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Customer Questions & Answers for
Lightning Ascent 22

These are the flagship model in the MSR Ascent series. They are oriented to mountain travel, either for traversing difficult terrain or for approaching mountaineering and ice routes.
Customer Questions & Answers:
6 Questions
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9 Answers
Product Details

Questions & Answers for MSR Lightning Ascent 22

Question

would these be suitable for deep powdery ascents (backcountry snowboarding pursuits)?

asked 2 years, 6 months ago
by
Jocelyn
 - Vancouver, BC
on Lightning Ascent 22
3 answers
Answers
answer 1
Keep in mind that even with the best snowshoes there will be times in snowboarding terrain where it's just too steep for anything but boot packing-- more work, but safest.
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 1 year, 6 months ago
by
Skyler
 - Vancouver BC
answer 2
Definitely! They are light, shed snow and have great traction on steep or icy slopes.
answered 2 years, 3 months ago
by
Anonymous
 - Nakusp
answer 3
They would work fine, as long as you pay attention to the weight recommendations. The deeper and softer the snow, the more important this becomes.

You'll also need to take into account the weight of your snowboard and gear.

You can also get optional tails for these snowshoes. They snap onto the snowshoe ends and give you more flotation in the really soft stuff.
Expert Answer
MEC MEMBER
MEC MEMBER
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
by
effie
 - squamish, bc
Question

what type of shoe or boot can and should you wear in these "snow shoes for women" ??

asked 2 years, 5 months ago
by
Anonymous
on Lightning Ascent 22
2 answers
Answers
answer 1
Don't use BOGS. They're a bit too small for the bindings and the soles wear out too fast.
answered 2 years, 3 months ago
by
Anonymous
 - Nakusp
answer 2
Pleasee see Winter Boots under footwear.

Winter boots have the two key features you need for appropriate snow shoe footwear: insulation (to keep you warm) and waterproofness (to keep you dry).

Determining which winter boot you should choose will depend on what kind of trails you will be snow-shoeing on.

Gaiters would be a good idea also, if you plan to go through powdery snow in off-trail conditions.
 
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STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 2 years, 5 months ago
by
JLYW
 - Vancouver
Question

Why is the load for the Womens Lightning Ascents 22 shown as up to 125 lbs?

I spoke with MSR directly, and they told me that these snowshoes are good for loads up to 175 lbs.
asked 2 years, 6 months ago
by
MultisportGirl
on Lightning Ascent 22
1 answer
Answers
answer 1
Oops, looks like you found a typo!

Thanks for pointing that out, we'll get it updated on our website as soon as possible
Expert Answer
MEC MEMBER
MEC MEMBER
answered 2 years, 6 months ago
by
effie
 - squamish, bc
Question

Would these shoes be overkill for a recreational trail user? I tried ordering the Axis 22's but they are unavailable.

I have tried another brand but wasn't happy with them and would prefer to stick with a woman-specific shoe. Thanks.
asked 2 years, 4 months ago
by
Anonymous
on Lightning Ascent 22
1 answer
Answers
answer 1
MSR's Ascent line of snowshoes is meant for aggressive use on mountainous trails.

If you are intending to snowshoe on recreational groomed trails on rolling, relatively level terrain, I recommend you consider a less intensive MSR woman-specific snowshoe: MSR Lightning Axis 22 (5022-660).

Or MSR Unisex Snowshoes: MSR Evo 22 (5022-680) or MSR Evo Tour 22 (5022-678).
STAFF ANSWER
STAFF ANSWER
answered 2 years, 4 months ago
by
JLYW
 - Vancouver
Question

Are the televator's on the women's lightning ascents designed to lock into place? I can't seem to get mine to stay up.

asked 2 years, 4 months ago
by
Anonymous
on Lightning Ascent 22
1 answer
Answers
answer 1
The heel lifts should lock into place.
answered 2 years, 4 months ago
by
Anonymous
Question

Is there a snowshoe with the benefits of the lightning ascents, but stronger?

I have had these snowshoes 3 years and LOVE them. I can go up and down any steep inclines when others are sliding on their butts. They are manouverable crossing blowdown and bike ramps, and they're nice and light. They shed snow great and are easy to use. HOWEVER, they just don't last. I've had the binding plates replaced once already and they're completely busted again. Also, the rubber matting is cut through over the back traction teeth and the clips holding the rubber to the snowshoe frame have worn away the frame and slip through the holes attaching them to the frame. I tried wiring them so they stay, but now the bindings are hooped. What snowshoes last for an avid, off trail snowshoer?
asked 2 years, 3 months ago
by
Anonymous
 - Nakusp
on Lightning Ascent 22
1 answer
Answers
answer 1
Excellent question, but not an easy answer. It sounds like you get a lot of heavy use out of yours and probably more than most. Combining the features of this model that you like and the durability you WOULD like just may not be possible. I certainly don't know of one that might have everything you want but it might be out there somewhere. These do not have a higher failure rate than any others we sell at least that I am aware of.
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STAFF ANSWER
Expert Answer
answered 2 years, 3 months ago
by
Monty The Cat
 - Vancouver