Atlas 1033 Snowshoes

Review Date
January 2, 2010

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Reviewed by: bretteverest ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $250.00 at Wilderness Supply

Summary:
I have had the Atlas 1033's for about 10 years now and have loved them from day one. These were my first snowshoes, and my only, there is simply no reason to switch.

I use these for short 1-2 hour hikes as well as 5-8 hour walks over 5 km. I live in Manitoba (sadly no mountain terrain) but find some of the provincial parks to be a great place to get away from the crowd. I use them on and off trail and find them to have exceptional traction on hard packed snow. They also provide ease of movement through 2' plus of powder. I regularily go snowshoeing on golf courses and some of the lakes a few hours from Winnipeg.

On the short hikes, I carry a lightweight Northface back pack with almost no weight. On the longer trips, I carry an Arcteryx M30 pack that weighs approx 20-25 lbs loaded.

I have never felt like looking for a different pair of snowshoes! Our family now includes a pair of 927 Elektra's for my wife and the mini17's for my 4 year old daughter. Atlas is definitely my first, and only, choice for snowshoes.

If this is your choice, I am sure you will not be dissapointed.

Review Date
March 7, 2004

Overall Rating
 1 of 5

Value Rating
 1 of 5

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3 votes

Reviewed by: Nich ,  Mountaineer

Price Paid:  $180.00 at internet auction

Summary:
I have wanted some excellent quality and rugged snowshoes for a couple of years now as I do a lot of shoeing in the Wasatch Mountains. I often go off trail and up some really steep faces with rock and snow where I might switch to crampons, then back as the angle eases. I am sorry to report that these Atlas 1033 shoes are lacking in almost every area that is important for my needs. My previous shoes worked very well but the aluminum crampons easily bend and become dull. The Atlas 1033 are not shaped ideally and require a wide stance to keep from stepping on your other shoe. I nearly fell several times and have to relearn to walk in these. These are heavier than my Red Feathers and Sherpa Lightfoots, thus requiring more energy to use and tireing quicker. The Stainless crampons are actually less agressive than my other shoes and do not bite nearly as well. This is very noticeable on steep assents and decents. These crampons also ball up and pretty soon all the grip is gone. It's like wakling on softball sized snowballs. This happens in deep 2' powder, light 4" squeaky cold snow as well as warmer wet stuff. This balling and poor traction from small teeth is something I have never delt with in shoeing for many seasons. The buckle on the back strap has a small spring that broke after less than 6 uses and keeps loosening. Everything considered I am extremely disappointed with these and almost feel that they were designed by corporate people that have never snowshoed looking for a high profit item. These will on Ebay early next season.

Similar Products Used:
Red Feather Sport Series 9x30
Sherpa Lightfoot 9x30

Review Date
February 11, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Ron Knapp(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker

Price Paid:  $130.00 at ebay

Summary:
I rented an older pair of the 1033 two weeks ago, I loved them,I go 325 with my back pack on, and these shoes worked excellant in the hard pack and the four foot deep snow,so I bought a set off ebay, this is a wonderful way to spend the day, snowmobile in to where we want to go and then hike all day, I just can't say enought about the quality and workmanship I am completly sold on Atlas snowshoes!

Review Date
January 15, 2004

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: berichter(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker

Price Paid:  $259.00 at MIchigan Snowshoe Ce

Summary:
I rented several brands and styles of snowshoes before deciding on the Atlas 1033. I have tried them on steep ascents and descents. I have been in hard snow and the deep powder snow we get in Utah and they perform flawlessly. They are easy to put on and take off. The friend I go with has a pair of Redfeathers,and they do not perform as well as my Atlas 1033s. No complaints at all. Great snowshoe.

Review Date
March 21, 2003

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 4 of 5

Visitors rate this review
1.00 of 5, 1 votes

Reviewed by: ebackes(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Parker, Colorado

Price Paid:  $220.00 at REI

Summary:
I have had my 1033 for about three years now. My models don't have the updated bindings but they have performed flawlessly. I have used them for many 1/2 day recreational trips but really tested them in a winter ascent up one of Colorado's 14ers (Quandary Peak). These gave me the flotation, traction, and multi-slope performance to get me and my 30-40 pounds of gear (snowboard included) up and down the near 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Even in the harsh, crusty, wind blown environment above 12,000 feet they worked on inclines, descent and side hilling. Best snow shoes period!!!

Customer Service:
haven't had a need yet

Similar Products Used:
nothing but Atlas!