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MSR DenaliEvo Ascent

Snow Sports > SnowshoesRated: ***** by 53 reviews.

Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear

Denali Evo Ascentsnowshoes bring modular performance to your winter backcountry adventures. Based on our proven Denali snowshoes, they feature the same modular flotation, superior traction for go-anywhere reliability and include Televatorheel lifters as well as a redesigned deck, binding, and crampon to improve backcountry performance and usability.

  • Superior Traction:Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.
  • Steep Terrain Performance:Televatorheel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient.
  • Walk Easier:Tapered tip and tail make walking easier and more natural.
  • Versatile:Add 6" Evoflotation tails (sold separately) to meet changing conditions and pack weight.
  • Secure Fit:Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe.

Weight: 4 lbs
***flotation tails sold separately

Features:

  • Secure Fit: Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe.
  • Steep Terrain Performance: Televator™ heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient.
  • Superior Traction: Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.
  • Versatile: Add 6" Evo™ flotation tails (sold separately) to meet changing conditions and pack weight.
  • Walk Easier: Tapered tip and tail make walking easier and more natural.

Campsaver.com

Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes are high-tech tools for winter backcountry adventures. They represent the evolution of MSR's proven Denali design and construction method, which revolutionized the snowshoe industry in 1995. Evo Ascents feature the same superior traction and modular design as Denali Ascent snowshoes, with a redesigned deck, binding, and crampon to improve backcountry performance and usability. The difference between the Denali Evo and the Denali Evo Ascent is that Ascent has a climbing wire that you engage for allowing an easier uphill climb.

Features:

  • Secure Fit: Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe.
  • Superior Traction: Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.
  • Unmatched on Steep Terrain: Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient.
  • User-Friendly: New stand-up binding allows easy entry and exit from the snowshoe.
  • Versatile: 6 inch Evo flotation tails (sold separately) allow you to fine-tune your snowshoes to meet changing conditions and pack weight.
  • Walk Easier: Tapered tip and tail make walking easier and more natural.

Appalachain Outdoors

Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes are high-tech tools for winter backcountry adventures. They represent the evolution of MSR’s proven Denali design and construction method, which revolutionized the snowshoe industry in 1995. Evo Ascents feature the same superior traction and modular design as Denali Ascent snowshoes, with a redesigned deck, binding, and crampon to improve backcountry performance and usability. Unmatched on Steep Terrain: Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient. Superior Traction: Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip. Walk Easier: Tapered tip and tail make walking easier and more natural. Versatile:6" Evo flotation tails (sold separately) allow you to fine-tune your snowshoes to meet changing conditions and pack weight. User-Friendly: New stand-up binding allows easy entry and exit from the snowshoe. Secure Fit: Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe. Weight: 4 lbs. (1816 g) per pair. Size: 8 x 22 in. (20 x 56 cm). MSR


USOutdoor.com

MSR Denali Evo Ascent™ Snowshoes

Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes are high-tech tools for winter backcountry adventures. They represent the evolution of MSR’s proven Denali™ design and construction method, which revolutionized the snowshoe industry in 1995. Evo Ascents feature the same superior traction and modular design as Denali Ascent™ snowshoes, with a redesigned deck, binding, and crampon to improve backcountry performance and usability.

Features:

  • Secure Fit: Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe.
  • Superior Traction: Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.
  • Unmatched on Steep Terrain: Televator™ heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient.
  • User-Friendly: New stand-up binding allows easy entry and exit from the snowshoe.
  • Versatile: 6” Evo flotation tails (sold separately) allow you to fine-tune your snowshoes to meet changing conditions and pack weight.
  • Walk Easier: Tapered tip and tail make walking easier and more natural.

REI

New EVO Ascent features redesigned decks, bindings and crampons, improving their backcountry performance.

