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What Beginners Actually Need in a Snowshoe
Beginners don't need the lightest, most aggressive, or most expensive snowshoes. They need:
- Correct sizing for their total load (see our Snowshoe Buying Guide for load chart)
- Aluminum frame — not plastic. Aluminum provides edge grip that plastic decks can't match
- Simple ratchet binding — easy to put on with gloves on
- Adequate crampons — at minimum, toe and heel crampon plates
- Reasonable weight — heavy snowshoes cause fatigue quickly
Size first: Before shopping by brand or price, determine your size using our total load sizing chart. The most common beginner mistake is buying the wrong size.
Budget Picks: Under $100
Chinook Trekker 25 Snowshoes — Best budget beginner pick under $80. Aluminum frame, 3-point crampon system, simple buckle bindings. Not as comfortable as premium brands but perfectly functional for groomed trails. Available in 25" and 30" sizes.
~$65–$80 Check on Amazon
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Yukon Charlie's Pro Snowshoe Kit — Best complete budget package. Includes snowshoes + poles. Aluminum frame, quick-ratchet bindings, fits boot sizes M 7–12 / W 6–12. Great gift option — everything in one box.
~$70–$95 (with poles) Check on Amazon
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Mid-Range Picks: $100–$180
Tubbs Flex TRK 22/24/26 Snowshoes — Best beginner mid-range pick. FlexTail frame technology that moves naturally with your stride, reducing fatigue on longer outings. 3-point binding wraps the foot for secure hold. Available in men's and women's sizing.
~$100–$140 Check on Amazon
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MSR Evo Trail 22" Snowshoes — Best value from a premium brand. Legendary MSR durability. Modular design — can add traction bars later when you tackle more terrain. Works for groomed trails through light backcountry. 50–220 lbs total load.
~$120–$160 Check on Amazon
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Atlas Treeline Snowshoes — Best stepping-stone to intermediate terrain. Solid aluminum frame, rotating toe crampon for steep terrain, and the Wrapp binding system that fits a wider range of boot sizes than most competitors.
~$130–$170 Check on Amazon
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Women's-Specific Picks
Tubbs Panoramic Women's Snowshoes — Best women's beginner snowshoe. Narrower frame matches female stride pattern, reducing the "waddling" walk that overly wide unisex frames cause. Available in 19", 21", and 25" sizes.
~$100–$130 Check on Amazon
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What to Avoid as a Beginner
- All-plastic decks under $40: No edge bite, break easily, inadequate traction
- Wrong size for your load: Too small = sinking, too big = awkward stride
- Mountain/technical snowshoes: Overkill complexity and weight for flat terrain
- Bindings that require bare-hand tightening: You'll be adjusting with gloves on — ratchet is king
Sources & Further Reading
- REI Co-op. "Snowshoe Reviews and Buyer's Guide." rei.com
- Outdoor Gear Lab. "Best Snowshoes for Beginners." outdoorgearlab.com
- Tubbs Snowshoes. "Trail Snowshoe Collection." tubbssnowshoes.com
- MSR. "Evo Trail Snowshoe Technical Data." msrgear.com
- Backpacker Magazine. "Snowshoe Buyer's Guide 2026." backpacker.com
See also: Snowshoe Buying Guide: Full Sizing & Terrain Guide | Snowshoeing Gear Essentials | Ice Climbing Gear Guide
