The Easton Backcountry is a backcountry snowshoe with a heel riser, and comes in lengths of 21, 25, or 30 inches.

The unique feature of the Easton Backcountry line is the single-pull strap that both snugs up the forefoot straps as well as the straps around the heel. The heel strap has three settings that, once adjusted, will simply wrap around the back of the foot and tighten with the other straps.

This provided lateral support for the binding and nice responsiveness for quick transition turns and tight corners. One drawback is that if you swap to a larger shoe or boot you will have to make an adjustment to the heel strap prior to getting in.

Snow performance
Some snowshoes have tails that drop considerably with every step, allowing deep powder to shed off the decking. The Easton’s have medium drop, so some snow remains on the decking in the deepest snow ascents. While that was a slight disadvantage, it does helps provide for a natural gait by keeping the tail on the same plane as the foot while walking (so there is less heel drag). We also noted very little snow flinging up behind us when running.

The double front crampon that rotates with the binding made off camber ascents easier than if the teeth were merely affixed to the deck. However the lack of teeth anywhere else along frame made icy traverses rather fraught.

In powder, the Backcountry’s float was comparable to other shoes in this category. However, the shoe is on the heavier side.

Overall, I would not hesitate to grab these shoes to tackle most conditions, but might hesitate if I were going to be doing a long hike with them on my pack.