MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoe Assessment

Bottom Line

The MSR Lightning Ascent is one of our long-time favorite snowshoes and continues to top the list in most of our metrics. With some of the best flotation and traction of any snowshoe we tested, the Lightning Ascent continues to impress us for use in steep terrain and deep snow. 

We love the traction offered by the teeth around the edge of the frame as well as aggressive crampon-style points under the feet. The lightweight aluminum frame and nylon deck keep the weight low and the flotation high when venturing into deep snow. Heel risers are easily deployed with the flick of the hand or ski pole to enhance climbing up steep hills.

Their large surface area can make it cumbersome for adventures on trail and in packed snow. The traction, while amazing in slippery terrain, can easily be overkill and is easy to trip over and snag on when walking in firm conditions. The bindings can take some figuring out to get fitted properly at first. Despite these small shortcomings, the MSR Lightning Ascent is an extremely well-built option for those demanding the most out of their gear.

Flotation

When venturing off the trail and into deep and unsupportive snow, the MSR Lightning Ascents immediately provided flotation to coast in some of the deepest conditions. They provide a large surface area thanks to their longer length. The nylon deck is lightweight and flexible, cupping the snow with each step to provide excellent flotation. 

The only condition we found that challenged the MSR Lightning Ascent’s flotation was in breakable crust on top of powder. The flexible deck was not able to provide as much flotation in the crust/powder combination and would often require a few steps in the same location to break up the crust to then walk through. If more traction is needed, MSR offers flotation tails, which can be added to these snowshoes.

Traction

MSR Lightning Ascent’s traction is outstanding and sets the bar high for what a snowshoe can achieve. The claw-style crampon under the foot has two front points that more closely resemble crampons. This makes kicking steps while climbing steep slopes secure and steady. After the claws, two rows of vertical aluminum with serrated teeth provide additional traction, especially when walking downhill.

To round out this snowshoe’s impressive traction, there are even teeth around the perimeter of the profile etched into the frame. These were particularly useful for traversing across slopes and walking down steep hills. They provided a level of security and grip that is one of the best out of all the products in our lineup.

Walkability

A slightly tapered profile to each snowshoe allows for easy walking while on various terrains. This helps to decrease a cowboy stance and enables a more natural gait. The snowshoes have a slight rocker, which helps them roll along when walking on flat ground. The heel risers are a huge bonus for climbing. They add support for climbing steep hills, so there is less strain on the calf, and they evenly distribute your weight across the snowshoe. Be sure to fold these back down as wearing them downhill is uncomfortable and makes it easy to topple forward and down the hill.

Walking in these on hard-packed and groomed trails can be cumbersome. Their aggressive traction frequently catches on firm ground. Without any kind of flex in the frame, walking downhill can feel awkward as the tails would sometimes catch and push us away from the hill. With their relatively low weight for the size of the platform, the MSR Lightning Ascents will not weigh you down unnecessarily and keep you fresh for covering many miles in deep snow. They might feel like overkill near the trailhead, but the deeper we went into the backcountry, the better these performed.

Ease of Use

The binding system around the heel took some time to figure out. The strap and hook system is easy enough to tighten, but the open hook for the heel strap can be problematic if not tightened all the way. The heel strap slipped off our foot, and the strap popped out of the open hook if we didn’t crank on it.

The rubber webbing of the forefoot is a fantastic closure system. The rubber strap on each side can be set to the desired tightness once, and then not have to be touched again, even to put on or remove the snowshoes. The length of these rubber straps can be difficult to grab with gloves because of their short length, but a loop at the end of each helps.

We found that the heel riser is a great feature that enhances the usability of the snowshoes. They are easily flicked up or down with a ski pole, eliminating the need to bend over. These are perfect for climbing up and over steep hills where going from climbing to descending quickly is needed.

Should You Buy the MSR Lightning Ascent?

For those wanting uncompromising performance from their snowshoes, the MSR Lightning Ascent is the clear winner. These snowshoes provide some of the best traction and flotation around. Their aggressive crampons and full-length serration around the frame of the snowshoes provide excellent traction. Their large surface area and flexible deck provide enough traction for adventures well off-trail and in deep, unsupportable snow.

While a top performer, this snowshoe may be overbuilt for some users’ needs. They can be cumbersome to walk on packed trails due to their large shape, and the large front points easily catch on firm ground. While secure, their binding system can be hard to fasten with gloves on and require more fiddling than others we tested. Despite these minor hangups, the MSR Lightning Ascent is still one of our top choices for taking out in the harshest environments.

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?

MSR Revo Explore Review – A similarly styled snowshoe with traction around the frame, the Revo Explore provides excellent traction at a lower price point.

Tubbs Flex RDG Review – With similar traction to the Lightning Ascent but with better walkability, the flex of these snowshoes makes for comfortable walking even on steep downhills.

XtremPro Outdoors Review – If the price point of the Lightning Ascent is a bit too high, the Xtrem Pro Outdoors offers snowshoes at an accessible price point for an excellent beginner-friendly setup.