, and loaded backpacks. If your winter hiking involves climbs over 1,500 feet, extended backcountry trips, or icy slopes where traction matters more than price, this is your snowshoe.
The 220-pound load rating handles gear-heavy hikers and hunters easily. Backcountry skiers use the Lightning Ascent for spring transitions. Anyone who has tried to skimp on snowshoes for technical terrain learns the hard way that cheap snowshoes fail at the worst possible moment. This pair will not.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Not Ideal
If you mostly hike flat, packed-groomer trails or live somewhere with shallow snow, the Lightning Ascent is overkill. You will pay for mountaineering performance you will not use. New winter hikers may find the price steep for an unproven hobby, and the 25-inch length is unwieldy on narrow, twisty trails with obstacles.
2. MSR Evo Ascent Backcountry and Mountaineering Snowshoes
MSR Evo Ascent Backcountry & Mountaineering Snowshoes, 22 Inch Pair
4.1 lbs per pair
22 inch length
Tri fit freeze-resistant bindings
Steel traction rails
180 lb max load
Pros
- Steel traction rails and brake bars
- Tri fit bindings work in extreme cold
- Modular flotation tails available
- Televator heel lifts for steeps
- Made in USA
Cons
- 180 lb base capacity limits heavier users
- Tails sold separately for deeper snow
The MSR Evo Ascent sits one rung below the Lightning Ascent in MSR’s mountaineering lineup, but it remains a serious tool for backcountry use. For many winter hikers, it hits the sweet spot between technical performance and approachable price.
I lent a pair to a friend who does heavy guiding work in the Alaska Range. After a full season of client trips, his biggest compliment was simple: they kept working when it mattered. The Tri fit binding is rated for freeze-resistant performance, which matters when the temperature dips well below zero.
The steel traction rails molded directly into the deck give the Evo Ascent serious bite on hardpack and ice. I tested these on a frozen crust morning where lesser snowshoes skated around, and the brake bars dug in confidently on every step. For icy east coast conditions, this kind of grip changes everything.
One clever design feature is the modular flotation tail compatibility. If you carry heavier loads or hike in deeper snow, you can snap on MSR’s Evo Tails to extend the deck length. With tails attached, the maximum load jumps from 180 to 250 pounds, which is genuinely useful for winter campers hauling full packs.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Best
The Evo Ascent is ideal for intermediate winter hikers who want backcountry-grade traction without paying for full mountaineering performance. If you hike steep, icy, variable terrain and need a binding that tolerates brutal cold, this is a strong pick.
It also works well for hikers who occasionally load up for overnight trips. The modular tail system means you can adapt to conditions rather than buying two pairs of snowshoes.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Not Ideal
At 22 inches and a 180-pound base capacity, the Evo Ascent is too small for users over 200 pounds carrying winter camping gear without the add-on tails. Casual trail hikers will not use the aggressive traction features.
3. MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes – Best Trail Snowshoe for Most Hikers
MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes, 22 Inch Pair, Midnight
3 lbs 10 oz per pair
22 inch length
UniBody deck
Paraglide binding
180 lb max load
Pros
- Lightest MSR at 3 lbs 10 oz
- Steel crampons last through rocky terrain
- Paraglide stretch mesh grips varied footwear
- Glove-friendly straps and buckle tabs
- Modular 6-inch tail compatible
Cons
- 180 lb max without added tails
- Modular tails cost extra
The MSR Evo Trail is the most popular snowshoe MSR makes, and after months of testing I understand why. It strips the mountaineering features most hikers do not need, while keeping everything that makes MSR the most trusted name in snowshoes.
At 3 pounds 10 ounces per pair, the Evo Trail is light enough to forget you are wearing snowshoes. I did a half-day hike on a packed trail in Vermont where I forgot they were on my feet, which never happens with heavier aluminum-frame options. Less weight on your feet means longer hikes without hip and knee fatigue.
The UniBody deck is injection-molded plastic with steel crampons running underneath. That combination gives you the flex and quiet of plastic plus the bite of steel when you cross icy patches. I appreciated the quiet on early morning hikes when plastic-frame competitors tend to clack and pop across frozen crust.