  • Strong UniDeck™ injection-molded decks are tapered for a more natural walking stride
  • Mitten-friendly EVO bindings stand up to allow easy entry and exit; bindings expand to accommodate snowboard and ski boots
  • Multi-toothed, hardened-steel side rails--provide superior grip for traversing side slopes and ice
  • Steel Saber Teeth™ project 3/8-inch on either side of the binding to increase security on steep, icy slopes
  • MSR Televator heel bails lift to ease the strain on your calves during steep ascents
  • Steel toe crampons grip the snow and pivot to maintain contact with the ground
  • EVO Flotation Tails™ (sold separately) add buoyancy when walking in deep powder snow or carrying heavy loads
  • Please note: without tails, recommended load is 90 - 125 lbs. and with 6 in. tails, recommended load is 125 - 175 lbs.+
  • Recommended load specification includes weight of hiker with gear in soft snow conditions; flotation will vary with snow conditions


Mountain Gear

The Denali Evo Ascent takes MSR's modular snowshoe design with detachable flotation tails and parallel traction bars, and builds in stand-up bindings and a tapered tail. The result is a lightweight, technically superior snowshoe that has incredible performance on ice and snow-covered landscapes.

Features:

  • Easily get in and out of the stand-up binding
  • Eliminate heel drift with the crampon extension plate
  • Evo floatation tails sold separately
  • Four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment
  • Get extra grip on hard-packed snow or freezing terrain3/8 inch talon-like steel Saberteeth, crampons and molded braking bars in the deck
  • Televators pop up to support your heel, thereby reducing calf fatigue on steep ascents
  • Use with snowboard and / or ski boots, the enlarged boot hole allows for compatibility
  • Walk more naturally thanks to the tapered tip and tail

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)

The Evo Ascents are high-tech tools for winter backcountry adventures and steep ascents. With a tapered tip and tail, these snowshoes make walking in winter snows easier and more efficient.

Features:

  • Accepts 6 in. EVO tails (sold separately) for added flotation in deep snow or with heavy loads
  • Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, keeping your foot centered and your footing stable
  • Enlarged boot hole allows use of snowboard or ski boots
  • Four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe
  • Stand-up binding means less fumbling with straps
  • Steel traction blades with saber teeth provide exceptional grip
  • Tapered tip and tail improve maneuverability among obstacles like stone walls and blowdowns
  • Televator heel lifter reduces calf fatigue, making climbing easier and more efficient

Rocky Mountain Trail

The perfect high end, versatile snowshoe! MSR built their time-tested reputation upon these versatile snowshoes. With high end features at an entry level price, the DenaliEvo Ascent Snowshoes offer great traction and a comfortable and easy to use binding system. For added versatility, the Denali's are compatible with the 6" Evo flotation tails for added floatation when you find yourself hauling more than the norm! For more information on snowshoeing, click here!

Features:

  • Easy bindings allow for quick entry and exit
  • Heel lift bar helps reduce calf fatigue on steep terrain
  • Steel traction blades and crampons allow for superior traction
  • Versatile - can be used with 6" Evo Tails (sold separately)

Backcountry.com

The MSR Denali Evo Ascent Snowshoe is incredibly efficient for snowshoeing in steep terrain thanks to its Televator heel lifter. When the going gets steep, just pull up this heel lifter, and your foot will remain flat even when you're walking straight up a steep incline. Keeping your feet flat also reduces the stress on your calves, so you can travel further. Available tail attachments increase flotation in deep snow. The MSR Denali Evo Ascent snowshoe has a powder-coated steel crampon which sheds the stickiest snow and bites into hardpack with ease.


Moosejaw

No description provided.

