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Backcountry 30 Ultralight Unisex Snowshoes

The premium Backcountry snowshoe provides the flotation you'll need on fresh powder but with huge weight savings. 

Regular price $259.95
Traction System
Color: Rescue Orange

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Warranty

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Glide Traction

Super lightweight & speedy walking

Summit Traction

More traction & integrated heel lift

  • Dimensions
    30"
  • Glide Traction Weight
    3.3 lbs
  • Summit Traction Weight
    3.6 lbs
  • Gender
    Unisex
  • Footwear Sizing
    W7 - W15; M5 - M 13.5
  • User Weight Lbs
    180 - 225 lbs
  • Frame Material
    7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy
  • Country of Origin
    United States

HOW LIGHT ARE LITES?

It's hard to understand how lightweight Northern Lites are until you hold them yourself. So, we've compiled a list.

TECHNOLOGY

We've combined ultralight and durable over the last 30+ years. Explore some of our technology that makes this possible.

SPIN DIAL

SPIN DIAL

Similar to a BOA System, turn the Spin Dial by Northwave to cinch in the abrasion-resistant cable.

COOLTHANE DECKING

COOLTHANE DECKING

Used for inflatable Navy boats, the polyurethane coated nylon webbing is ultralight and durable with a smooth texture minimizing snow drag.

7075-T6 ALUMINUM

7075-T6 ALUMINUM

The lightest and strongest aluminum you’ll find on snowshoes. Other snowshoes use 6000 series aluminum which is ~2X heavier and fragile.

360° TRACTION CLIPS

360° TRACTION CLIPS

Underside traction wings on the deck clips add 360 degree traction around the perimeter of the snowshoe.

EZ HEEL LIFT

EZ HEEL LIFT

(Summit Traction Only) Reduces calf fatigue and Achilles tendon strain and can be pulled up and down with ease as-needed.

SS TRAVERSING CLAWS

SS TRAVERSING CLAWS

(Summit Traction Only) Four stainless-steel traversing claws aid in side-hilling on uneven terrain.

CHOOSE YOUR TRACTION SYSTEM

Choose the featherweight Glide system for flat to rolling terrain or the Summit system for added traction and an integrated heel lift for steep ascents. 

  • Choose the featherweight Glide system for flat to rolling terrain and maximum weight savings.

    • Rear 10-point and Front 9-Point Duraluminum Crampons with ice guards
    • Great for the Midwest or flat to rolling terrain in the West and Northeast.
    • Ultralight heel pad (for weight savings)
  • Choose the Summit traction system for more bite and an integrated heel lift for steep ascents.

    • Rear Stainless Steel and Front 9-Point Duraluminum Crampon with ice guards
    • Great for more aggressive terrain in the West and Northeast
    • Integrated Heel Lift relieves calf strain during ascents and descents

SPIN DIAL BINDING

Ultralight, comfortable and easy on/off make this binding our most popular.

Product comparison grid

A table comparing the facets of 5 products
Facet
Quicksilver 25-30 Unisex Snowshoes
View details
Backpacker 25-33 Ultralight Unisex Snowshoes
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Women's Elite 25 Ultralight Snowshoes
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Men's Elite 25 Ultralight Snowshoes
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Backcountry 30 Ultralight Unisex Snowshoes
View details
Gender
Gender
Unisex
Unisex
Women
Men
Unisex
Dimensions
Dimensions
25", 30"
25", 30", 33"
25"
25"
30"
Shoe Sizes
Shoe Sizes
W5.5 - W13.5; M4.5 - M14
W5.5 - W13.5; M4.5 - M14
W5 - W13.5
M6 - M13
W7 - W15; M5 - M 13.5
Load Range
Load Range
Up to 180 lbs, 180 - 225 lbs
180 - 275+ lbs
Up to 180 lbs
Up to 180 lbs
180 - 225 lbs
Glide Traction Weight
Glide Traction Weight
25": 2 lbs 15.5 oz; 30": 3 lbs. 2.5 oz
2.9 lbs - 3.5 lbs
2.5 lbs
3.0 lbs
3.3 lbs
Glide Traction Terrain
Glide Traction Terrain
Flat to Rolling
Flat to Rolling
Flat to Rolling
Flat to Rolling
Flat to Rolling
Summit Traction Weight
Summit Traction Weight
N/A
3.3 lbs - 3.9 lbs
2.8 lbs
3.375 lbs
3.6 lbs
Summit Traction Terrain
Summit Traction Terrain
Flat to Mountainous
Flat to Mountainous
Flat to Mountainous
Flat to Mountainous
Flat to Mountainous