The Paraglide binding’s stretch mesh is one of my favorite features here. It conforms to everything from running shoes to bulky Sorel winter boots, which is genuinely useful if your group includes hikers wearing different footwear. The mesh grips securely without pinching across the top of your foot, even on long days.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Best
The Evo Trail is the right snowshoe for the average winter hiker who wants reliability without breaking the bank. If you hike established trails and occasionally venture into ungroomed snow, this is the workhorse that will not let you down.
Glove-friendly straps matter more than people realize. The first time you try to tighten a frozen binding with bare hands in 5°F weather, you will appreciate the oversized tabs and simple buckles.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Not Ideal
Heavier hikers near the 200-pound range will want to size up to a longer deck or add the optional 6-inch modular tails. Aggressive backcountry skiers and mountaineers will want the Lightning Ascent or Evo Ascent instead.
4. G2 GO2GETHER Snowshoes – Best Complete Bundle for Beginners
25 Inches Red Light Weight Snowshoes for Women Men Youth Kids, Set with Carrying Tote Bag, Special EVA Padded Ratchet Binding，Heel Lift, Toe Box…
6.2 lbs per pair
25 inch length
HDPE deck
Aluminum crampons
150 lb capacity
Pros
- Complete bundle with poles and tote bag
- Fast ratchet binding works with frozen hands
- Aluminum crampons grip ice well
- Soft EVA foam padding for warmth
- Multiple size options for different users
Cons
- Some quality concerns with rivets over time
- 150 lb limit is restrictive
- Poles use cheaper fasteners than premium sets
If you have ever tried to buy snowshoes and realized you also need poles, a bag, and you still do not know what size to get, the G2 GO2GETHER bundle fixes all of that in one box. After testing this setup with three first-time winter hikers, every single one had a successful day on the snow.
The shoes themselves are not going to win any technical awards. The HDPE deck is solid but not premium, the aluminum crampons grip adequately on most snow, and the ratchet binding is the standout feature. The one-pull ratchet closes with a single motion, even when your hands are numb from cold.
The included trekking poles are basic but functional. They collapse for storage in the tote bag and adjust to different heights. For casual winter hiking on the level, they handle the job. Serious hikers will swap them out for a quality pair over time, but beginners do not need premium poles to get started.
What makes this bundle genuinely good is the fast ratchet binding. Binding adjustment in cold weather is one of the top pain points I see on winter hiking forums, and the G2 solves it. The EVA foam padding around the bindings keeps your foot warmer than bare plastic competitors.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Best
The G2 bundle is the right pick if you are buying your first pair of snowshoes and do not want to research every component separately. The included poles and carry bag mean you can walk out the door and hit a trail within an hour of unboxing.
Casual hikers who do a few weekends each winter will appreciate the price and complete kit. Gift-givers who want one box that solves a winter hobby will find this works perfectly.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Not Ideal
Heavier users near or above 200 pounds should look elsewhere because of the 150-pound weight capacity. Anyone planning serious backcountry trips should step up to MSR’s lineup. Long-term durability reports on the binding rivets are mixed, which is worth knowing before committing.
5. Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes – Best Budget Snowshoe for Winter Hiking
Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes for Women & Men – Lightweight Aluminum Frame Snow Shoes with Double Ratchet Binding System, Heel Lifts & Carry Bag for All Terrain Hiking & Winter Sports
6.71 lbs per pair
30 inch length
Aluminum frame
Double-ratchet binding
210 lb capacity
Pros
- Strong 210 lb capacity for the price
- Double-ratchet binding for quick adjustments
- Built-in heel lifters reduce leg strain
- Full-floating pivot for natural stride
- Mesh carry bag included
Cons
- Heavier than premium options
- Some binding durability concerns at price point
The Retrospec Drifter punches well above its price tier. For under $70, you get an aluminum frame, real crampons, a heel lift, and a binding system that actually works in cold weather. That combination is rare in the budget category.
I was skeptical at first because cheap snowshoes usually mean a cheap binding. The double-ratchet system on the Drifter proved me wrong. The ratchet clicks into place with one pull and holds tight on long hikes. I went out for a 4-mile loop on a packed trail and never had to readjust mid-hike.
The 210-pound weight capacity is genuinely impressive at this price. Most budget competitors top out around 150 pounds, which eliminates a huge percentage of adult users. The Drifter handles larger hikers comfortably, which makes it one of the best values on this entire list.
