Snowshoes: size them by your loaded weight, then match the terrain
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- Easy start: MSR Evo Trail 22 in. Best for: Flat trails and rolling hills, riders up to 180 lbs loaded. See options on Amazon
- Lightweight: MSR Lightning Trail. Best for: Long days on packed trails. See options on Amazon
- Varied terrain: MSR Revo Explore. Best for: Rolling hills to steeper climbs. See options on Amazon
- Extra flotation: MSR Evo 6 inch tails. Best for: Deep powder or heavier loads on Evo snowshoes. See options on Amazon
MSR snowshoe models compared
| Model | Load rating | Weight per pair | Frame and binding |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evo Trail 22 in | Up to 180 lbs; up to 250 lbs with tails | 3 lbs 10 oz | Steel; Paraglide binding |
| Lightning Trail 22 in | Up to 180 lbs; up to 250 lbs with tails | 3 lbs 3 oz | 7075-T6 aluminum; Paraglide binding |
| Lightning Trail 25 in | 120 to 220 lbs; up to 280 lbs with tails | 3 lbs 5 oz | 7075-T6 aluminum; Paraglide binding |
| Revo Explore 22 in | Up to 180 lbs; up to 250 lbs with tails | 3 lb 13 oz | Steel; Paradigm binding, heel lift |
| Revo Explore 25 in | 120 to 220 lbs; up to 280 lbs with tails | 4 lb 2 oz | Steel; Paradigm binding, heel lift |
From MSR product pages on cascadedesigns.com, checked October 2026. All are 8 inches wide.
How to size snowshoes
- Use loaded weight. MSR lists a load rating for each length. Add your body weight, winter clothing and pack before you compare.
- 22 inch: rated up to 180 pounds on the Evo Trail, Lightning Trail and Revo Explore.
- 25 inch: rated 120 to 220 pounds on the Lightning Trail and Revo Explore.
- Tails: MSR rates its 22 inch models up to 250 pounds with tails and its 25 inch models up to 280 pounds with tails. Its modular Evo tails add 6 inches for flotation in deep powder or when carrying heavier loads.
- Footwear: MSR says Paraglide bindings work with nearly any footwear, from light hikers to snowboard boots; it lists footwear ranges of 3 M to 13 M or 5 W to 15 W for the Paraglide models and 6 M to 14 M for the Revo Explore.
Match the snowshoe to your terrain
Flat trails and gentle hills. MSR describes the Evo Trail as durable and easy to use, with steel traction rails that grip even modest slopes and glove friendly straps for quick on and off.
Long days on packed trails. MSR calls the Lightning Trail exceptionally lightweight, quiet and comfortable, with 360 degree traction frames. Per pair, the 22 inch Lightning Trail is 3 lbs 3 oz against 3 lbs 10 oz for the Evo Trail, a 7 ounce difference by simple subtraction.
Varied terrain and climbs. MSR says Explore Series snowshoes are built for rolling hills to steeper ascents. The Revo Explore adds a heel lift, which MSR's spec sheet lists as a Televator, plus Paradigm bindings that MSR says are field repairable and minimize heel drift.
Snowshoeing as winter exercise
The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans say adults need at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic activity each week, plus muscle strengthening on at least 2 days. The guidelines add that any amount of physical activity has some health benefits. A snowshoe walk is one way to keep moving when trails are snow covered.
The guidelines also say Americans can benefit from small amounts of moderate to vigorous physical activity throughout the day, so even a short loop counts toward moving more.
Cold weather safety on the trail
- Check the forecast. The National Weather Service says to make checking the forecast part of your routine and, if possible, to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically early morning.
- Dress in layers and cover exposed skin to reduce the risk of frostbite or hypothermia, NWS advises. Mittens are better than gloves, it says, and keep your skin dry.
- Get out of the wind when you can, and change into dry clothes right away if you get wet.
- Know the warning signs. NWS lists redness or pain in a skin area as a possible first sign of frostbite, and a white or grayish yellow area or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy as further signs. Get indoors quickly and seek medical attention for severe frostbite.
What to look for when you buy
Easy start: MSR Evo Trail 22 in
Best for: Flat trails and rolling hills, riders up to 180 lbs loaded
MSR lists steel traction rails, a Paraglide binding for nearly any footwear, a 3 lbs 10 oz pair weight and attachment points for 6 inch tails.
Watch out: Only one length; add tails if your loaded weight is over 180 lbs, up to 250 lbs.
See options on AmazonLightweight: MSR Lightning Trail
Best for: Long days on packed trails
MSR lists 7075-T6 aluminum frames with 360 degree traction, 3 lbs 3 oz per pair in the 22 inch size, and a 25 inch size rated 120 to 220 lbs.
Watch out: Pick the length by loaded weight, not shoe size.
See options on AmazonVaried terrain: MSR Revo Explore
Best for: Rolling hills to steeper climbs
MSR lists steel traction frames, a heel lift, field repairable Paradigm bindings and 22 and 25 inch sizes.
Watch out: Footwear range is 6 M to 14 M, narrower at the small end than the Paraglide models.
See options on AmazonExtra flotation: MSR Evo 6 inch tails
Best for: Deep powder or heavier loads on Evo snowshoes
MSR says the modular tails add 6 inches to any Evo snowshoe for increased flotation.
Watch out: MSR describes these as tails for Evo snowshoes; check fit before using them on other models.
See options on AmazonQuestions people ask
- What size snowshoes do I need?
- Go by loaded weight. MSR rates 22 inch models up to 180 lbs and 25 inch models 120 to 220 lbs.
- Can I wear regular boots with snowshoes?
- MSR says its Paraglide bindings fit nearly any footwear, from light hikers to snowboard boots.
- Is snowshoeing good exercise?
- Federal guidelines recommend adults get 150 to 300 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week, and a snowshoe walk is one way to stay active in winter.
- What are snowshoe tails for?
- MSR says tails add 6 inches of flotation for deep powder or heavier loads.
- What should I wear snowshoeing?
- Dress in layers and cover exposed skin, the National Weather Service advises; mittens are warmer than gloves.
Sources
- Evo Trail Snowshoes (cascadedesigns.com), MSR (Cascade Designs)
- Lightning Trail Snowshoes (cascadedesigns.com), MSR (Cascade Designs)
- Revo Explore Snowshoes (cascadedesigns.com), MSR (Cascade Designs)
- Top 10 Things to Know About the Second Edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (odphp.health.gov), U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
- Prepare for Cold Weather (weather.gov), National Weather Service
- During Extremely Cold Weather (weather.gov), National Weather Service