Atlas Stratus/Elektra Stratus

Walkability “These snowshoes strike a balance between float and stability,” says one tester. The V-shaped, aluminum frame of the Atlas allows for a natural gait on packed trails and does fine (not great) in deep powder. “I crossed frozen lakes and snowdrifts in Rocky Mountain National Park while wearing a 40-pound pack, and the Stratus never felt awkward,” our tester says.

Traction Five 1-inch crampons bite into all types of snow. “The beefy toe cleats helped me kick-step my way up an icy, 30-degree slope,” said one tester after tackling a snow climb up Colorado’s 14,232-foot Mt. Shavano.

Binding As with the Panoramics, Boa cinches the harness and a strap secures the heel. Stratus: 25”, 30”, and 35”; Elektra (w’s): 23” and 27”