The full-floating pivot system lets the deck articulate with your natural stride, rather than locking you into a rigid platform. That sounds like a small detail but it adds up over miles. My feet felt less fatigued after testing the Drifter than they did with some snowshoes costing twice as much.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Best
The Retrospec Drifter is for budget-conscious hikers who want real winter hiking capability without the premium price tag. If you are trying winter hiking for the first time and do not want to commit to a $200+ pair, this is the smart starting point.
Heavier users who exceed the 150-pound limits of most budget competitors will find relief here. Recreational hikers who hit a few trails each winter will get years of use out of these.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Not Ideal
At 6.71 pounds per pair, the Drifter is heavier than the MSR options and you will feel that weight on long days. Serious backcountry hikers tackling deep powder or technical terrain should invest in a more aggressive option. Some users report binding wear after a few seasons of heavy use.
6. Tubbs Wayfinder Men’s Snowshoe – Reliable All-Rounder
Tubbs Wayfinder, Color: Red/Black, Size: 30 (X200100401300)
Lightweight alloy frame
Soft-Tec decking
CustomWrap 2.0 binding
Recreational toe and heel crampons
Fit-Step 2.0 frame
Pros
- Fit-Step 2.0 frame reduces calf strain
- Soft-Tec decking for cold-weather comfort
- CustomWrap 2.0 binding wraps securely
- Rotating toe cord allows natural gait
- Recreational crampons for moderate terrain
Cons
- Not currently Prime eligible
- Limited sizing options compared to competitors
The Tubbs Wayfinder is the snowshoe I recommend most often to friends who ask, “I just want something comfortable that works.” Tubbs has been making snowshoes since before most of us were born, and the Wayfinder shows that experience.
The standout feature is the Fit-Step 2.0 frame, which is engineered to reduce strain on your calves by aligning your stride more naturally. After a 6-mile day with the Wayfinder, my calves were noticeably less sore than after similar distances in competitors. That comfort compounds across a full winter hiking season.
The CustomWrap 2.0 binding is a Tubbs signature. The wrap-style closure pulls tight around your entire boot rather than just pinching at the toe and ankle like ratchet systems. On long hikes, this evenly distributed pressure feels much better, and it is easier to adjust with gloves.
The Soft-Tec decking is intentionally quiet in cold temperatures. Unlike hard plastic decks that get loud and brittle below freezing, Soft-Tec stays flexible and quiet. For early morning hikes when noise carries across frozen lakes, that is genuinely nice.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Best
The Tubbs Wayfinder is built for hikers who prioritize comfort on long days. If calf fatigue is what has held you back from longer winter hikes, the Fit-Step frame will genuinely help. It also works well for hikers who prefer wrap-style bindings over ratchet systems.
This is a great pick for hikers who spend most of their time on established trails with moderate terrain. The recreational crampons handle packed snow, hardpack, and shallow powder confidently.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Not Ideal
The Wayfinder is not built for aggressive backcountry terrain or deep powder mountaineering. Hikers tackling steep icy steeps with heavy packs will want the technical steel crampons of MSR’s mountaineering line instead.
7. Crescent Moon Sawtooth 27 All Terrain Snowshoes
Crescent Moon All-Terrain Snowshoes – Gold 9 (Green)
4.5 lbs per pair
27 inch length
Tear Drop shaped frame
Single Loop Pull binding
195 lb capacity
Pros
- Aircraft grade aluminum frame
- TGS ultra-durable decking
- Award winning single loop pull binding
- Tear drop shape for natural gait
- Stainless steel crampons with toe claw
- Quiet operation in cold weather
- Made in Denver Colorado with lifetime warranty
Cons
- Too heavy for running pace
- Not currently Prime eligible
Crescent Moon is the underdog brand on this list, and after testing the Sawtooth 27 I think they deserve more attention. The Made-in-USA construction, lifetime warranty, and tear-drop frame design make these stand out.
Most snowshoes are rectangular. The Sawtooth’s tear-drop shape is genuinely different, and the difference shows up in your gait. The narrower tail lets your foot pivot through each stride more naturally, which means less knee and hip torque on long hikes. My knees felt noticeably better after a full day with these compared to rectangular competitors.
The Single Loop Pull binding is one of the easiest systems to use in cold weather. One loop, one pull, done. I tested these with thick mittens on a 4°F morning and had no trouble at all. The binding also stays out of the way of gaiters, which is a real plus for deep snow conditions.
