Checklist · 10 picks · 5 categories
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Snowshoeing is the easiest winter sport to pick up: if you can walk, you can snowshoe. No lift ticket, no lessons, just you floating on top of snow that would swallow regular boots.
The snowshoes are the only big buy, and OutdoorGearLab and Treeline Review both reviewed them, from a budget pair that comes with poles to the backcountry favorite. After that, warm waterproof boots and wool socks keep your toes happy, gaiters stop snow from getting in at the top, and a headlamp covers early winter sunsets. The boots and socks come from Treeline Review, the gaiters, poles and headlamp are OutdoorGearLab winners, and Outdoor Life picked the hand warmers. Each card shows the drawback the reviewers called out.
Who this is not for. Skip this if your trails are packed or icy rather than deep snow; the Winter Hiking list has microspikes and boots for that.
Tell me what you can spend. I pick a tier for every item, essentials first, and show what is left. The first amount covers everything you need at the cheapest tier.
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Estimates based on typical prices, checked Oct 30, 2026. Prices change; see the store for today's price.
0 of 4 on your list · tap one to see your options
| Pick | Tier | Price | Best for | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G2 Ratchet Binding Snowshoes | budget | $50-100 | trying snowshoeing without spending much | 1 outlet |
| MSR Evo Trail Snowshoes | mid | $150-200 | your first real pair for trails and rolling hills | 2 outlets agree |
| MSR Lightning Ascent Snowshoes | splurge | $300-500 | steep climbs and long backcountry days | 2 outlets agree |
Best snowshoesbudget pick · Pick your size
Best for trying snowshoeing without spending much
OutdoorGearLab's best snowshoe on a tight budget: an inexpensive, secure-feeling pair that comes with poles, best kept to soft snow and groomed trails.
Heads up. Weak on sidehills, steep slopes and ice, and the carry bag is flimsy
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best on a Tight Budget snowshoes.
$50-100
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mid pick · 22 in
Best for your first real pair for trails and rolling hills
Treeline Review's best overall snowshoe: a solid, affordable all-rounder for rolling terrain, and an OutdoorGearLab Best Buy too.
Heads up. Not enough flotation for some, though optional tails are available
2 outlets agree. Treeline Review best overall snowshoes. OutdoorGearLab best Buy snowshoes.
$150-200
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splurge pick · 22, 25 or 30 in
Best for steep climbs and long backcountry days
OutdoorGearLab's best overall snowshoe and Treeline Review's best backcountry pick: stiff and precise, with excellent traction and a heel lift for steep climbs.
Heads up. The hinged binding isn't ideal on firm trails, and the forefoot straps are short
2 outlets agree. OutdoorGearLab best overall snowshoes. Treeline Review best backcountry snowshoes.
$300-500
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Top pickmid pick · Telescoping
Best for balance on slick, snowy trails
OutdoorGearLab's best bang-for-the-buck trekking poles: rugged, durable for years and easy to share.
Heads up. Heavier and bulky when collapsed, and adjusting needs a tool
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best bang for the buck trekking poles.
$50-100
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budget pick · Pocket-size
Best for getting back to the car after dark
OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy headlamp for general use: light, simple, with excellent battery life. Winter sunsets come early, so pack one every time.
Heads up. Its beam doesn't reach far
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best Buy headlamp (general use).
$15-25
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Best gaitersbudget pick · Adjustable
Best for snow in your boots a few times a year
OutdoorGearLab's Best Buy for full-length gaiters on a budget: a basic set for the once-or-twice-a-year outing.
Heads up. The fabric wears from abrasion, it isn't fully water-resistant, and the boot strap is cheap
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab best Buy full-length gaiters.
$15-25
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mid pick · Four sizes
Best for hiking through fresh snow
OutdoorGearLab's Editors' Choice full-length gaiter: roomy, comfy and easy to use, and Treeline Review's best full-length pick too.
Heads up. Narrow Velcro strip, a less-rugged boot strap, and the bottom fabric isn't reinforced
1 outlet. OutdoorGearLab editors' Choice full-length gaiters.
$50-100
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Best winter bootsbudget pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for your first insulated hiking boot
Treeline Review's best affordable winter hiking boot: a solid, all-around insulated hiking boot at a friendly price.
Heads up. The high collar is narrow, groundfeel is limited, and the leather needs breaking in
1 outlet. Treeline Review best affordable winter hiking boots.
$100-150
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Top pickmid pick · Pick by shoe size
Best for cold feet in winter boots
Treeline Review's best overall winter sock, praised for warmth without bulk and for durability.
Heads up. The fit could hug a little tighter
1 outlet. Treeline Review best overall winter socks.
$25-50
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budget pick · 10 pairs
Best for snack breaks and cold fingers
Outdoor Life's best overall hand warmer: cheap, light, and about 11 hours of warmth in its test.
Heads up. Single use
1 outlet. Outdoor Life best overall hand warmer.
$15-25
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means three independent outlets recommend a pick, means one, and limited evidence means none has yet. I research these picks. I have not tested them myself. How I pick · Broken link, wrong price range or an outdated pick? Tell me
Snowshoes are for deep, soft snow, where you'd sink in regular boots. On packed or icy trails, microspikes grip better, and OutdoorGearLab notes even its top snowshoe's hinged binding isn't ideal on firm trails. Our Winter Hiking list covers spikes.
Waterproof insulated boots, wool socks and gaiters keep snow out and toes warm.
They help with balance, especially on hills. The G2 Ratchet pair comes with poles, so beginners can skip buying a separate set at first.