MSR Denali
The MSR Denali ($139, 2010 prices) is an ideal snowshoe for mountaineering on packed, windblown snow. The aggressive steel crampon provides plenty of bite into the snow and ice. The plastic decking material is lightweight, and the Denali comes with extendable tails that can be added to provide more flotation. The binding has enlarged openings to easily accommodate ski boots, and the rubber straps across the heel and instep cinch down quickly. The Denali is also available with a heel lift bar in the Denali Ascent snowshoe ($179, 2010 prices), which is recommended for steep uphill climbs.
Tubbs Mountaineer
The Tubbs Mountaineer ($260) is an aggressive snowshoe designed for challenging mountaineering conditions. The carbon fiber crampon is durable and provides good traction on all but the most extreme terrain. The Mountaineer has asymmetric bindings that should work with most ski boots; the men's version works with boots to size 13, and the women's with boots from size 5 to size 11. The Mountaineer is available in three sizes: 8x25, 9x30, and 10x36. Tubbs recommends the small for weights of 200 pounds, the medium for weights up to 250 pounds, and the large for weights of 300 pounds; these weight charts are meant to include any gear your are carrying.
Redfeather Alpine
The Redfeather Alpine ($249, 2010 prices) is an all-purpose mountaineering snowshoe with an aggressive crampon underfoot. The Alpine can be purchased with two different binding systems. The Pilot II will work with all boots, and the Ultra, which has a quick-lace system, might not fit all ski boots, so you should try them on with your boots before purchasing them. Redfeather makes the the Alpine in three lengths: the Model 25, the Model 30 and the Model 35. The Model 25 is for weights up to 175 pounds, the Model 30 is for weights up to 220 pounds, and the Model 35 is for weights over 220 pounds.
