I bought a pair of 833 and first time out the plastic foot bindings broke in multiple places, a complete failure of the product. Fortunately I had some cord with me to fashion a temporary repair and make it back to my car. I had to cut my planned outing short due to this. I will never buy another Atlas product.

Weighing in at 150# + 30-40# pack and the fact that I'm shoeing in the Oregon & Washington Cascades, where the snow is heavy and sometimes wet, I find that my Atlas 825's are the right choice for me. If I were shoeing out east where the snow is light and dry I would invest in the Atlas 833's. If your shoes sink more than 6-8 inches it means either your shoes are to short to carry your weight + pack, or the snow is dry and light which in this case you Don't lift your feet, you shuffle. Sometimes I will shoe for miles and never see my snowshoes. The Atlas 825's are short giving me better maneuverability. They have the best connection system on the market. The only thing negative to say about the 800 series is that when in wet snow the rounded back frame tends to scoop and throw wet snow at the backs of my legs and boots. For this reason I have also purchased a pair of Atlas 1225's. These shoes have a pointed back frame that drags lightly instead of scoops. Both shoes have great traction design able to hold at any angle, slope or terrain. The Atlas 1225's have a new type of ratcheting binding system that works well even with mittens on.

Customer Service

After using my Atlas 825's about 15 times an aluminum rivet fell out. Atlas has a lifetime guarantee and replaced the whole pair of shoes. All I asked for was a new rivet. I Didn't complain.

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Shurpa (Liked the frame and deck but not the connection system. to many straps to get tangled. Remember, sometimes when shoeing you must take your shoes off and on often.)

Okay, after reading all the reviews here, I found the 825s on clearance for half price, so I went ahead and bought them. I made it about a mile over wet reasonably consolidated snow before I sank into an 18 inch hole. The frame broke cleanly along the toe strap rivet and the toe bent all the way over until it was touching my boot. I was, as you can imagine, disappointed. Using a little brute strength, I managed to bend the toe down (should a non-strongman be able to bend snowshoe aluminum?), but the broken frame left me post-holing all the way home. I'm glad I tried them out on moderate hike, before I took them out backpacking.

If these things aren't stable enough for a moderate hike, why are they are part of the "hiker" series? Of course, it is possible I got a defective pair, but the ease with which I bent the toe back into place, makes me concerned.

Sorry everybody, I really was hoping to like them.

Customer Service

Haven't called yet. Still warming my toes.

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Atlas "Recreational" series.

I have the 833 and I really like them I had a pair of Tubbs that I didn't like very much.
The binding on the Atlas is awesome extremely durable. The Atlas is a little wide and heavy but other than that I love em.

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None

I tried these in the White Mountains of New Hampshire while on vacation. The Shoe itself seems very sturday and of good quality, however the heel strap on the binding kept slipping off of both of my feet. I have tried Tubbs shoes with the same boots and have not had the same problem. The shoe itself is designed for more of a casual user and not for any vigorous hill climbing.

These Snow shows are great. I got a pair of them for my birthday last year '98, and I have used them at least 3 times a week when there is snow on the ground. I have gone on backpacking trips and they are very agile. They also keep you a float on the snow. The Cramp-on grip on Ice and hardpack very well.

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I have tried numerous snow shoes and I have come to the conclusion that Atlas is just about the best.

I've had a pair of 833s since 1996 and have been extremely pleased wth them. For my 165lbs, these snowshoes give me a lot of versatility - not too big for day/night hikes and just big enough to give me good float with a 50 to 60 backpack for those weekend winter camping trips. Of all the snowshoes I've tried, I like Atlas' binding system the best. I have the strap system (not the plastic ratchet system), and it is easy to put them on and remove them with gloved or mittened hands. The straps also stay tight during long days on the trail. These shoes are also bombproof! The only problem I've had with them is that they are a bit unstable on sideways traverses. You have to be careful to plant your foot each step or you may slide a bit.

Customer Service

Before you buy any pair of snowshoes, rent them and try them out a few times. You will be sure to get the shoes you like best.

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MSR, Yuba, Tubbs, and Redfeather

I owned a model 833 for about 15 months. The best thing about these snowshoes is its simple binding system. They are fairly easy to adjust and tighten. However, I had to return the 833 because of a ""popped"" rivet joining the toe cord and the frame. I also did not like the side movement of the heel during traverses. Overall, the 833 is a solid snowshoe for gentle terrain only but not for steep ascents/descents.

Customer Service

The manufacturer did fix the rivet quickly and free of charge. However, if you send one snowshoe to be repaired they ask that you send the other one as well.

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Atlas l033

Light, rugged, well designed, the shoes have colored buckles that keep left and right shoes distinct and also allow pretty easy on and off with gloves. The shoes ""float"" a fairly heavy hiker (210 lbs plus gear) although in unconsolidated snow the going is still knee deep. Effective cleat/crampon design for ice, hard pack. Efficient for steep pitches in deep snow, or traverses on steep slopes. For descents in deep snow and steep terrain the shoe allows a fair amount of ""glide."" Atlas makes larger shoes for heavy packing, although the 833 will easily support 270 lbs and are suitable for long treks. Easy to walk in and light.

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Tubbs and ancient Army snow shoes. Shoes are not a high-tech item, mostly important that they allow a good foot plant uphill and that they aren't heavy, trip you up, or have some design weakness. The Atlas rate high in these areas.

My 8 year old son loves the AtlasJunior #818. He can put the shoes on and take them off independently. They are great for walking and recreational hiking. Their weight capacity is 80 lbs. so we anticipate at least 3 years' use.