MSR Evo Snowshoe 6 Inch Accessory Tail for Added Flotation and Versatility

With the large amounts of fresh snow that fell in the Pacific Northwest in the past month, my Evo Ascents alone weren't cutting it in the deep powder. I was initially skeptical if these would give more flotation, but I'm pleased to say they definitely worked. They are easy to put on and take off, making them useful in certain situations when they are and aren't needed. They are also light and small making them good for carrying around and storing. With the regular snowshoes being only around 22-24 inches long, these extra 6 inches make them around 28-30, which is much better for deep snow. Although you won't be floating on top of the snow, it definitely makes walking and making fresh trails quite a bit easier. These definitely helped on my latest hike in the mountains where I needed to blaze fresh trail for miles in 2 ft or deeper powder.

I use the Evo snowshoes for work - I've wanted them for years, but working in deep snow solidified the purchase. These are tank-like in their efficiency and ease of putting on/taking off. The tails make the snowshoes so versatile that I would recommend them to anyone. I'm using these for 3+ foot deep powder and digging snow pits. If I'm in a tight pit I can just take the tails off and keep the crampon-like traction while saving maneuverability. So far no mechanical failure other than a broken retaining clip (they should give you extras).

These were a Christmas gift for my husband who loves snowshoeing, but we've had SO much snow this year that he's had trouble wading through it, especially when he goes out in the fresh powder before the trails are tramped down. These are great for giving you additional surface area, so you don't sink through quite so much in deep snow. He's very happy with how easy they are to put on and off, and how much more leverage they allow.

The quality seems good as I would expect, the quality control on packaging…lacking. I received one tail piece after ordering twice. I’m in for the long haul, waiting for MSR to get back with me.

Not a substitute for converting to deep snow shoes but does the trick in a jam. I think the issue some had for falling off may have been inproper clicking in before tightening. Havent seen them come loose at all. Downside of this is they dont help on your toe nosing into deep snow on flats... you have to lean back on your heels when in deep snow to get the most out of the added float, feels awkard but in a jam it'll help the cause. Worthy add on for climbs that might end in some flat ridges or benches where float could be needed. Otherwise use a deep snowshoe in flats and deep stuff and leave your climbing ones at home.

Took these bad boys out with an older pair of MSR Evo's, and they did the job. These definitely improved my float on the snow, but also did not get in the way like a big pair of snowshoes usually do. They are light enough to take just in case, ya know?They are quite hard to get on. If you find them easy, you probably did not get them on all the way. Take the extra time and effort to get it right, having them fall off sucks. But once they are on correct, they will stay on!

I was uneasy about the snowshoe/tail combination: did I really need the tails? and if I did, were the snowshoes a good value? I'm been happy on both counts. Briefly, the snowshoes have far better durability and traction than the cheaper snowshoes I had before. They are short, which helps with maneuvering on packed snow. But in loose snow, the tails come into play. I found them a bit tricky to put on the first time, but easy after that; once they are on, they feel like part of the snowshoes -- until you're ready to take them off, which is even easier. In some conditions, 6 inches of length makes all the difference, but don't expect miracles: if you're in two feet of fresh powder, you won't float on top. But every step will be somewhat easier and leave the trail in better shape for those who follow. These are light and small, easy to bring everywhere in case trail conditions change.

These flotation tails really make a difference! I recently snowshoed in 4-5 feet of pristine powder in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado while carrying a 10# pack. The tails provided much improved flotation, in the deep snow. I could go faster with much less effort. In fact, I was able to break trail for my taller, heavier companion. I could attach the tails without taking the snowshoes off of my feet. They are easy to fit in a pack, and lightweight to carry. They were worth their weight in gold on this trip. It allowed me to go into remote areas, where nobody else had been. Take the path less traveled, and take these tails with you!