Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Snowshoes

MSRs are at NOLS and all the rental shops for a reason. But the Katoolas are really the best! Pricey, but the step-in crampon binding is the bomb!!
Kyle S has it right - BM and OM are unrespectable has-beens.

I second Kathy W. here. MSR is simply the best deal in snowshoes, from the basic models to the wonderful Lightning Ascents. Around here rental shops nearly exclusively provide MSR entry level snowshoes because they're tough, reliable, modular, and inexpensive. I always take Backpacker reviews with a bag of salt.

I was looking for msr's too , msr's must not have met bp quota for ad space. I am so sick of the hype from outside and bp about what is essential to enjoy wild places . Backpacker and Outside are just corporate streetwalkers with little or no objectivity and an agenda to sell as much crap as possible to the reader.

I agree with Kathy - I tried several others before trying the MSR's and love the way they can cut into the hillside without sliding!
I'm disappointed they weren't included in the review.

Why didn't include any MSR snowshoes? It doesn't seem like much of a review when you don't include one of the most popular brands.