Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats are perfect for fast and light backcountry expeditions. Photo: Rebecca Sperry/The Inertia
Finding the right snowshoes can be a difficult process. There are lots of use cases, and narrowing down how you intend to use your snowshoes is important. But if you already know you are looking for something lightweight, durable, and usable for trail running, look no further. Allow me to introduce you to the Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Icecleats ($260.00). These ultralight snowshoes caught my eye during testing for The Inertia’s Best Snowshoes roundup.
In 2016, I set foot on my first snow-covered hiking trail sans snowshoes. As the years added up, I realized quickly that wearing snowshoes makes hiking in winter on softer or unconsolidated snow much more enjoyable. But carrying an added 4+ pounds of weight (typical for snowshoes) on my back or on my feet has always been something that left me less than thrilled with winter hiking. Because the Dion QuickFits were hands down the lightest snowshoes I tested for our roundup, I knew they needed a closer, more in-depth look.
| Pros | Cons |
| Ultra-lightweight | no heel lifts |
| Fully customizable | no toe strap on binding |
| Replaceable traction |
First Impressions of the Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats
Weight: 2 lb, 4 oz
Length: 7.2” x 20.7”
Size: Small, Regular, Large
Load: Up to 200 lbs, including gear
Frame: Aircraft-grade aluminum
Deck: Abrasion-resistant, non-specified material
Best For: Rolling/Flat Terrain/Trail Running
When I pulled the Dion 121s out of the box, their feather-light weight was noticeable. I was also impressed by how much care and attention to detail went into their design. I couldn’t wait to get them on my shoes and out on some snow to see how the thoughtful — but minimalist — design would play out in the field.
Check Price on DionDion 121 Notable Features
Ultralight Weight Class
As I strapped the 121s onto my pack at the trailhead, it was as if I hadn’t added anything to my backpack. Rather than feeling weighed down and sluggish, I hardly noticed the extra 2 pounds as I made my way down the trail. Strapping them onto my shoes with the customizable, interchangeable straps was a breeze.
As I started walking, I was again floored at how light they felt. Weighing in at 2 pounds 4 ounces, these shoes are half the weight of our Best Overall Snowshoes winners, the MSR Revo Ascents. That kind of weight savings pays huge dividends when it comes to the already exhausting task of moving over snowy terrain.
Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats are best for moving fast over rolling terrain, but they can handle a variety of situations. Photo: Rebecca Sperry/The Inertia
Easy, Customizable Bindings
While most snowshoes come with a fixed binding system that can’t be customized, the Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats are fully customizable.
One of the most frustrating things about the majority of bindings found on snowshoes is that, because they’re designed to fit all shoe sizes, the straps may have a substantial amount of extra material hanging off. The Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats are designed to eliminate that problem. Each pair of snowshoes comes with an extra set of straps (there are three of them per shoe). When you get your snowshoes, you replace the straps as needed so that they’re just the right length.
The easy-to-use, interchangeable bindings are a major selling point of the Dion 121s.
Replaceable Traction
Another incredible feature of these snowshoes is that the traction can be replaced. Whether you’re looking for a more or less aggressive set of teeth on your snowshoes, Dion Snowshoes has what you need. In fact, these snowshoes are completely customizable, which is another incredible feature of this cottage brand snowshoe. From the decking to the bindings, Dion’s products can be mixed and matched to fit your unique needs.
Drawbacks of the Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats
Unfortunately, when it comes to ultralight gear, if you’re cutting weight, you’re also going to be cutting potentially useful features. In terms of snowshoes the biggest added feature is the heel lifts.
These bars are designed to lessen how far your calves have to stretch with each step on uphills. Removing the tension on your calves also gives you more stable footing, especially when you’re going up a steep, icy trail. The Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats don’t come with heel lifts. I found this to be a major issue with these snowshoes because I rely heavily on the heel lifts for any elevation gain. But, since these snowshoes are designed for trail running or trail walking and not for climbing steep mountains, it makes sense that they don’t come with heel lifts.
The other drawback of these snowshoes was the binding strap design didn’t work well for securing my feet on downhills. Again, I would like to note that these snowshoes are designed for flat or gently rolling terrain. However, when I tested them on a steep downhill, my feet tended to slide forward past the toe cleat because there was no strap securing the front of my toes in place. Most snowshoes are designed with a cup-shaped toe box to keep your feet secure in the bindings. These are not. They have two foot-securing straps, one over the top of your toes, and one over the top of your arch.
Not the lack of heel lifts. If you want ultralight performance, you end up cutting useful features. Photo: Rebecca Sperry/The Inertia
The Competition
In comparison to the other pairs of snowshoes that I tested as part of our Best Snowshoes roundup, the Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats and the Dion 132 QuickFit Binding/Deep Cleats destroy the competition in terms of weight. If you’re in the market for a trail-running snowshoe, either of these two styles will meet your needs.
In comparison to the best overall winners, the MSR Revo Ascents, the Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats are designed to meet different needs and are almost incomparable. However, when tested on the same terrain, both pairs of snowshoes performed well. Because of the lack of heel lifts or toe straps on the Dion 121s, we preferred the Revo Ascents for steep uphills and downhills.
The Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats are a popular snowshoe among New England trail runners. Although they are not designed for steep terrain or major trail breaking, they can perform both of these tasks.
Dion 121 QuickFit Binding/Ice Cleats: Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an ultralight snowshoe designed for trail running on rolling terrain or flat trails that have less than 6” of fresh powder, these are the snowshoes for you. If you’re looking for an ultralight snowshoe to use on varied terrain and breaking out over 6” of fresh snow, you can absolutely use these snowshoes for the task — although there are better options.
In short, the Dion 121s are excellent snowshoes but not quiver-killers. They will be a wonderful addition to your snowshoe arsenal if you’re looking to diversify your gear closet and include ultralight snowshoes that feel as light as a feather while strapped to your feet.
Check Price on DionEditor’s Note: Editor’s Note: If you’re planning a long day in the mountains, make sure to bring food and something to cook it with. Don’t miss our guides for the Best Backpacking Meals and Best Backpacking Stoves. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
MSR Revo Ascent Snowshoes Get You Up Mountains Without Letting You Down
