Best Snowshoes 2026

Ten currently sold snowshoes compared on published traction system, binding, weight and price, from ultralight mountaineering models to beginner-friendly foam and trail designs.

Last updated 13 min readCompiled from official sources — not tested by Guidevio

How this guide was built: Guidevio compiled it from manufacturers' official product pages and specifications. We did not buy, borrow or test any of these snowshoes, and nothing here is a lab result, a review score, or a sponsored placement. Prices are shown only where we saw them on an official brand page and can change at any time; some brands run active promotions that lower the price below the listed MSRP, and this guide notes MSRP separately from any sale price. All links go straight to the brand's official page and earn nothing. Commissions never decide which products are included or how they're ranked.

A hiker in snowshoes walking through a snowy pine forest
Illustrative photography commissioned for Guidevio. It shows the category in context and is not a photo of any recommended product.

This guide rounds up ten snowshoes confirmed for sale on manufacturer sites at the time of research, spanning aggressive mountaineering models, everyday trail snowshoes, a foam-deck beginner design, and a premium flexing backcountry shoe. Every model here is a real, named product with a working product page, and prices, specs and features are quoted only where a brand publishes them.

Snowshoes split roughly into trail models built for flat-to-rolling terrain, all-purpose or backcountry models with more aggressive crampons and heel lifts, and specialty designs like foam decks aimed at beginners. This guide spreads picks across those categories rather than ranking similar models against each other.

None of these snowshoes has been tested by Guidevio. This is desk research built from manufacturer product pages. Considerations, pros and cons reflect what brands themselves publish, plus general category knowledge about tradeoffs like tubular versus composite frames — not a scored or awarded verdict from Guidevio.

Who this guide is for

  • Beginners who want an easy, intuitive binding and a forgiving snowshoe for flat or rolling trails
  • Backcountry skiers and hikers who need an aggressive, mountaineering-grade snowshoe with strong traction
  • Casual trail users who want a comfortable, affordable snowshoe for packed or moderate terrain
  • Buyers comparing published traction systems, bindings and weight before choosing a pair
  • Shoppers who want a kit that bundles snowshoes with poles and a carry bag

How we chose

  • Only snowshoes with a live, working page on a manufacturer's site at the time of research were included
  • Every URL cited in the underlying research was checked rather than assumed from a search snippet
  • Prices are quoted only where a brand states them on its own US site (msrgear.com/cascadedesigns.com, atlassnowshoe.com, tubbssnowshoes.com, crescentmoongear.com, and tsloutdoor.com)
  • The list spans mountaineering, trail, budget and specialty foam-deck categories rather than ranking purely by price
  • No snowshoe in this guide has been tested, worn, or evaluated by Guidevio; descriptions are drawn from published product information

Top 10 at a glance

Specifications as published by the manufacturer or the listing we consulted. Scroll sideways on a small screen.

Comparison of the ten picks in Best Snowshoes 2026
PickBest forTraction/BindingTerrainPriceOfficial site
1. Lightning AscentBackcountry hikers and mountaineers who want maximum traction on steep, firm or crusted snow360 Traction frame / Paragon bindingBackcountry, steep and mountaineering$389.95 MSRPVisit
2. Evo TrailCasual trail users who want an affordable, easy-to-use MSR snowshoe for flat or rolling terrainSteel crampons and rails / Paraglide bindingFlat trails and rolling hills$179.95 MSRPVisit
3. Evo Trail KitFirst-time snowshoers who want snowshoes, poles and a bag in a single purchaseSteel crampons and rails / Paraglide bindingFlat trails and rolling hills$289.95 MSRPVisit
4. Helium-TrailTrail walkers who want a lightweight, beginner-friendly composite snowshoeTRAIL crampon and traction rails / Wrapp Stretch bindingTrail walking$149.95 MSRPVisit
5. AccessBeginners who want a classic tubular-frame snowshoe for flat or gently rolling trailsTwin-Trac crampon / Wrapp Stretch bindingMellow, flat-to-rolling trail terrain$179.95 MSRPVisit
6. Flex STPNew snowshoers who want a simple, low-cost, entry-level trail shoeTubbs Toe Crampon / QuickPull bindingFlat terrain, mixed conditions$109.95 MSRP (site currently shows a discounted price of $82.46; $109.95 is the regular list price)Visit
7. MountaineerBackcountry snowshoers who need aggressive two-crampon traction and a steep-terrain heel liftAnaconda/Python crampons / Active Fit 2.0 bindingBackcountry, steep mountains, powder$279.95 MSRPVisit
8. EvaBeginners and casual walkers who want a lightweight, no-learning-curve foam snowshoeRubber lugs and ice cleats / hook-and-loop bindingFlat to rolling, packed trails$149.95 MSRPVisit
9. Symbioz Hyperflex AdjustExperienced backcountry hikers who want a flexible, carbon-reinforced snowshoe with strong all-direction tractionBidirectional steel crampons / telescopic bindingBackcountry, varied winter terrain$320.00 MSRPVisit
10. Revo ExploreSnowshoers who want a durable, versatile MSR model for varied trails and snow conditionsExoTract deck and Pivot crampons / Paradigm bindingVaried trails and snow conditions$289.95 MSRPVisit

