MSR Lightning Tails Review

Everything You Need to Know About the MSR Lightning Tails

My quest for optimal snowshoe performance led me to the MSR Lightning Tails. I was finding that my primary snowshoes, while agile on packed trails, struggled when encountering unexpected deep powder or when I was burdened with a heavier pack on longer excursions. The idea of adding on-demand flotation without needing a completely different set of snowshoes was incredibly appealing. Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of robust simplicity. The MSR Lightning Tails felt well-constructed, with a matte black finish that promised durability. I briefly considered larger, dedicated deep-snow snowshoes, but their bulk and reduced agility on firm snow felt like a compromise I wasn’t willing to make. This modular solution offered a promising blend of efficiency and adaptability, sparking a definite sense of curiosity and anticipation.

Real-World Testing: Putting MSR Lightning Tails to the Test

First Use Experience

My first outing with the MSR Lightning Tails took me into the dense woods of a local state park, after a fresh snowfall had blanketed the trails in about two feet of powder. Attaching them to my existing MSR Lightning snowshoes was remarkably straightforward. The connection points were secure and intuitive, requiring no special tools or significant fumbling, even with gloves on.

The immediate difference was palpable. Where my primary snowshoes would have begun to sink significantly, the added length provided by the tails distributed my weight much more effectively. This meant I could maintain a consistent stride, even in conditions that would normally have me post-holing.

One minor surprise was the slight increase in swing weight, which was to be expected. However, it wasn’t so pronounced as to cause fatigue quickly. The overall maneuverability remained surprisingly good, allowing me to navigate tight turns around trees without feeling overly clumsy.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months of consistent winter use, the MSR Lightning Tails have proven to be a reliable and valuable addition to my gear. I’ve used them on multi-day backpacking trips with significant loads, day hikes in variable conditions, and even just for casual strolls on freshly fallen snow.

The durability has been excellent; there are no signs of cracking or significant wear on the plastic components, and the attachment system remains just as secure as the day I first used them. They have endured exposure to melting snow, ice, and the occasional rough brush against branches without any issue. Maintenance has been minimal – a simple rinse and dry after particularly snowy outings, and a quick check of the attachment hardware.

Compared to my previous experience with older, less sophisticated snowshoe extension kits, these are a clear step up. They don’t suffer from the common issues of loose connections or premature wear that often plague more basic designs.

Breaking Down the Features of MSR Lightning Tails

Specifications

The MSR Lightning Tails come with a straightforward set of specifications that highlight their functional design. Each tail adds a 5-inch (13cm) length to your primary snowshoe, significantly increasing its surface area. They are constructed from a durable composite material, designed to withstand cold temperatures and impacts.

The weight is a mere 9 oz per pair, making them incredibly portable without adding a substantial burden to your pack. This low profile and lightweight design are key to their “on-demand” versatility.

The universal compatibility with all MSR Lightning snowshoe models from 2011 onwards is a crucial specification. This ensures that a wide range of users can benefit from this upgrade without needing to purchase entirely new snowshoes. The matte black color is also a practical choice, being less prone to showing dirt and scuffs compared to lighter colors.

Performance & Functionality

The primary job of the MSR Lightning Tails is to provide enhanced flotation, and they excel at this. They effectively transform a nimble snowshoe into a deep-snow specialist with minimal effort. The added surface area allows for significantly less sinking in soft snow, reducing leg fatigue and allowing for a more efficient pace.

A key strength is their unrivaled versatility. The ability to detach and reattach them quickly means you can adapt your snowshoe setup on the fly. If you start in packed conditions and hit a deep drift, you can add them; if you transition back to a firm trail, you can remove them.

One minor area for potential improvement, though not a significant flaw, is the slight increase in overall length. While this provides flotation, it can make very tight switchbacks or steep, confined ascents slightly more challenging to navigate with extreme precision. However, for the vast majority of backcountry terrain, this is a negligible concern.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the MSR Lightning Tails emphasizes simplicity and robust functionality. The simple attachment system is a standout feature. It uses a direct locking mechanism that engages securely with the existing frame of the MSR Lightning snowshoes.

There are no moving parts involved in the attachment itself, which speaks volumes for its potential longevity and resistance to freezing up or malfunctioning in harsh conditions. The matte black finish not only looks sleek but also feels sturdy and resistant to scratching.

Ergonomically, they add length, which is their intended purpose. They don’t introduce any awkward protrusions or points that might snag on clothing or vegetation. The transition from using the snowshoes with tails to without is smooth and unintuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

The MSR Lightning Tails are built to last. Made from what feels like a reinforced polymer, they are designed to handle the rigors of winter backcountry use. I’ve observed no signs of stress, cracking, or deformation even after repeated forceful impacts against rocks and ice.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. After a muddy or slushy trek, a quick rinse with water and a wipe down is all that’s typically needed. Ensuring the attachment points on both the tails and the snowshoes are free of ice and debris before connecting them is the most crucial aspect of care.

Potential failure points are minimal due to the lack of complex mechanisms. The primary wear areas would be the connection points, but these appear to be over-engineered for longevity.

Accessories and Customization Options

The MSR Lightning Tails are an accessory themselves, designed to enhance an existing MSR product. They do not come with additional accessories, as their sole purpose is to integrate with MSR Lightning snowshoes.

There are no customization options for the tails themselves, beyond their core function. However, their brilliance lies in their compatibility. They seamlessly integrate with MSR’s 2011 Lightning snowshoe models and lengths.

This direct integration means you don’t need aftermarket adapters or specialized tools. The packable nature is a key design consideration – they are light and slim enough to stow in a pack without taking up excessive space.

Pros and Cons of MSR Lightning Tails

Who Should Buy MSR Lightning Tails?

The MSR Lightning Tails are ideal for anyone who owns MSR Lightning snowshoes (2011 models and newer) and frequently encounters varied snow conditions. Backpackers, backcountry skiers traversing flatter terrain, winter hikers, and even snow photographers will benefit from the added flotation without sacrificing the agility of their primary snowshoes. They are perfect for those who value adaptability and don’t want to be limited by their gear when facing unexpected deep snow.

If you primarily hike on heavily groomed or icy trails where deep powder is never an issue, these might be an unnecessary expense. Similarly, if you already own dedicated wide snowshoes for deep snow, the need for these tails might be diminished. A must-have accessory to complement these tails would be a good pair of waterproof gaiters, to prevent snow from entering the tops of your boots when you’re sinking deeper.

Conclusion on MSR Lightning Tails

The MSR Lightning Tails are a brilliant, practical solution for enhancing snowshoe performance. They deliver on their promise of on-demand flotation, transforming your existing MSR Lightning snowshoes into highly adaptable tools for a wider range of winter conditions. The blend of lightweight design, robust build quality, and an incredibly simple attachment system makes them a valuable investment.

For their price of $74.95, the versatility they offer is well worth the cost, especially when considering the alternative of purchasing a second, specialized pair of snowshoes. I wholeheartedly recommend the MSR Lightning Tails to any owner of compatible MSR snowshoes looking to expand their winter adventure capabilities. They are a testament to smart, user-centric design that genuinely improves real-world performance.