Chipped paint, while aesthetically unpleasing, will not interfere with the performance of your snowshoes. Over time, however, the exposed metal may rust. The main parts of your MSR snowshoes that are vulnerable to rusting are the crampons, rails, and some rivets, which are made of steel.
Our repair techs will say: “PLEASE DRY YOUR GEAR!” Even the awesome, aircraft-grade aluminum of our snowshoe frames and bindings can oxidize with prolonged exposure to water—especially with road salt and other chemicals mixed in from roadside parking spots or parking lots. In those situations, a good rinse and drying when you get back are extra important. And of course, storing them in a protective bag with plenty of ventilation and drainage while traveling is a great idea, as is finding an open, well-ventilated place to hang them when you get home.
If rust does develop, we recommend using steel wool to remove the rust from your snowshoes.
Note that rust is not a warranty issue. Degradation of materials caused by UV exposure and/or use and corrosion are not covered by warranty.
For more information on gear care, visit our blog post.