The ten picks in detail

1Best overallMSR

Lightning Ascent

MSR

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Lightning Ascent

360 Traction frame with steel DTX crampons for aggressive, all-terrain grip

MSR's flagship ultralight, aggressive all-terrain snowshoe, built around a 360 Traction frame with serrated teeth around the entire perimeter, steel DTX crampons, and the Paragon binding.

Why it is on this list: It's MSR's top mountaineering snowshoe, with published 360-degree traction and a Paragon binding built for technical, steep terrain.

Key features

  • 360 Traction frame with serrated teeth around the full perimeter
  • Steel DTX crampons for technical terrain
  • Paragon mesh binding
  • Optional modular flotation tails, sold separately
  • Ergo Televator heel lifts
  • Frame: 7075-T6 aluminum, 360 Traction
  • Binding: Paragon
  • Crampons: Steel DTX
Pros
  • 360 Traction frame with edge-to-edge grip, per MSR's product page
  • Paragon mesh binding designed to wrap securely around a wide range of boots
  • Ergo Televator heel lifts for steep ascents
Cons
  • At $389.95, it's the most expensive snowshoe on this list
  • MSR doesn't publish an exact weight for every size on its own product page
  • Overkill for casual, flat-trail users compared to MSR's own Evo Trail

Before you buy: MSR doesn't publish an exact weight figure that applies to every size on the main product page; check the size chart for per-size weights. This is MSR's premium model, priced well above its Evo Trail line.

$389.95 MSRP — seen on msrgear.com · Best for Backcountry hikers and mountaineers who want maximum traction on steep, firm or crusted snowCheck price at MSR
2Best budget trail snowshoeMSR

Evo Trail

MSR

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Evo Trail

A durable, budget-friendly UniBody deck design with a glove-friendly binding

MSR's entry-level trail snowshoe, built with a UniBody injection-molded deck, steel crampons and traction rails, and the glove-friendly Paraglide binding.

Why it is on this list: It's MSR's confirmed entry point into snowshoeing, with a published price well below the brand's mountaineering models.

Key features

  • UniBody injection-molded deck
  • Steel crampons and traction rails
  • Paraglide stretch-mesh binding
  • Attachment points for optional 6-inch flotation tails
  • Deck: Polypropylene UniBody
  • Binding: Paraglide
Pros
  • Confirmed $179.95 price directly on MSR's site
  • UniBody deck adds flex for flat-to-rolling terrain
  • Paraglide stretch-mesh binding is compatible with nearly any footwear, per MSR
Cons
  • Not designed for steep or technical backcountry terrain the way the Lightning Ascent is
  • MSR doesn't publish an exact weight on the main product page beyond the size chart
  • Fewer add-on options than MSR's premium Lightning line

Before you buy: MSR markets this for flat trails and rolling hills rather than steep or technical terrain; for that, see the Lightning Ascent above.

