The conventional wisdom says gear can't be both lightweight and durable. Northern Lites proves the conventional wisdom is smoking the wrong end of the crack pipe. Their Elite snowshoes weigh only 36oz. for the pair and still look brand new after a long winter of use.
These shoes performed flawlessly under heavy loads on Denali's Kahiltna Glacier, where you can get away with a smaller shoe like this on the well-packed trail during the climbing season. Their claim to fame is being three-time winners in the grueling 100-mile Iditashoe snowshoe race.
For deep powder you'll want more surface area for better flotation, but for glacier travel, hardpack or fast and light these shoes rule.