Binding Material:Rubber
Binding System:Strap
Country of Origin:United States
Crampon Material:Powder-coated steel
Deck material:Plastic
Dimensions:22 x 8 inches
Frame material:Plastic
Gender:Unisex
Has Crampons?:Yes
Heel crampon:No
Heel lift:Yes
Heel riser:yes
Instep crampon:No
Lateral crampon:Yes
Load:95 - 175 pounds
Primary Terrain:Steep
Primary Use:Steep
Recommended Use:Hiking/Mountaineering
Recommended Weight:Up to 200lb without tail extensions Recommended Use: Snowshoeing in steep terrain
Recommended load:90 - 125 pounds
Secure Fit:Crampon extension plate eliminates heel drift, while four-strap binding provides a great fit and secure attachment to snowshoe.
Shipping Surcharge:Yes
Snowboard Boot Compatible:Yes
Suggested use:Backcountry
Superior Traction:Steel traction blades with saber teeth, crampons, and molded braking bars in deck provide exceptional grip.
The Low Down:Please see the sizing chart link above.
Unmatched on Steep Terrain:Televator
User Statement:Steep-terrain snowshoes for ultraserious backcountry/mountaineering adventures.
User Weight:80-150 lb.
User-Friendly:New stand-up binding allows easy entry and exit from the snowshoe.
Versatile:6" Evo flotation tails (sold separately) allow you to fine-tune your snowshoes to meet changing conditions and pack weight.
Walk Easier:Tapered tip and tail make walking easier and more natural.
Warranty:Lifetime
Weight:4lb
Weight (pair):3 lbs. 14 oz.
Weight per pair:4 pounds

View other products from MSR classified in Snow Sports > Snowshoes.

View all products from MSR.
View other products classified in Snow Sports > Snowshoes.

Sometimes, we can't be sure that the product is the same across the stores that offer its, so you may find the same product listed more then once on GearBuyer.com, we these list highly similar products below.

MSR Denali Evo SnowshoesMSR Denali Evo Snowshoes$169.95 - $199.95
MSR Denali AscentMSR Denali Ascent$179.00 - $179.95
MSR Denali Evo Snowshoes - AdultsMSR Denali Evo Snowshoes - Adults$169.95
MSR Denali Ascent EVO - AdultsMSR Denali Ascent EVO - Adults$199.95

Sometimes brands make complementary products for the opposite gender that coordinate with this product, we also try to show these products below.

MSR Denali Evo Ascent Snowshoes BlueMSR Denali Evo Ascent Snowshoes Blue - Women's$199.95
MSR Denali SnowshoesMSR Denali SnowshoesUnspecified$139.00 - $139.95
MSR Denali Evo Snowshoe Extension TailsMSR Denali Evo Snowshoe Extension TailsUnspecified$29.95

These are products that have been indicated being comparable to this product:

MSR Denali ClassicMSR Denali Classic
Snow Sports > Snowshoes
$139.95
MSR Denali Evo SnowshoesMSR Denali Evo Snowshoes
Snow Sports > Snowshoes
$169.95 - $199.95
Backcountry Access Tracker Avalanche TransceiverBackcountry Access Tracker Avalanche Transceiver
Snow Sports > Avalanche Gear
$289.00 - $289.95
silver star GearBuyer.com Top 25 Category Product
View other top products in this category...

Option Availability:

Use this chart to find which retailer offers this product in the size, color or other options that you desire. Click on the price to purchase.

ColorSize
BlueBlackN/A
Blue
Blue
  199.00199.953 More...
Cool Blue
Cool Blue
  199.95
Black
Black
  199.95199.952 More...
N/A199.90199.90 

Legend

  •     - Appalachain Outdoors
  •     - Campsaver.com
  •     - Rocky Mountain Trail
  •     - Mountain Gear
  •     - Backcountry.com
  •     - REI
  •     - Moosejaw

Notes:

Mountains Plus Outdoor Gear offers this product at $199.93, but does not provide any color/size information.

USOutdoor.com offers this product at $199.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) offers this product at $199.95, but does not provide any color/size information.

MSR DenaliEvo Ascent Reviews Summary:

RatingNumber
of Reviews
*****38
****10
***2
**2
*1
To see how this product compares to others view Snowshoe Reviews.

Positive Reviews:

MSR comes through with GREAT shoes!

