Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
![]() This Product
Crescent Moon Big Sky 32 | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Awards | ![]() Best for Fresh Deep Snow | ![]() Best Overall Snowshoes | ![]() High Performance Affordability | ![]() Best on A Tight Budget | |
Price | $220 List $219.95 at Amazon | $288.60 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $280 List $245.89 at Amazon | $170 List $150.00 at Amazon | $60 List |
Overall Score ![]() |
|||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A good choice for off-trail travel and softer snow | Our overall champ combines simplicity and high-quality materials, features, and engineering | This is a top-scoring model with excellent traction and comfort | This reliable and well-priced snowshoe is versatile and easy to use | While they're nothing special, this inexpensive model gets the job done for the occasional user |
Rating Categories | Crescent Moon Big S... | MSR Lightning Ascent | Tubbs Flex VRT | MSR Evo Trail | GoPlus |
Flotation (30%) | |||||
Traction (30%) | |||||
Walkability (20%) | |||||
Bindings (20%) | |||||
Specifications | Crescent Moon Big S... | MSR Lightning Ascent | Tubbs Flex VRT | MSR Evo Trail | GoPlus |
Measured Weight (per pair) | 5.1 lbs | 4.0 lbs | 4.4 lbs | 3.7 lbs | 3.8 lbs |
Sizes Available | 32" (one size) | 22", 25", 30" | 21", 25", 29" | 22" (one size) | 21", 25", 30" |
Binding System | Rubber straps with plastic buckles | Rubber net and straps with pin-in-hole | BOA and rubber strap | Rubber net and straps with pin-in-hole | Ratchet straps with plastic buckles, nylon heel strap |
Frame Material | Aluminum | Aluminum | Plastic and steel | Martensitic steel | Aluminum |
Measured Surface Area | 256 sq in | 188 sq in | 195 sq in | 183 sq in | 189 sq in |
Measured Dimensions | 32"L x 10"W | 25"L x 8"W | 26"L x 8"W | 24"L x 8"W | 25"L x 8"W |
Binding/Deck Connection | Strapped | Hinged | Hinged | Hinged | Strapped |
Crampon/Traction Aids | Steel crampons | Steel crampons, rails, and teeth | Steel crampons and rails | Steel crampons and rails | Aluminum crampons and teeth |
Deck Material | Polyurethane fabric | TPU coated Nylon | Torsion Deck (plastic) | Polypropylene | Polyethylene fabric |
Heel Lift | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Flotation Tails Sold Separately | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Men's/Women's Versions Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Unisex | Unisex |
Optimum Weight Load (per manufacturer) | up to 225 lbs | up to 180 lbs (size 22") 120-220 lbs (size 25") 150-280 lbs (size 30") |
80-160 lbs (size 21") 120-200 lbs (size 25") 190+ lbs (size 29") |
up to 180 lbs | 65-155 lbs (size 21") 110-200 lbs (size 25") 150-260 lbs (size 30") |
Tested Size | 32" | 25" | 25" | 22" | 25" |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Crescent Moon has been making snowshoes in Colorado since 1997. The company is all about snowshoes and makes several all-foam models in addition to the more standard frame and deck construction reviewed here. As a completely domestic company, from design to manufacturing, they uniquely appeal to some customers.
Flotation
In our review, the product selection largely focuses on the all-around style snowshoes, and the Big Sky 32 is among the larger models we tested. There are much larger snowshoes available worldwide, including Crescent Moon's super-sized Denali 37 model. But for the all-around types, the Big Sky 32 is among the largest.
The tapered shape puts the bulk of its surface area under the user's center of gravity, narrowing the tails and tips for better stride ergonomics. The tubular frame is completely rigid fore-to-aft, so every one of the measured 256 square inches is put to maximum use. In short, the Big Sky 32 tops our charts for flotation. Our lead tester was impressed, saying, “I haven't found a better floating snowshoe that is also suitable for packed trails.”