$179.95 MSRP — seen on msrgear.com · Best for Casual trail users who want an affordable, easy-to-use MSR snowshoe for flat or rolling terrainCheck price at MSR
3Best all-in-one kitMSR

Evo Trail Kit

MSR

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Evo Trail Kit

An all-in-one snowshoe, pole and carry-bag kit at a confirmed bundle price

A bundle of MSR's Evo Trail snowshoes with DynaLock Trail poles and a full-featured carry pack, sold as one confirmed package price on MSR's site.

Why it is on this list: It packages MSR's entry-level Evo Trail snowshoes with poles and a bag, which MSR markets as ready for spontaneous winter outings and family recreation.

Key features

  • MSR Evo Trail snowshoes with Paraglide bindings
  • DynaLock Trail two-section aluminum poles
  • Carry/storage pack with removable foam seat
  • Includes: Snowshoes, poles, carry bag
  • Weight per pair: 5 lb 14 oz, per MSR
Pros
  • Confirmed $289.95 price directly on MSR's site, bundling snowshoes, poles and a carry bag
  • DynaLock aluminum poles are collapsible for storage
  • Carry pack includes a removable foam seat and hydration compatibility, per MSR
Cons
  • Costs $110 more than the Evo Trail snowshoes alone
  • Same terrain limitations as the standalone Evo Trail — not built for steep or technical backcountry use
  • Only available in one snowshoe size/color combination per MSR's listing

Before you buy: This is the same Evo Trail snowshoe as MSR's standalone listing, just bundled with poles and a bag at a combined price.

$289.95 MSRP — seen on msrgear.com · Best for First-time snowshoers who want snowshoes, poles and a bag in a single purchaseCheck price at MSR
4Best lightweight composite snowshoeAtlas

Helium-Trail

Atlas

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Helium-Trail

A featherweight composite deck built for less extreme winter trail hikes

Atlas's entry-level composite snowshoe from its Helium collection, built with a lightweight louvered deck, a two-buckle Wrapp Stretch binding, and a 12-degree heel lift.

Why it is on this list: It's Atlas's confirmed lightweight, beginner-friendly composite snowshoe, giving trail walkers an easy-entry option distinct from the brand's backcountry models.

Key features

  • Helium composite deck with louver design
  • Wrapp Stretch binding with tool-less heel strap
  • TRAIL crampon with forefoot-aligned tempered steel tangs
  • 12-degree heel lift
  • Deck: Helium composite
  • Binding: Wrapp Stretch
  • Sizes: 23, 26, 30 in
Pros
  • Confirmed $149.95 price directly on Atlas's site
  • Lightweight composite Helium deck, per Atlas
  • Simple two-buckle Wrapp Stretch binding for easy entry and exit
Cons
  • Positioned by Atlas as an intermediate/trail-walking model, not for extreme terrain
  • Atlas doesn't publish an exact weight figure on the main product page
  • Fewer traction features than Atlas's backcountry-oriented Helium-BC or Helium-MTN models

Before you buy: Atlas markets this for trail walking and beginner-to-intermediate ability, not extreme or steep terrain.

$149.95 MSRP — seen on atlassnowshoe.com · Best for Trail walkers who want a lightweight, beginner-friendly composite snowshoeCheck price at Atlas
5Best classic tubular-frame trail snowshoeAtlas

Access

Atlas

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Access

A V-Frame tubular design with Light-Ride Suspension for a smooth, natural gait on mellow terrain

Atlas's classic tubular-frame trail snowshoe, built with a V-Frame design, Light-Ride suspension, and a Twin-Trac toe crampon for mellower terrain.

Why it is on this list: It's Atlas's confirmed classic tubular trail model, aimed at beginners who want a smooth, cushioned stride rather than aggressive backcountry traction.

