Gear Review: Tubbs Flex TRK Snowshoes 22"

As the temperatures are rising and the snow is melting your chances of getting out to snowshoe may be limited, but the sales right now make this an opportune time to get a pair for future adventures. I had always been on the fence for getting my own pair since I have only snowshoed a handful of times but now with a cousin and my sister-in-law who are trying to get out more I felt able to justify the expense. Additionally, if you saw my post on my PCT Echo Lake to Donner Summit section hike attempt, you will know that these were imperative.

Putting on my Tubbs Flex TRK for the first time in the snow.

These Tubbs Flex TRK snowshoes were a last minute purchase via REI and using their curbside pickup. I ordered them at 2:30 p.m. and they were ready for pickup by 3:30 p.m. all communicated via email. Unfortunately, I pulled up to the store at 4:04 p.m., 4 minutes after they closed and the app to communicate that you are in the parking lot was already turned off. I was able to swing by the next day and still have them in time for my hike and I recommend the REI curbside pickup for future purchases.

I picked these snowshoes for a few reasons (and paid full price because of the following despite having other cheaper and sale options):

• They were available quickly from a local REI for pickup before my hike

• They are rated for "rolling terrain" which is what I expected for going up and down elevation on the PCT and from other snowshoeing I have done

• The weight seemed reasonable at 3.97lbs for the pair

• The strap in system looked simple to use and adjustable for different size feet and shoes.

I am really happy with my purchase and would recommend these snowshoes to other friends.

Pros:

• Flexible straps to accommodate different shoe and foot sizes for up to 160lbs weight

Tightening the toe box strap over 41.5 EU shoes.

• Easy to use over foot strap that you pull tight or push the outside release to loosen up and remove your foot.

Lever to easily release the straps.

• Intuitive back/ankle strap that you just tug and hook to secure your foot fully and a hook for the extra length to not flap around - see Con below about getting it on the hook every time.

Tightening the back/ankle strap onto the metal hook to secure the shoe fully onto the snowshoe.

• The snowshoes came with a velcro strap that was helpful in attaching them to my backpack.

Using the black velcro strap to attach to my pack.

• The snowshoes felt stable even when walking at an angle on a hill where other snowshoes have been too loose causing my foot to twist on the base of the snowshoe

• Metal grips made me feel secure on icier sections and hills giving me good grip/traction.

• Due to the nature of the trail I was on, I felt comfortable wearing these snowshoes while also stepping on/across tree trunks and I used the metal traction to my advantage.

Cons:

• Sometimes the back/ankle strap was difficult to get the metal hook into the hole that you wanted to ensure it was tight enough. To compensate I would push forward with my toe a bit more and tug again until the hook popped through the hole

• The strap across the top of my foot was quite long after fully cinched and while they have a strap holder to put the excess strap in I often would step on it and it would fall out and flap around - even if I doubled it. I am going to investigate adding velcro for future.

I have to admit, I beat hell out of these snowshoes. Due to having such varying degree of snow, dirt trail, rocks and trees I ended up wearing these snowshoes through non-typical terrain due to the time saved of having to not take them on and off frequently. And while the plastic edges look beat up, the snowshoes held up beautifully and the metal grips are no worse off. These Tubbs Flex TRK snowshoes have already earned a soft spot in my heart and gear list due to the adventure I got to take them on. Until next winter!

My well loved and abused Tubbs Flex TRK snowshoes after my PCT section hike.

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