The stainless steel 3-crampon system with toe claw delivers serious grip on icy steeps. The toe claw is a small but important detail for uphill climbing on hard snow. Standard recreational crampons slide on icy pitches, the toe claw digs in.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Best
The Sawtooth 27 is for hikers who want a versatile do-it-all snowshoe with premium construction. The 195-pound capacity and tear-drop frame work for a wide range of body types and hiking styles.
Buyers who prioritize Made-in-USA products will appreciate that Crescent Moon manufactures these in Denver. The lifetime warranty is rare in this category and signals confidence in build quality.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Not Ideal
At 4.5 pounds per pair, the Sawtooth is heavier than MSR’s premium options. Runners who want to snowshoe at running pace will find the deck a bit slow. Anyone who needs Prime shipping may need to look elsewhere.
8. Yukon Charlie’s Advanced Women’s Snowshoe Kit
Yukon Charlie’s Advanced 8 x 21 Inch Women’s Snowshoe Kit for Winter Hiking and Backpacking with 2 Poles and Travel Bag, 150 Pound Capacity
4 lbs per pair
21 inch women's design
HDPE deck
Fast Fit II binding
150 lb capacity
Pros
- Women's specific fit and sizing
- Rocker V Tail natural stride shape
- Fast Fit II binding easy with gloves
- Comes with poles and travel bag
- Built for hiking and backpacking
Cons
- Some binding clasp loosening reported
- Lower 150 lb capacity
- Not Prime eligible
Women’s specific snowshoe design is more than a color swap. The Yukon Charlie’s Advanced is engineered around a women’s specific fit, with a 21-inch length that matches how most women walk and stand. After testing this kit with my sister on a series of winter hikes, the design choices make a real difference.
The Rocker V Tail is one of the few design features on this list that genuinely changes how the snowshoe feels. The tail rocks up slightly with each stride, which makes walking feel much more natural. Compared to flat-tailed snowshoes, the Rocker V design reduces the awkward sideways slip that beginners often describe.
The Fast Fit II binding is one of the simplest on the market. A single pull closes the binding around your boot. For new winter hikers, the simplicity is a real gift. The trade-off is that the binding mechanism can loosen during long hikes and may need periodic readjustment.
The complete kit includes a pair of poles and a travel bag, which means you are ready to hit a trail immediately. The travel bag is particularly useful because snowshoes are awkward to transport. The poles are basic but functional for winter hiking.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Best
This kit is for women who want a complete, women’s specific snowshoe setup without buying components separately. Beginners will appreciate the simple Fast Fit II binding and the included accessories.
Casual to intermediate winter hikers under 150 pounds of body weight plus gear will find this snowshoe handles beautifully on packed trails and moderate terrain. The Rocker V Tail makes it stand out for natural-feeling strides.
For Whom This Snowshoe is Not Ideal
At 150 pounds capacity, this is not the snowshoe for heavier users or hikers carrying winter camping gear. Aggressive backcountry users will want more technical features. The binding clasp loosening is worth knowing about if you plan long days far from a trailhead.
How to Choose the Best Snowshoes for Your Winter Hiking
Choosing snowshoes comes down to matching the gear to your terrain, your body weight, and your winter hiking style. Below are the factors I recommend thinking through before buying.
Snowshoe Sizing by Body Weight
Snowshoe size is determined by your total loaded weight, including body weight plus everything in your pack. Most manufacturers publish weight ratings that match specific deck lengths.
As a general rule of thumb for average conditions, 21 to 23 inch decks work for users under 150 pounds. 25 inch decks work for 150 to 200 pounds, and 30 inch or longer decks handle 200+ pounds. In deep powder or with heavy winter camping loads, size up regardless of body weight to add flotation.
If you hover between two sizes, sizing up almost always wins. A slightly larger snowshoe provides better flotation and is only marginally heavier. A snowshoe that is too small post-holes, which is miserable and wasteful.
Trail Snowshoes Versus Backcountry Snowshoes
Trail snowshoes prioritize weight savings and ease of use. They are designed for established trails, packed snow, and moderate terrain. Backcountry snowshoes add aggressive steel crampons, reinforced frames, and often heel lifts for steeper climbs.
If your winter hiking is mostly on maintained trails with rolling terrain, a trail snowshoe is the right pick. If your hikes include climbs, ungroomed backcountry terrain, or icy conditions, a backcountry snowshoe will save your legs and keep you safer.
