I also love to snowshoe, and wish there was more snow just out of my door to do it in the winter instead of having to drive at least half an hour... (Mind you, I can ride my bike right out of my door so it's a tradeoff!!)

What the others have said is all very true based on my experience. I'm not crazy about doing even terrain, but I love hiking up mountains. I like the poles going up but I find them to be a pain going down.

I got myself a pair of Denali Ascent (the plastic, rectangle type) last year and much enjoyed them. I find them less bulky and more convenient than the metal-frame type, but it's really a personal thing. Sweetheart is getting a pair of the same from my mom for Christmas and we're going to go try them on on the 26th. He's a little bit heavier than me and I think I'll need to get him tails to add at the back, although for trails it would be fine without them. For unbroken snow, he'll need the tails I think.

Enjoy!!!