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MSR Evo Trail Review

This affordable molded snowshoe offers widespread appeal for its reliability and its compatibility with add-on tails that improve flotation
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MSR Evo Trail Review
Credit: Ian McEleney
Price:  $170 List
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Manufacturer:   MSR
By Ian McEleney ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Apr 23, 2024
65
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#4 of 14
  • Flotation - 30% 4.5
  • Traction - 30% 6.0
  • Walkability - 20% 7.5
  • Bindings - 20% 9.0

Our Verdict

Simplicity merges with versatility on the MSR Evo Trail. The unibody deck and frame are a single plastic piece with an easy-to-use binding. Versatility is gained from the semi-aggressive traction system and optional add-on tails for increased flotation in deep snow or for carrying a heavy pack. This is a decent snowshoe not only for its wallet-friendly price tag but also for its range of applications, from beginner trails to advanced rolling terrain. The Evo is one of our favorite choices for everything but the most technical and advanced backcountry conditions. For added floatation in deep snow, check out the MSR Evo Tails.
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Simple
Reliable
REASONS TO AVOID
Loud decking on crusty snow

Compare to Similar Products

 
msr evo trail
This Product
MSR Evo Trail
Awards Best Buy Award
High Performance Affordability
Top Pick Award
Best for Fresh Deep Snow
 Best Buy Award
Best on A Tight Budget
 
Price $159.99 at Amazon
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$220 List
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Bottom Line This reliable and well-priced snowshoe is versatile and easy to useA good choice for off trail travel and softer snowThough they're not for steep or deep snow, these inexpensive pair do well on simple and short hikesMost cheap snowshoes have poor bindings, but we found the G2 to be comfy and secureWhile they're not great in mountainous terrain or deep snow, the price is right
Rating Categories MSR Evo Trail Crescent Moon Big S... Tubbs Xplore G2 Ratchet Binding Tubbs Flex STP
Flotation (30%)
4.5
9.0
6.0
8.0
4.0
Traction (30%)
6.0
4.0
4.0
2.0
5.0
Walkability (20%)
7.5
4.5
5.0
3.5
5.0
Bindings (20%)
9.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
Specs MSR Evo Trail Crescent Moon Big S... Tubbs Xplore G2 Ratchet Binding Tubbs Flex STP
Measured Weight (per pair) 3.7 lbs 5.1 lbs 3.6 lbs 4.5 lbs 3.5 lbs
Sizes Available 22" (one size) 32" (one size) 25", 30" 22", 25", 30", 36" 24", 28"
Binding System Rubber net and straps with pin-in-hole Rubber straps with plastic buckles Quickpull Nylon and rubber straps Ratchet straps with plastic buckles, EVA padding, rubber tension straps Quickpull Nylon and rubber straps
Frame Material Plastic and steel Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Plastic and steel
Measured Surface Area 183 sq in 256 sq in 198 sq in 225 sq in 182 sq in
Measured Dimensions 24"L x 8"W 32"L x 10"W 26"L x 8"W 31"L x 9"W 25"L x 8"W
Binding/Deck Connection Hinged Strapped Hybrid hinged and strapped Hinged Hinged
Crampon/Traction Aids Steel crampons and rails Steel crampons Steel crampons and teeth Aluminum crampons and teeth Steel crampons and rails
Deck Material Polypropylene Polyurethane fabric Soft-Tec PVC-coated polyester Polyethylene fabric Torsion Deck (plastic)
Heel Lift No Optional No Yes No
Flotation Tails Sold Separately? Yes No No No No
Men's and Women's Versions? Unisex Yes Yes Unisex Yes
Optimum Weight Load (per manufacturer) up to 180 lbs up to 225 lbs 120-200 lbs (size 25")
170-250 lbs (size 30")
220-300 lbs (size 36")
up to 150 lbs (size 21")
up to 200 lbs (size 25")
up to 250 lbs (size 30")
up to 300 lbs (size 36")
80-160 lbs (size 22")
120-200 lbs (size 24")
over 190 lbs (size 28")
Tested Size 22" 32" 25" 30" 24"

Our Analysis and Test Results

MSR has been making plastic snowshoes for a very long time. Over the years, those models have ranged from those aimed at the technical mountaineer to models designed for small children and everyone in between. All have featured a wallet-friendly price, simple design, and versatility suitable for a wide range of experience levels and terrain conditions. They also tend to be quite durable.

Performance Comparison


msr evo trail - this model shines when the snow isn't too soft or deep.
This model shines when the snow isn't too soft or deep.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Flotation


Flotation is a snowshoe's number one job. The deck and frame of the Evo Trail is a single plastic mold that is lightweight. This design initially had us wondering how well it would manage in different snow conditions, and we were pleasantly surprised to find it excels on packed snow as well as fresh snow.