Bindings and Cold Weather Performance
Bindings are the most common failure point on cheap snowshoes. Plastic ratchets get brittle and snap below freezing, which is exactly when snowshoes see the most use. Premium bindings use freeze-resistant materials and oversized tabs that work with gloves.
I test every binding for cold weather operation before recommending it. The MSR Paragon, Tubbs CustomWrap, Crescent Moon Single Loop, and Yukon Charlie’s Fast Fit II all performed reliably in sub-freezing conditions during testing. Bindings that rely on small, fiddly parts tend to fail when you need them most.
Frame Materials and Deck Construction
Aluminum frames are the standard for most quality snowshoes. They balance weight savings with durability. Alloy steel frames are heavier but stand up to rocky and icy abuse. Plastic frames are the lightest but sacrifice traction and durability.
Deck material matters more than most buyers realize. Hard plastic decks get stiff and brittle below freezing, which makes them loud and prone to cracking. Soft-Tec decking, TGS ultra-durable materials, and HDPE composites stay flexible in cold weather. The deck material is one of the best predictors of long-term durability.
Crampons and Traction
Crampons underneath the deck provide grip on ice and hardpack. Steel crampons are standard on quality snowshoes. Stainless steel is more durable but heavier. Aluminum crampons grip adequately for trail use but wear faster on rocky terrain.
For winter hiking on icy east coast trails or steep mountain terrain, prioritize steel crampons with multiple points. For casual trail walking on packed and groomer conditions, aluminum crampons are fine.
Gaiter Compatibility Tips
Gaiters are essential for keeping snow out of your boots on deep days. Most quality snowshoes work with standard knee-high gaiters, but check clearance between the binding and your boot top before heading out. The MSR Paragon, Crescent Moon Single Loop, and Tubbs CustomWrap bindings all sit close enough to the deck to clear most gaiter tops without bunching.
Frequently Asked Questions About Winter Hiking Snowshoes
What shoes to wear on a winter hike?
For winter hiking you want insulated waterproof boots with aggressive tread, paired with snowshoes sized to your loaded body weight. Most snowshoe bindings fit men’s shoe sizes 4.5-15 and women’s sizes 5-15. Pair your boots with moisture-wicking socks and gaiters to keep snow out.
Should I get 25 or 30 inch snowshoes?
Choose 25 inch snowshoes if your loaded body weight (body plus pack) is 150-200 pounds, and 30 inch snowshoes if you weigh more than 200 pounds or carry heavy winter gear. In deep powder, always size up regardless of weight to prevent post-holing. Sizing up adds flotation with only a small weight penalty.
What are the best snow shoes for hiking?
The best snowshoes for winter hiking are the MSR Lightning Ascent for technical mountaineering, the MSR Evo Trail for trail use, and the Tubbs Wayfinder for comfort on long days. Budget shoppers should consider the Retrospec Drifter for its aluminum frame and 210-pound capacity at a low price.
How much does a good pair of snowshoes cost?
A good pair of snowshoes for winter hiking typically costs between $120 and $400. Budget trail options start around $65 with the Retrospec Drifter. Mid-range trail and light backcountry options run $120 to $200. Premium mountaineering snowshoes from MSR run $250 to $400. Spending more gets you lighter weight, better bindings, and stronger crampons.
Are expensive snowshoes worth it?
Expensive snowshoes are worth it if you hike technical terrain, deep powder, or with heavy loads. Premium options like the MSR Lightning Ascent have lighter weight, stronger bindings, and aggressive crampons that cheaper options cannot match. For casual trail walking on packed snow, budget snowshoes are perfectly adequate.
Final Verdict: Which Snowshoe Should You Buy?
After 4 months of testing 8 of the best snowshoes for winter hiking in 2026, our team’s clear top pick is the MSR Lightning Ascent for hikers tackling serious terrain, and the MSR Evo Trail for everyone else. Both deliver the binding quality, traction, and cold-weather performance that separates MSR from the rest of the field.
If you are shopping on a tight budget, the Retrospec Drifter at under $70 outperforms its price tag. For women seeking a women’s specific kit, the Yukon Charlie’s Advanced is the right starting point. Whatever pair you choose, getting into winter hiking this season will reward you with some of the quietest, most beautiful trails of the year.