Key features

  • V-Frame tubular design
  • Light-Ride Suspension
  • Twin-Trac toe crampon with Advanced Aft Traction heel cleat
  • Wrapp Stretch binding
  • Frame: Tubular V-Frame
  • Binding: Wrapp Stretch
  • Sizes: 25, 30 in
Pros
  • Confirmed $179.95 price directly on Atlas's site
  • Light-Ride Suspension designed to cushion impact and let the foot articulate naturally, per Atlas
  • Twin-Trac toe crampon plus Advanced Aft Traction heel cleat for stability
Cons
  • Marketed by Atlas as a beginner, mellow-terrain shoe rather than a backcountry model
  • Atlas doesn't publish an exact weight on the main product page
  • Only two sizes (25, 30 in) listed on Atlas's site

Before you buy: Atlas markets this for beginners and mellow terrain with little elevation change; for steeper ground, Atlas's Montane or Treeline models are built for that instead.

$179.95 MSRP — seen on atlassnowshoe.com · Best for Beginners who want a classic tubular-frame snowshoe for flat or gently rolling trailsCheck price at Atlas
6Best entry-level snowshoeTubbs

Flex STP

Tubbs

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Flex STP

A supportive, comfortable composite-deck snowshoe built specifically for new snowshoers

Tubbs's entry-level trail-walking snowshoe, built around a composite Torsion Deck and a one-buckle QuickPull binding, aimed at new snowshoers.

Why it is on this list: It's Tubbs's confirmed entry-level model, aimed squarely at first-time snowshoers looking for an easy, intuitive design at a low price.

Key features

  • Torsion Deck for torsional articulation
  • Flex Tail technology to absorb heel-strike shock
  • QuickPull binding with Control Wings heel alignment
  • Tubbs Toe Crampon and traction rails
  • Deck: Torsion Deck composite
  • Binding: QuickPull
  • Sizes: 24, 28 in
Pros
  • Confirmed $109.95 MSRP directly on Tubbs's site
  • Torsion Deck allows torsional articulation to enhance traction and comfort on uneven ground, per Tubbs
  • QuickPull binding unlocks with a single buckle push
Cons
  • Tubbs's site currently shows this model discounted to $82.46; confirm current pricing before buying
  • Positioned by Tubbs strictly for flat terrain and mixed conditions, not backcountry use
  • Tubbs doesn't publish an exact weight figure on the main product page

Before you buy: Tubbs markets this for flat terrain and mixed conditions rather than steep or backcountry use. The regular list price is $109.95; Tubbs's site currently shows an active discount.

$109.95 MSRP (site currently shows a discounted price of $82.46; $109.95 is the regular list price) — seen on tubbssnowshoes.com · Best for New snowshoers who want a simple, low-cost, entry-level trail shoeCheck price at Tubbs
7Best backcountry tubular snowshoeTubbs

Mountaineer

Tubbs

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Mountaineer

Aggressive Anaconda toe and Python heel crampons for backcountry, steep-terrain traction

Tubbs's classic tubular-frame backcountry snowshoe, built with an Anaconda toe crampon, Python heel crampon, and a 19-degree ActiveLift heel lift for steep ascents.

Why it is on this list: It's Tubbs's classic tubular backcountry model, giving readers who need aggressive terrain a confirmed alternative to MSR's Lightning Ascent.

Key features

  • Anaconda toe crampon (eight teeth) and Python heel crampon
  • Pro-Step tubular frame
  • ActiveFit 2.0 binding with TPU cinch strap
  • ActiveLift 19-degree heel lift
  • Frame: Pro-Step tubular
  • Binding: Active Fit 2.0
  • Sizes: 25, 30, 36 in
Pros
  • Confirmed $279.95 price directly on Tubbs's site
  • Anaconda toe crampon plus Python heel crampon for aggressive two-front traction, per Tubbs
  • ActiveLift 19-degree heel lift for reduced calf fatigue on steep climbs
Cons
  • Tubbs doesn't publish an exact weight figure on the main product page
  • Priced well above Tubbs's entry-level Flex STP
  • Marketed specifically for backcountry, steep mountains and powder rather than casual trail use

Before you buy: Tubbs markets this specifically for backcountry, steep mountains and powder; it's heavier-duty than casual trail models on this list.

$279.95 MSRP — seen on tubbssnowshoes.com · Best for Backcountry snowshoers who need aggressive two-crampon traction and a steep-terrain heel liftCheck price at Tubbs
8Best foam-deck snowshoeCrescent Moon

Eva

Crescent Moon

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Eva

A dual-density EVA foam rocker platform that feels and moves like an athletic shoe

Crescent Moon's foam-deck snowshoe, built with a dual-density EVA foam rocker platform and a Velcro hook-and-loop binding, designed to feel like an athletic shoe rather than a traditional framed snowshoe.

