By Briana Valoros, Outdoor Gear Lab
The Atlas Elektra line of women’s snowshoes has a femininely designed decking paired with anatomical frame shapes that join to create an excellent all-around pair of women’s snowshoes.
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The Atlas Elektras brings some backcountry technicalities to an all-around recreation snowshoe. The crampons fall between semi-aggressive and aggressive traction. Zodiac toe crampons are on a fixed rotation traction system while the Stabilock bindings grip beneath the heel. The frames are constructed of 7075 aluminum, which is the lightest framing material of any of the other pairs in our review. Technically advanced features from the reputable brand, Atlas, paired with a stylish feminine design make the Elektras an excellent selection for on and off trail snowshoe hiking for someone with a narrow gait.
Performance Comparison
The Atlas Elektra Snowshoe line has a feminine design combined with technical features such as a semi-aggressive traction system and the lightest frame weight.
Flotation
The size-to-weight ratio of the Atlas Elektra snowshoes equate to excellent flotation. The Elektras have a narrow frame shape designed for the narrow gait of a woman’s stride and therefore have less surface area. More surface area directly relates to better flotation, and if they had a slightly wider frame, they may achieve better flotation. The Duratek nylon decking and aluminum frames maintain the best flotation in recreational terrain. The narrow gait of the women’s specific Elektra snowshoes is ideal for striding forward.
Traction
These snowshoes have fixed rotation bindings with Zodiac crampons beneath the toes and Stabilock crampons beneath the heels. The crampon orientation and design is semi-aggressive. They have the best traction on packed snow that is flat to moderately steep.
No Hands, No Poles
Atlas Elektra Snowshoes have semi-aggressive traction that straddle the line between an ideal recreation specific model and an ideal backcountry snowshoe.
Ease of Use
The Wrapp Pro bindings on the Elektra snowshoes are unique in design and function. Silicone straps that look similar to rubber bands cross over the top of the feet and through a low friction buckle system that secures closed with a flip of the handle. Silicone bands secure the bindings of the Atlas Elektras. They look like rubber bands but offer the security and flexibility of durable rubber straps.
Security on Foot
The easy-to-use Boa® Closure system bindings secure the boots onto the snowshoes and remain fastened while active. The length of the tails add security and stability, but we found the most comfort with poles. Security on foot is excellent on packed snow as well as fresh snow. We didn’t experience any issues concerning the bindings or traction systems loosening.
Best Applications
Atlas Elektra snowshoes are ideal on intermediate trails and in moderate backcountry conditions including some mountainous, non-technical terrain. They are suitable for novices and experts, but excel in the middle space between the two extremes. They have semi-aggressive traction systems that are appropriate in some backcountry applications such as moderately steep terrain and snow. They are ideal for petite women hiking on intermediate terrain.
Conclusion
Atlas Elektra women’s specific snowshoes ideal in the moderate range of terrain conditions, offering a balance between on-trail and off-trail snowshoeing.