Atlas Montane Snowshoes Overview | CleverHiker

Backside Line

The Atlas Montane is exceptionally sturdy and constructed with a standard aluminum tubing body with some trendy twists. Versatile decking materials permits some give whereas strolling to boost a pure gait. Massive enamel by the midfoot ship glorious traction. Examined within the alpine of Alaska’s Chugach Vary, these snowshoes felt proper at residence powering up steep climbs, plowing by drifts, and breaking path by deep snow.

The Montane’s broad form supplies glorious flotation however comes at a price. We incessantly discovered ourselves stepping and overlapping over every snowshoe if we forgot to regulate our stance to be barely wider. The Montanes additionally characteristic a novel pivot system for the binding. A easy but rugged strap attaches the binding to the body. This stiff strap aids within the tail of the snowshoe rebounding with every step however limits the vary of movement doable with out the power to rotate freely.

For those who love the texture of a standard snowshoe however are searching for some typical options, the Atlas Montane would be the excellent match. Its excessive flotation and traction are meant for deep snow and mountainous adventures.

Flotation

The Atlas Montane supplies glorious flotation because of its broad form. These are among the wider snowshoes we examined, and that further floor space turns out to be useful when strolling off the crushed path. When taking these out on a winter path within the Alaskan backcountry, it felt equally as at residence on the path as off the crushed path.

The versatile decking supplied extra flotation in a method that we weren’t anticipating. The fabric is exceptionally stretchy, bulging, and conforming to the floor of the snow to offer added flotation. We completely loved utilizing these snowshoes in deep snow and can proceed to achieve for them when venturing out on the deepest days.

Traction

The Atlas Montane snowshoe units a excessive bar for traction, incomes high marks amongst commonplace tubular body fashions in our evaluate. It supplies glorious grip, and we not often skilled any slipping, even within the steep, icy terrain discovered throughout testing within the Chugach Mountains. The Montane’s traction system options aggressive metal enamel underneath the binding. This, paired with toothed metal rails underneath the heel supplies bomber footing. With enamel on the toe and heel, plus further traction rails underfoot, this shoe feels proper at residence on technical terrain. 

Whereas tubular frames are likely to shine in deep, smooth snow, the Montane goes above and past, offering dependable footing throughout a wide range of situations. Whether or not we have been trekking by recent powder or navigating rugged, uneven trails, the Montane’s dependable traction had us tackling greater targets with confidence.

Walkability

The Atlas Montane snowshoe presents strong walkability, particularly in deep snow. We cherished the versatile decking, which permits for a snug gait, particularly whereas strolling downhill. In contrast to many snowshoes, the Montane avoids the loud crunching and scraping sounds typical of inflexible plastic. 

Nevertheless, the pivot of those snowshoes is considerably limiting. The binding is hooked up to the body with a robust rubberized strap, foregoing the free pivot system seen in different snowshoes. This strap supplies an virtually suspension-like really feel when strolling and provides some rebound to the snowshoe’s tail, serving to it snap up when strolling. Nevertheless, we discovered that the rubber strap limits the pivot’s vary of movement. This was particularly noticeable when taking giant steps or mountaineering uphill. So in the event you want a full vary of movement, you may discover the rotation of the strap limiting.

Ease of Use

The binding’s rubber straps and easy-to-use launch lever are simple and intuitive. One strap secures the heel, and the opposite runs throughout the midfoot, by a toe bail, and to the opposite facet of the foot. We discovered that the toe bail is safe sufficient for smaller match and low-volume boots and retains the toe securely in place. Nevertheless, the binding’s straps are excessively lengthy and lack any type of stow system apart from small clips. We frequently resorted to tucking the paths away into the remainder of the binding. In any other case, they have been usually in the best way and straightforward to journey on.

We love how fiddle-free and straightforward the bindings are to make use of (even with gloves on). Merely pull the strap all the way down to tighten or as much as launch. Coming geared up with a heel riser, the Atlas Montana helped us cowl each flats and steep climbs.

Ought to You Purchase the Atlas Montane?

The Atlas Montane is a historically styled snowshoe excellent for anybody who likes the timeless efficiency of an aluminum tube body however with some trendy twists. The Montane has a big floor space for off-trail flotation however continues to be gentle sufficient for fast jaunts on groomed paths. The versatile decking ups the consolation stage heel risers carry further assist on lengthy uphill climbs. 

With its easy but sturdy binding design and powerful options like glorious traction, the Atlas Montane will certainly please new snowshoers and specialists alike. Whereas the snowshoe just isn’t essentially the most snug to stroll in resulting from its broad form, and its pivot level limits some vary of movement, the Montane is a strong performer that may maintain you afloat for a lot of miles.

What Different Snowshoes Ought to You Take into account?

Tubbs Mountaineer Overview – With an identical tube body and versatile decking development, the Mountaineer presents the next tech binding and enhanced traction for backcountry journey.

MSR Lightning Ascent Overview – For those who’re searching for one other snowshoe to take off the path and with among the highest scores throughout our metrics, try the MSR Lightning Ascent. 

Tubbs Wayfinder Overview – One other snowshoe with a time-tested design however with a contemporary twist, the Wayfinder encompasses a boa system for simply dialing within the match.