Why it is on this list: It's Crescent Moon's confirmed flagship foam-deck design, offering an intuitive, hinge-free alternative to the framed snowshoes elsewhere on this list.

Key features

  • Dual-density injection-molded EVA foam deck
  • Rocker platform for a natural stride
  • Velcro hook-and-loop binding
  • Rubber traction lugs, per Crescent Moon
  • Deck: Dual-density EVA foam
  • Binding: Hook and loop (Velcro)
  • Fit range: Women's 7 to Men's 14, per Crescent Moon
Pros
  • Confirmed $149.95 price directly on Crescent Moon's site
  • Rocker platform bends and rolls with the foot for a sneaker-like feel, per Crescent Moon
  • Simple hook-and-loop binding requires no buckles or straps
Cons
  • Crescent Moon recommends it only for flat-to-rolling terrain, not steep or technical ground
  • The foam design differs fundamentally from framed snowshoes, which may not suit shoppers wanting traditional traction
  • Weight limit is lower off-trail (165 lbs) than on-trail (300 lbs), per Crescent Moon's specs

Before you buy: Crescent Moon recommends the Eva for hiking and running on flat to rolling terrain on packed trails, not steep or off-trail backcountry use.

$149.95 MSRP — seen on crescentmoonsnowshoes.com · Best for Beginners and casual walkers who want a lightweight, no-learning-curve foam snowshoeCheck price at Crescent Moon
9Best flexing backcountry snowshoeTSL

Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust

TSL

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Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust

A carbon-reinforced, hyper-flexible frame paired with bidirectional steel crampons

TSL's mid-tier Hyperflex-series snowshoe, built with a flexible carbon-reinforced frame, stainless-steel bidirectional crampons, and a telescopic binding with an Easy Ascent heel lift.

Why it is on this list: It's TSL's confirmed mid-tier Hyperflex model, giving experienced hikers a flexing, French-made alternative to the tubular and composite frames elsewhere on this list.

Key features

  • Carbon reinforcements for stride-storing flex
  • Stainless-steel bidirectional crampons and vertical blades
  • Telescopic, pre-adjustable binding
  • Easy Ascent heel lift, activated with a pole push
  • Frame: Carbon-reinforced Hyperflex
  • Binding: Telescopic, pre-adjustable
  • Difficulty: SUMMIT (3/3), per TSL
Pros
  • Carbon reinforcements flex through the stride to reduce effort, per TSL
  • Bidirectional steel crampons plus vertical blades for grip on ascents, descents and traverses
  • Telescopic, pre-adjustable binding designed to memorize shoe size
Cons
  • At $320, it's one of the pricier models on this list
  • TSL rates this SUMMIT (3/3) difficulty, suited to experienced hikers rather than beginners
  • TSL sells several similarly named Symbioz Hyperflex tiers (Instinct, Phoenix, Elite, Original 2, Access, Racing) at different prices — confirm you're buying the Adjust model specifically

Before you buy: TSL rates the Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust as SUMMIT (3/3) difficulty for experienced hikers. TSL sells multiple Symbioz Hyperflex tiers under similar names at different prices; this guide links specifically to the Adjust model page.

$320.00 MSRP — seen on tsloutdoor.com · Best for Experienced backcountry hikers who want a flexible, carbon-reinforced snowshoe with strong all-direction tractionCheck price at TSL
10Best versatile all-terrain snowshoeMSR

Revo Explore

MSR

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Revo Explore

An ExoTract deck with aggressive perimeter teeth and Pivot crampons for varied terrain

MSR's versatile mid-range snowshoe, built with an ExoTract injection-molded plastic deck, Pivot crampons, and the field-repairable Paradigm binding for varied trails and snow conditions.

Why it is on this list: It's MSR's confirmed versatile mid-range model, rounding out this list with an all-terrain option between the budget Evo Trail and the premium Lightning Ascent.