A rigid deck can give a snowshoe more flotation than the surface area alone might imply. The single piece of plastic that comprises the deck of the Evo is quite stiff, and two longitudinal steel rails on each snowshoe also contribute fore to aft stiffness. The short frame length is only available in a single size. At 22 inches, the Evo is best for packed snow and off-trail travel in steep terrain. MSR also sells add-on flotation tails that increase the length by six inches, augmenting the flotation noticeably. Though these increase flotation, they do make the Evo a little less maneuverable. They're a good choice for folks who may occasionally be carrying a heavy pack or venturing out in regions with a very variable snowpack. We think most hikers will be okay most of the time without the tails.

msr evo trail - the rigid deck let us make use of every last square inch in deep snow.
The rigid deck let us make use of every last square inch in deep snow.
Credit: Jessica Haist

Traction


Increased traction is the second most important benefit we get from a snowshoe. The semi-aggressive traction system on the Evo Trail is best suited for groomed trails, packed snow, rolling hills, and steeper slopes. Only the gnarliest of terrain and conditions might justify burlier traction.


The crampons are on a full rotation-pivot binding for an unencumbered range of motion. Three brake bars are designed into the plastic decking and perform well on moderate rolling terrain, resisting slipping on the way up and especially on the way down. The under-foot crampon teeth and lateral crampons are made from powder-coated steel. The under-foot crampons dig into hard-packed snow for security through each stride, while the lateral crampons are best for side-stepping and provide some uphill and downhill traction as well. Additionally, our testers found that the rigid deck was great for cutting into the snow while side-hilling. This lets us use the uphill edge of the deck to create a level platform for us to stand on, a bonus when we were breaking trail for a group!

msr evo trail - these molded plastic fins enhance traction in the back of the...
These molded plastic fins enhance traction in the back of the snowshoe.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Walkability


Energy-efficient walking is what we want, and our testers found that the short length of the Evo made walking a little more natural. The compact size is nice on trails and firmer snow and feels less cumbersome for first-time snowshoers to hike in. A shorter snowshoe is also generally more agile and easier to walk down steep slopes in. Both of these are important qualities on steep, almost technical, alpine terrain.


Couple that with the precision of a hinged binding, and the diminutive Evo can sometimes be an appropriate choice for steep alpine terrain. Drawbacks include the loud nature of the plastic decking, the lack of shock absorption in the rigid hinge and deck combination, and the fact that there was no rocker in the deck at the back of the snowshoe. Those qualities make this model feel (and sound) a little clunky on packed-out or groomed trails.

msr evo trail - this hinged binding rotates on two steel pins.
This hinged binding rotates on two steel pins.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Bindings


The Evo Trail is one of the easiest snowshoes in our test to use. Novice snowshoers will appreciate the simple unibody design that lacks daunting features and components. For experienced snowshoers, the Evo has semi-aggressive traction that engages with each step and binding straps that work in below freezing temperatures.


Putting these on is as simple as placing your boot on the snowshoe and pulling on two straps. Taking them off is equally simple, or maybe even easier if you're using the same boots later. This is because the forward strap can be left in position and your boot can be wiggled in and out of the rubber “net”. Add-on flotation tails (sold separately) are easy to attach for increased stability and flotation. However, without the tails, the short length makes strapping the Evo to the outside of a pack among the least punishing of all of our tested models. This snowshoe also travels well in a car or checked baggage.

msr evo trail - the evo trail has simple bindings that are easy to put on and take...
The Evo Trail has simple bindings that are easy to put on and take off, perfect for trails that only need snowshoes for part of the hike.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Regardless of what sort of snow conditions our testers encountered or what shoes we had on our feet, the Evo Trail remained securely fastened with no question of security. The rubber “net” over the forefoot tightens securely and distributes that force nicely, even in softer shoes. Our testing team has observed that hikers who are new to snowshoeing need practice striking a balance between having the straps too tight and too loose, and the net on the Evo makes this less of a fine line.

msr evo trail - red tabs on the bindings act as a quick-release and make it easy to...
Red tabs on the bindings act as a quick-release and make it easy to take off the snowshoes, even with gloves on.
Credit: Ian McEleney

The heel is held in place with a simple rubber strap. Both straps are secured with the same plastic buckle, which is spring-loaded. This means that the buckle “wants” to stay in the closed position, making it unlikely that it would pop open unintentionally. The lever on the buckle has a glove-friendly pull tab. Also, both of these buckles are on the outside of your foot, where they're less likely to contact the other snowshoe.

Should You Buy the MSR Evo Trail?


The Evo Trail is durable, easy to use, and versatile enough for novices and experts alike. Some of our testers have used this snowshoe for many years with no problems, even in rowdy, mountainous terrain. Conversely, they're simple enough for a casual stroll on a groomed trail. We think they're great for most winter travellers most of the time.

msr evo trail - these bindings are comfortable even with running shoes.
These bindings are comfortable even with running shoes.
Credit: Ian McEleney

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?


Those looking for a cheaper and even more basic model, perhaps for the occasional dog walk, short hike to a snowed-in cabin, or winter roadside emergencies, should check out the G2 Ratchet Binding - they are great for casual use. Hikers who expect to be traveling in the deepest of the deep snow - but not mountainous ground - should click on over to our review of the high-flotation Crescent Moon Big Sky 32.

msr evo trail - leaving the trail with the evo trail.
Leaving the trail with the Evo Trail.
Credit: Ian McEleney

Ian McEleney