Traction
Though not quite as important as flotation, this is still a key consideration for snowshoes. The Big Sky 32 has a tubular frame, clearly designed for flotation in deep snow. In our experience, models with those two qualities often fall short in the traction metric. While previous versions were underwhelming, Crescent Moon has updated the current Big Sky 32 traction.
In addition to metal teeth under the forefoot, there is a generous set of spikes under the heel. Smaller teeth adorn the toes and the binding mounting strap. While this still wouldn't be our first choice on traction alone, our testers noted, “The lack of grip is no longer the Achilles heel of this model.” We think this current version has suitable traction for a snowshoe designed for deep days.
Walkability
As a general rule, flotation and stride ergonomics are in opposition — bigger snowshoes are less fun to walk in. With the Big Sky 32, the highly tapered shape makes for an easy stride and overall ergonomic experience that isn't as cumbersome as you might think. The frame is wide under the forefoot, and the tapered tail nestles next to the somewhat narrowed tip with each step. While there's no way you'll forget you have snowshoes on, the unusually tapered deck allows for a great “gait to flotation” ratio that is more pleasant to walk in than the average.
Many of our testers prefer a hinged binding-to-deck attachment over a strapped one. However, considering this snowshoe's intended use, we think the strapped connection makes more sense. Not only does it allow for a little extra cushioning, but it also keeps the tails of the snowshoe from dragging in the snow as much as they might — the strap stops the snowshoe from completely rotating around your foot. On a model that's designed for soft snow use, when we're often working hard anyway, it's a good choice.
Bindings
The Big Sky 32 bindings are fairly easy to use with a one-handed on-and-off system. The forefoot has a fairly common single-pull design. Pull one strap to tighten the forefoot cage and a different one to loosen it. It would be a nice touch to find the “loosen” webbing a different color, but this is a minor complaint.
The heel strap has two buckles, which seemed like overkill to us, but they are fairly intuitive. One ladder-lock buckle lets you adjust the strap's overall length. This is useful if you're mostly using the same pair of boots most of the time. Then, a ratcheting buckle gets you in and out with ease. We are 100 percent confident they will not ice up for you.
We had no problems with the binding of the Big Sky 32 staying on, as long as we stuck to gentler terrain. When things got rowdy or technical, we did notice our boots moving around a bit in the binding. However, there was never fear of them coming off. Looking at other design elements, like the average traction and the strapped binding/deck interface, it is clear these aren't designed for super-technical terrain. Considering that, the binding is as secure as it ought to be.
The wide straps of the Big Sky 32 spread the force of retention over even the softest of winter footwear. As long as you use even slightly insulated shoes, which you'll want for winter use anyway, the straps won't cut or compress your foot or boots. Mechanical buckles maintain the tension in the bindings, which can sometimes be a more comfortable arrangement than rubber straps. Stretchy rubber straps are slightly more secure, but it takes some experience to figure out how not to overtighten them.
Included with this model is a removable plastic heel lifter. On other models, the heel lifter is a metal wire that flips up for use or down for storage. On the Big Sky 32, it's a piece of plastic that keys into the heel piece of the deck and then swivels into place when needed. While this did the trick on steeper slopes, we prefer the wire system. Our lead tester says, “I think it's a bit easier to use and doesn't give me another doodad to keep track of.”
The plastic forefoot cage on this model is oddly roomy. Our lead tester wears a men's size 10, and even in bulky mountaineering boots, there was plenty of room to spare. This could be why we experienced some wiggling in the binding. Take note if you have smaller feet or svelte boots.
Should You Buy the Crescent Moon Big Sky 32?
In case you skipped over everything we've written above, the Big Sky 32 is purpose-built for deep, soft snow. If lots of new snow on flat or rolling terrain is on your menu this winter, this is the snowshoe for you. They're not ideal for steep and mountainous ground, so take note.
What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?
If you are looking for a snowshoe that is a little more versatile than the Big Sky, consider the Atlas Montane. It has less flotation — but still a respectable amount — and other features help it perform better in rowdy situations. The MSR Evo Trail has less flotation but a well-rounded set of features, including lightness.