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Atlas Montane - Women's Review

This is a well-rounded and solidly performing snowshoe for all kinds of terrain and objectives
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atlas montane for women snowshoes review
The Montane can take on most terrain besides fresh deep snow.
Credit: Matthew Blake
Price:  $250 List
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Manufacturer:   Atlas
By Hayley Thomas ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 23, 2022
68
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#9 of 13
  • Flotation - 30% 5.0
  • Traction - 25% 8.0
  • Stride Ergonomics - 15% 7.0
  • Ease of Use - 15% 7.0
  • Bindings - 15% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Atlas Montane is a well-performing snowshoe with supremely easy-to-use and comfortable bindings. The spring-loaded, fixed suspension aids in maneuverability while walking, though it does fling a lot of snow up behind the user. A decently sized footprint offers average flotation, but this snowshoe is best for packed snow. The aggressive crampons and long track rails inspire confidence on even the most technical terrain. Heel lifts help get you up steep hills quickly and round out the solid design. If you're looking to spend some time exploring semi-packed trails and don't want a little ice to stop you, then the Montane is a great choice.
REASONS TO BUY
Good traction
Excellent binding system
Heel lift
Good for lightly packed terrain
Great for technical terrain
REASONS TO AVOID
Tail flips up a lot of snow
Toe shape feels a little wide
Flotation in deep snow is not great
Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 23, 2022, with new information gathered by testing the newest version of the Montane.

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Pros Good traction, excellent binding system, heel lift, good for lightly packed terrain, great for technical terrainComfortable and simple binding system, carbon steel crampons, uniquely placed heel crampons, quietEasy and natural stride, unique 3-crampon traction system, easy binding systemAffordable, stellar traction, wide fit bindingsAmazing traction, comfortable bindings, versatile fit, ascent heel
Cons Tail flips up a lot of snow, toe shape feels a little wide, flotation in deep snow is not greatExtra rotation causes shin impact, mediocre flotation on fresh snowSubpar float on unpacked snow, only supports 200 pounds, bulky heel liftLoud on packed snow, duck waddle for those with a narrower gait, straps can flow around a littlePoor floatation, difficult to walk backward and side-step, bindings take a moment to get used to
Bottom Line This is a well-rounded and solidly performing snowshoe for all kinds of terrain and objectivesWith its outstandingly comfortable binding system, decent floatation, and stellar traction, this snowshoe is perfect for casual useA snowshoe with an extreme teardrop shape and three hefty crampons for a natural stride and extra tractionThis affordable shoe is equipped with stellar traction and versatile bindings, making it a wonderful pick for varied terrain levels and snow typesA flexible and comfortable snowshoe with incredible traction, perfect for icy packed conditions
Rating Categories Atlas Montane - Wom... Tubbs Wilderness -... Crescent Moon Leadv... MSR Evo Trail Snows... TSL Symbioz Elite -...
Flotation (30%)
5.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
4.0
Traction (25%)
8.0
8.0
9.0
8.0
9.0
Stride Ergonomics (15%)
7.0
8.0
10.0
7.0
8.0
Ease of Use (15%)
7.0
8.0
7.0
7.0
8.0
Bindings (15%)
8.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
8.0
Specs Atlas Montane - Wom... Tubbs Wilderness -... Crescent Moon Leadv... MSR Evo Trail Snows... TSL Symbioz Elite -...
Uses All terrain Day hiking Technical mountain terrain and packed snow Flat and variable rolling terrain Technical mountain terrain and packed snow
Optimum Weight Load (per size) 23": 80-160 lbs
27": 120-200+ lbs
21": 80-150 lbs
25": 120-200 lbs
30": 170-250 lbs
Up to 200 lbs 180 lbs 20.5": 65 - 180 lbs
23.5": 110 - 260 lbs
27": 150 - 300 lbs
Weight (per pair) 4.3 lbs 4.1 lbs 4.2 lbs 4.0 lbs 4.2 lbs
Binding Mount Full Full Full Full Full
Binding System Wrapp Swift Binding Quick-Fit Binding Cam buckle quick pull loop and ratchet heel strap Paraglide Symbioz telescopic bindings
Crampon All-Trac Toe Crampon Cobra Toe Crampon
Tubbs Heel Crampon
3 stainless steel crampon system featuring the climbing "toe" claw design Steel traction rails Stainless steel
Frame Material Aluminum Aluminum Aluminum Martensitic steel Composite
Deck Material Nytex Nylon Nylon Polypropylene Composite
Surface Area (for tested size) 182.7 in² 228.0 in² 192.9 in² 174.5 in² without tails, 220 in² with 221.4 in²
Dimensions 8" x 27" 9" x 30" 9.5" x 29" 8" x 22" 27" x 8.5"
Flotation Tails Available? No No No Yes, 6" No
Load with Tails (per size) N/A N/A N/A Up to 250 lbs N/A
Men's and Women's Versions? Yes Yes Yes Unisex Unisex
Sizes Available 23", 27" 21", 25", 30" 29" 22" 20.5", 23.5", 27"
Size Tested 27" 25" 29" 22" plus 6" add-on tails 27"

Our Analysis and Test Results

Fun, functional, and easy to use — that's the Montane. This is an all-around great snowshoe with a fantastic binding system (one of our favorites), sticky traction, and enough flotation for more casual terrain and packed snow.