Rating:*****
Hiking five miles into the backcountry can go from fun to exhausting without proper flotation. On a recent trip up Barr Trail in Pike National Forest, I had the pleasure of testing the MSR Denali Evo Ascent in snow that covered the trail several inches below. I was first impressed with the lightweight construction; at 3lbs 13oz, I hardly noticed that they were on my pack during the approach and when we encountered the fresh snow further along the trail, it was a snap to get them on. The binding system utilizes a series of rubber straps that easily adjust to any boot size. Simply slide your foot into the binding and secure the heel strap to position your foot over the crampon; then adjust the upper straps to secure your foot in place. The straps are large enough to negotiate while wearing gloves but not so large that they get in the way while hiking. Plus, with a larger boot hole, you don’t have to worry about large boots getting caught on the frame while hiking. The construction features tapered ends that allow great movement, while the steel traction bars keep you secure in any conditions. On the descent, I enjoyed the traction that was comparable to a crampon, and I didn’t miss a step while moving across varied terrain of slick hardpack and powdery snow. The Denali Evo Ascent also comes with a 6” adapter on the back to provide extra floatation with heavier. In the end, this was definitely a shoe that is versatile enough for a long winter slog or a relaxed walk through a winter landscape. I would definitely recommend the powder blue color for a stylish addition to your winter gear stash. Great job MSR!
JPFreek at REI on 09/28/2007

Worth the price

Rating:****
I've used my snowshoes 3 times--one casual hike around Franconia Notch and twice up 4,000-footers in NH's Whites. Once up Mt. Jackson, another time on a serious 14-mile day up Mt. Carrigain. I'm new to snowshoeing, so I'm no expert, but they felt great. Putting the shoes on and taking them off is easy as can be, takes only a few seconds, and they fit snugly. The traction is terrific with plenty of bite from the built-in "crampons" and "side" teeth. I did not purchase the tails but I haven't missed them in the least--though I'd probably get them if I ever wanted to break trail on a soft-powder hike. I used the elevators a few times briefly on real steep climbs--you can feel a difference, and it feels great. I crossed a short stretch of ice on Jackson with no trouble. I've also seen a million other experienced snowshoers with these shoes, and the ones I've spoken to really like them and like having the elevators too. My only gripe is that the edges seem to have gotten really chewed up from the inevitable dragging of one shoe over the other and the occasional misstep, and I wonder if the plastic will hold up over time. Also, one of the rubber straps tore near the tip, although I should probably just trim the tips off anyway. I think EMS should get a little more generous and include a couple replacement straps with your purchase just in case. Overall, a great product (and I am usually pretty critical of EMS) and I can't wait to use them next winter. I am confident they will serve me well on more serious climbs with challenging, advanced terrain.
"John Galt" ME->GA '03 at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) on 06/04/2009

Serious Backcountry Snow Shoes

Rating:*****

If you only snowshoe on the flats in deep powder, wider longer shoes designed for float may be all you need.
But if you are looking for the most versitile, hill climbing bombproof snowshoe on the market, get these. All the local rental shops rent Denalis because they take extreme punishment and are perfect when you go from powder to crust to ice on the same trip. These guys traverse the ice covered slopes like you have crampons on.
Plastic MSR's are the only snowshoe that can change their length by adding tails, giving them unmatched versatility. Because they have solid plastic decks, they don't self clean as easily as flexible fabric decks, which under centain conditions makes them heavy with clumped snow. Keep them sprayed with silicone or vegetable spray. As far as being a little noisier, I could care less. I'm looking for performance.The telelever is a must for steep climbs.
These are serious, heavy duty backcountry snowshoes. I use them for personal use and will use them for Search and Rescue.

Randy M. at Backcountry.com on 02/20/2009

Worth Every Penny!

Rating:*****

I put a whole bunch of miles on these snowshoes in the WA Cascades this year both with and without a huge winter camping pack. The televators are awesome. Until I had a very long, very steep, serious ascent I wasn't a believer but after a few steps I flipped them up and was AMAZED at how awesome they work! Others in my group were smoked at the top but I was feeling groovy. The decks are indestructible but get scratched up. Battle scars. The grip is great on uneven snow/ice. They twist a bit in late-season corn but what wouldn't? These shoes are very easy to strap down to your pack. The only part I see failing is where the binding hinges on the shoe. An extra pin and split ring might be worth carrying and for this kind of scratch should be included. Buy these, go out, be happy!

