MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes Review
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MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes
Mountain Safety Research has been around since 1969. In the past 45 years MSR has helped make venturing in the outdoors safer and more accessible for all outdoor travelers. Recently MSR added the Revo Ascent Snowshoes to it’s line up of snowsport gear. The Ascent line of snowshoes is built for rugged terrain. Over the past month I have been testing the MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes on the ice and snow in the mountains of Colorado.
Initial Thoughts on the Revo Ascent Snowshoes
These are not your old school grandfather’s snowshoes. The MSR Ascent Snowshoes are super light-weight and have an aggressive design. Weighing in at less than four and a half pounds per pair these are much lighter than a lot of the snowshoes on the market. In order to achieve this lightweight design, the use of an Eco Track Deck which is made from a combination of lightweight steel and durable plastic. The steel frame provides the rigid support and the plastic provides flexibility to the snowshoe.
Deck and Straps
Another feature that initially caught my eye is the incredible traction systems that are in place in the MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes. Attached to the Eco Track Deck are numerous steel teeth that line the edges of the snowshoes. Adding to the traction capabilities are the large teeth used in the crampon portion of the snowshoe. The crampons have two large teeth that are secured to the toes designed to dig in on each step. Behind the two front crampon teeth are a smaller row of steel spikes that will provide traction on the rest of the foot. With all of the effort put into traction and grip the Revo Ascent Snowshoes will be as comfortable on ice as they will be in deep powder.
MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoe Metal Teeth
The MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes have four straps to keep your feet secured down. The material used in the straps is a hardened rubber that allows for a bit of stretch when strapping them on for your hike.
Additionally modifications can be made to the MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes. If you are someone that finds him or herself often trudging through the real deep powder an extension for the back platform of the snowshoe can be purchased.
Testing of the MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes
Over the past few weeks I have been able to take the MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes out in all kinds of conditions. From the deep powder on mountain passes, to hard pack trails, and even out on ice. What is nice about the Revo Ascent Snowshoes is that they are equally at home on all wintery surfaces. This to me is their best feature. Often while snowshoeing the surface conditions change and it nice not to have to worry about how the snowshoe will perform.
The aggressive design is awesome. I can’t believe I have been using my old clunker snowshoes for so long! The combination of being lightweight with the extra teeth has made a difference in the ease of hiking. I find myself having to put in less effort when hiking which in turn has allowed me to adventure further into the backcountry.
MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoe Trekking
The grip from both the steel eco track deck and on the bottom of the crampons have helped especially in the early season snow. There have been times where I have had to scramble over logs and trees and I venture to guess that most snowshoes are not well equipped to do this. However I have had no problem climbing up and over ice covered fallen trees. The Revo Ascent Snowshoes are built for all terrain.
One of my favorite discoveries of testing out the MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes is how easy they are to strap on and off. Although initially the four straps look cumbersome in reality they are anything but difficult. The stretch from the hardened rubber allows enough give to make it them very easy to buckle down. Additionally once these straps are in place they stay in place. I can’t stand having to constantly take my gloves off to fidget with my snowshoes. The Revo Ascent Snowshoes do not have issues coming off or sliding around once strapped on.
Specs
There MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes come in two sizes. A 22 inch design for more petite users a 25 inch model for users up to 220 lbs.
- Weight 4lbs 5 oz
- Width 8 in /20cm
- Length 25 in
- Televator
- Normal Gait
- Footwear Range 4.5 M – 15 M / 35.5 – 49.5
- Load 120 – 220 lbs / 54 – 100+ kilos
Final thoughts on the MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes
The MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes are not like the clunky snowshoes of the past. The Revo Ascent Snowshoes offer an aggressive design that is made to travel through deep snow, on icy lakes, and hard packed trails. They are very comfortable and their lightweight design makes it easy to add a few extra miles to your journey without ever knowing it. Additionally, they are incredibly easy to put on and take off and rarely need to be adjusted when hiking. The MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes are the perfect snowshoe for anyone wanting to hit the trails this winter. For more information visit msrgear.com or amazon.com/msr.