Performance Comparison


atlas montane for women snowshoes review - the montane will put some pep in your step with a spring loaded...
The Montane will put some pep in your step with a spring loaded suspension.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Flotation


We tested the Montane in the 27" length, the largest of three sizes available. This is about average for our tested models, but the curves of this teardrop-shaped snowshoe make the footprint a little smaller. This is great for stride ergonomics but hinders the float on particularly deep snow, rendering the Montane a better option for well-packed trails and less ideal for the backcountry.

atlas montane for women snowshoes review - the montane doesn't provide the best float in deep unpacked snow.
The Montane doesn't provide the best float in deep unpacked snow.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Traction


Feeling secure on technical terrain is no problem in the Montane. The toe crampon is multi-directional with wide teeth, and two traction rails run parallel down the footbed to help provide solid footing on steep slopes and icy patches. A few options in our review feel grippier and are better suited to advanced terrain, but the Montane is more than adequate for most situations.

atlas montane for women snowshoes review - the montane's traction is great for ice, packed snow and even...
The Montane's traction is great for ice, packed snow and even slippery fallen trees or rocks.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Stride Ergonomics


The Montane is ever-so-slightly wider across the ball of the foot than most snowshoes, and, believe it or not, we could feel that while walking. Every once in a while, our testers would knock one foot into the other if they weren't paying attention. While this is something to keep in mind when deciding on your purchase, every body is shaped differently — you may not need to adjust your gait whatsoever. Our adjustments were minor, though noticeable, compared to other models in this review.

atlas montane for women snowshoes review - the spring loaded suspension is fun on packed snow.
The spring loaded suspension is fun on packed snow.
Credit: Matthew Blake

The Montane also has a fixed binding system, which means the tail of the shoe closely follows the natural movement of the foot when walking. This can cause the snowshoe to feel marginally heavier for some users due to the back flipping up. It also tends to throw a lot of snow up onto the back of the legs.

atlas montane for women snowshoes review - walking in the montane is generally pleasant, though the spring...
Walking in the Montane is generally pleasant, though the spring loaded binding system kicks up a lot of snow.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Ease of Use


A big aspect of a pleasant-to-use snowshoe is a good binding system, and that's one area where the Montane has no problem shining brightly. The "positive toe locator" makes it easy to place the foot correctly, and the straps tighten up and release with a simple pull of a loop. The back heel belt straps everything down securely with an easy pull; no funny body angles or awkward yanking required. The fixed binding system has a different feel when walking then a full rotation one, but the learning curve is fast and straightforward.

atlas montane for women snowshoes review - the montane has an incredibly fast and easy binding system that we...
The Montane has an incredibly fast and easy binding system that we really appreciated.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Bindings


The binding on the Montane feels highly secure and robust. It has strong webbing, a toe cage on the front, and a well-functioning pull strap system around the heel with a retainer clip that effectively houses the excess strap length. This is a highly comfortable binding system. There's arch support, and the straps cinch down evenly and uniformly with no pinch points.

atlas montane for women snowshoes review - the montane's binding system is simple and highly effective.
The Montane's binding system is simple and highly effective.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Should You Buy the Atlas Montane?


The Montane rings up at a very fair price. It has a stellar binding system, impressive traction, okay float, and heel lifts for steep climbing. Fit for technical hiking and variable mountainous terrain, the Montane is a solid choice if you want to get technical without completely breaking the bank.

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?


If you like the spring-loaded suspension of the Atlas Montane, you'll love the Atlas Run. That being said, the Run is strictly for running and won't do much on steep slopes or deep drifts. If you want solid float, the MSR Lightning Ascent or the Atlas Range-MTN will be more up your alley. Finally, if you're looking for a snowshoe that is super easy to walk in, the exaggerated teardrop shape of the Crescent Moon Leadville 29 is sure to have you walking naturally.

atlas montane for women snowshoes review - if you love long walks on snowy trails, steep hills, and powdery...
If you love long walks on snowy trails, steep hills, and powdery meadows, the Montane will be a solid adventure partner for you.
Credit: Matthew Blake

Hayley Thomas
 

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