Erich Knaak at Backcountry.com on 12/09/2008

HUGE FAN!

Rating:*****

I generally go everywhere in the snow with my AT set up but I use these whenever I get a chance. The bindings are fantastic! I have never had them ice up or break (and if a strap ever broke you cannot beat a lifetime warranty). I decided to buy these over the lightning ascents simply because of the flotation tales. You don't have to have big bulky snowshoes on all the time and once you step into some deep powder it takes like 2 seconds to put the tales on and next thing you know you are walking on water! I think heel lift is necessary if you are going to be hiking uphill. That little feature will conserve soo much energy that it is ridiculous not to mention it will relieve a lot of stress on your ankles and calves, making your journey that much more enjoyable.

Tony Gibson at Backcountry.com on 04/23/2009

Happy XL Snowshoer

Rating:*****
I had been borrowing a pair of snowshoes from a friend for about a year, then when EMS had a sale in January I figured it was time to get my own. Though I had heard mixed things about how these shoes worked for the bigger person (I'm 6'2" - 230lbs) my salesman assured me they would be fine for me.

I have since put about 25 miles on them on both flat trails as well up a few local mountains, Kearsarge, Crotched, Skatutakee, and they were fantastic! I used the Televators up Kearsarge and they worked well. The bindings are easy to get in and out of. I will look into the tails for deeper snow but even without them in fresh snow they worked pretty well.

I love the shoes and would even tell my fellow "XL Snowshoers" to give these a look.
Dan's Brother at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) on 02/23/2009

The Best Snowshoe Available

Rating:*****
The extra $30 or $40 bucks for the ascent feature is worth the cost. I tried the ascent bar out while snowshoeing at Mount Rainier and it works great. Besides having to lift your legs up the slope you feel like you are walking on flat ground. The only caution is for those with small feet. My wife has size 6 feet and b/c she strapped in slightly too far forward her foot did not reach the ascent bar.

Besides that, the Denali models have been a favorite of mine for years. You can beat the hell out of them and the hold up flawlessly. I have never had a problem with them unlike the frequent problems I had while using Tubbs and Atlas snowshoes..

The Denali models also work well as tent anchors and snow shovels in a pinch. I highly recommend them.
grubedoo at REI on 12/29/2007

Made for Klingons

Rating:****
I use these for walking the dog and recreation. The aggressive full-length traction provides amazing performance on difficult terrain, especially in the crunchy stuff. I understand why these are a big hit with rescue teams. Plus, they seem indestructible. I have two complaints though. The bindings are difficult to get in and out of, and the Televator bar is very difficult to get up and down. I also have a pair of Lightning Ascents. These are superior in almost every way, and do not have the slight drag that you get with the Denali's full length traction. If you have an extra hundred bucks and don't need completely bomb-proof shoes, get the Lightnings. If you really want to beat the[*] out of them, and don't mind the extra effort getting in and out of them, get the Denalis. This is great product.
Jack at Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) on 03/03/2009

it's all about options & flexibility

Rating:*****

this is a great shoe. clean, simple, lightweight design. I've shoed on the fluffy stuff, the crunchy stuff, and everything in between. this shoe is easily to position correctly on the foot and has never come close to falling off. the rubber hook & eye straps make mittened hands a non-issue. no more knotty laces!
the ascent heel lever is useful on steep inclines, but i haven't found it necessary on moderate hills. i do, however, like the fact that it is there, just in case. would i recommend this feature? absolutely.
the added bonus: attachable flotation tails for fresh powder. you just don't get that option on models by other companies.
to me, this shoe is all about options and flexibility. it is completely practical and i've yet to be disappointed by it.