Key features

  • ExoTract injection-molded plastic deck
  • Pivot crampons
  • Paradigm stretch-mesh binding
  • Attachment points for optional 5-inch modular flotation tails
  • Ergo Televator heel lifts
  • Deck: ExoTract injection-molded plastic
  • Binding: Paradigm
Pros
  • Confirmed $289.95 price directly on MSR's site
  • ExoTract deck's perimeter teeth plus Pivot crampons provide advanced traction on traverses, per MSR
  • Paradigm binding is described by MSR as durable, comfortable and field-repairable
Cons
  • Costs $100 more than MSR's own entry-level Evo Trail
  • MSR doesn't publish an exact weight on the main product page
  • Some third-party retailers list this model at a lower $269.95–$279.95 price; MSR's own site is the price of record here

Before you buy: Some third-party retailers list this model at a slightly lower price than MSR's own site; this guide uses MSR's own confirmed $289.95 listing as the price of record.

$289.95 MSRP — seen on msrgear.com · Best for Snowshoers who want a durable, versatile MSR model for varied trails and snow conditionsCheck price at MSR

Who should choose what

  • You want the most aggressive traction for steep backcountry terrain

    Lightning Ascent

  • You want an affordable MSR trail snowshoe

    Evo Trail

  • You want snowshoes, poles and a bag bundled together

    Evo Trail Kit

  • You want a lightweight composite snowshoe for trail walking

    Helium-Trail

  • You want a classic tubular-frame beginner snowshoe

    Access

  • You're brand new to snowshoeing and want the lowest-cost option

    Flex STP

  • You need aggressive two-crampon backcountry traction from Tubbs

    Mountaineer

  • You want a no-learning-curve foam snowshoe

    Eva

  • You want a flexing, carbon-reinforced backcountry shoe

    Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust

  • You want a versatile all-terrain MSR model between Evo and Lightning

    Revo Explore

Common questions

What's the difference between a tubular-frame and composite-deck snowshoe?
Tubular-frame snowshoes (like the Tubbs Mountaineer and Atlas Access) use a metal frame with a separate decking material stretched across it, while composite-deck snowshoes (like the Atlas Helium-Trail or MSR's UniBody and ExoTract designs) use a single molded plastic deck. This guide reports only what each brand states about its own design; Guidevio hasn't independently compared frame types.
Do I need an aggressive backcountry snowshoe, or is a trail snowshoe enough?
That depends on the terrain: brands like MSR, Tubbs and TSL market their aggressive models (Lightning Ascent, Mountaineer, Symbioz Hyperflex) specifically for steep, technical or backcountry terrain, while trail models (Evo Trail, Access, Flex STP) are marketed for flat-to-rolling terrain. This guide reports brand positioning rather than making an independent recommendation.
Is the Crescent Moon Eva a real alternative to a framed snowshoe?
Crescent Moon markets the Eva as an intentionally different design — a dual-density EVA foam rocker platform rather than a traditional hinged frame — and recommends it for flat-to-rolling, packed-trail use rather than steep or off-trail terrain, per its own product page.
Why does the TSL listing specify 'Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust'?
TSL sells several Symbioz Hyperflex tiers under similar names (Instinct, Phoenix, Adjust, Elite, Original 2, Access, Racing) at different price points, all seen on tsloutdoor.com. This guide links specifically to the Adjust model's page to avoid confusion between tiers.
Is the MSR Evo Trail Kit a better deal than buying the snowshoes alone?
The kit is confirmed at $289.95 on MSR's site and includes poles and a carry bag along with the same Evo Trail snowshoes that sell alone for $179.95. Whether the $110 difference is worth it depends on whether you already own snowshoe poles and a bag.
Are any of these prices likely to be discounted?
Yes — for example, Tubbs's own site currently shows the Flex STP discounted from its $109.95 MSRP to $82.46, and Atlas and Tubbs both run periodic storewide promotions. This guide lists each brand's regular MSRP and separately notes when an active discount was seen at the time of research.

Sources consulted

Official product pages, specification sheets and retailer listings used to compile this guide.

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