Garneau Blizzard

Fine snowshoes. Good company

I wish I could truly review mine, but in the middle of the most snowless winter I probably have lived through I cannot. We have no snow and haven't had more than two inches of same this season.

I can say I have a brand new pair of 10x36's bought late last spring and they look great and they appear to be tough as bullhide, but I do not know. They do measure almost an inch over 36.

I did pay $94 for mine on a Sierra Trading Post closeout. And I look forward to trying the BOA system. They did come in a carrying bag, which has a shoulder strap and Velcro straps for carrying poles.

I gave four stars because of Garneau's reputation, and by the looks of the construction of these shoes using my own experience with many other snowshoes. I'll change that rating accordingly if need be if it ever snows. They well may be 5 star.

I wouldn't mind seeing small side bars near the tail to help prevent rear side sliding. They wouldn't effect glissading.

November 21, 2016 Update:

I finally got these out today in a foot plus of snow [edited to note: we actually received 27 inches]. Walked through 3-foot drifts when possible and slush also. Neither the deck nor the crampons loaded up. For a 230-lb guy flotation was normal. I did not have my pack on.

I  did not get to climb any or go down any steep hills. When I do I'll add more information.

The Boa system is cool, I like it. I did have a little trouble adjusting one rear strap but it is only a simple rubber belt so that problem has as much to do with me as the strap.

I'll stick with my earlier 4-star rating till I get more time in on them.

It is awesome to have snow once again. I live for it.

2018 UPDATE!

I've used these three times so far this season, twice on jaunts without a pack and once with 20+ pounds in my pack for over two hours in a foot of snow. I like them and they glissade easily, maybe too easily if one isn't paying attention. Floatation is good. The BOA system is quick and secure, but I WONDER if the adjuster could freeze up in wet conditioners?

Have since used them a few more times but not in deep snow. I like them, but heel lift is hard to raise. Also I broke the decking next to a near rear rivet. Am not sure how as I'm usually careful going over rocks and logs but who knows? I've only ever walked out of one of them when attempting to climb/scramble up a steep bank after just coming down from the same and I didn't check the BOA adjustment as it is usually very secure and I like it a lot.

ANOTHER 2018 UPDATE

Last week I broke, not sure why, a crampon strap. So I wired tied it to the rail to get out of the woods. Got home and called their Vermont Division and spoke to a professional and friendly woman who asked me to send photos and details via email.

TODAY she emailed me with return number and said the shoes would be repaired or replaced. Now that's the way to do business!

Also any 'con' thoughts in my head about the shoes or the BOA system have been forgotten. These are excellent shoes and I've used them in 2 feet of snow.