maceowest at Backcountry.com on 02/13/2007

Nearly Perfect

Rating:*****
I love these shoes. I rented Read Feather, Tubbs, and this shoe before buying, so it wasn't a blind purchase. The fastenings are easy to use (though the heel sometimes pops out of its clip) even with mittens on. This is so very important because exposing your hands to cold and wet is no good! Also, this shoe has flexibility: the ascent lever just flips up for going up big hills and you can buy extension tails for deeper snow. So you know what to expect, I weigh 140 with gear on and I'll sink to just below my knee in really fresh, light powder. If you're wearing gaiters, it's no biggie. Also, they are a little loud on super crunchy ice, but not much louder than other shoes.
lortz at REI on 12/09/2008

Negative Reviews:

Bad bindings downgrade good shoes

Rating:**
I agree [...]that the bindings are a weakness of these otherwise good shoes. Each strap connects to its buckle using a buckle-mounted prong, as on a pants belt. It's hard to get the buckle prongs through the strap holes, especially in cold (< 10 degrees F) weather where the straps stiffen and the buckle prongs tend to lie parallel to the straps. The prongs should be pointed more outward and maybe should be slightly longer in order to penetrate the strap holes and stay in position. A better snowshoe strap design is Atlas', where the straps are pre-threaded through buckles like pack compression straps. The user needs only to tighten the straps by pulling on the ends, rather than needing to connect each strap to its buckle every time s/he puts on the shoes as on the MSRs.
pato99 at REI on 12/27/2008

"The bindings are for crap"

Rating:*
I hate these snowshoes with a passion. The rubber (?) bindings break. I have two pairs of these in a pile due to bindings breaking - and I never intend to use them again. My friends don't seem to have this problem, so maybe I'm just tightening them too much. Either way, I can't tolerate mountaineering gear that breaks. Desperately searching for an alternative, I found Tubbs snowshoes. Their bindings are SO much faster to engage and appear to be much sturdier. The Tubbs snowshoes are going with me to Denali in a couple of weeks, so I'll find out how durable they are soon enough.
Curtis at Moosejaw on 04/13/2009

Ugh, look for the real ones

Rating:**

I tried some of these out and they were a huge disappointment. I'm not saying I expected to feel like I was walking on water, but they really didn't help with my footing at all. I was on snow a couple feet deep and they would punch through the top crust and then sit in the snow awkwardly. These things just kind of twist around in the snow. My parents' have a set of Atlas snowshoes with metal frames. They offer better footing than the MSR ones.

gonzo rocky at Backcountry.com on 12/19/2006

Neutral Reviews:

Very performant but cannot count on it

Rating:***

Hello,

I used to rave the Denali Ascent snowshoes as they are light and easy to use in various weather conditions.

Before puchasing then I rented a set and gave it my hard performance test. I broke a few rivets ont each shoe but still passed the light weight test (No backpack).

Last year I went on a 3 days hike with full gear backpack up Mount Washington. Past the point of no-return I had to deal with different equipement failure.

In -70f I had to run up steep slopes until the front part of both shoes broke. My 3 day trek in the parc became a 6 days push out of the hill on equipement making me trip every 100 yards, pulled down 3 feet of snow with my 60 pounds pack.

Apparently they are the best. I am still looking for a way to safely reinforce the shoes so that my purchase off a new set of shoes become reliable instead of life treatning in extreme conditions.

Would appreciate any recommandations suggestions at sylvainrobillard@hotmail.com.

Regards

Sylvain

Sylvain Robillard at Backcountry.com on 10/06/2009

Cheap Split Rings

Rating:***

Nice design, except for the cheap aluminum split ring that attaches the plastic upper deck to the crampon bottom. One of mine broke after just 5 miles of use. For just a few cents more, MSR could have used a stronger metal split ring, just like the one I bought at the hardware store for $1.00. Had MSR installed metal ones, I would not have needed to walk 5 miles through 4 feet of snow, without snowshoes and with a 45 pound pack, to get to my car to drive to the hardware store to buy the part for $1.00. That makes for a very long day in the backcountry. Thank you MSR for the great workout.

fdevincent at Backcountry.com on 03/05/2009