Holiday Gift Guide 2010: Tubbs Xplore Snowshoe Kit

Anyone on your holiday lineup looking to launch into snowshoeing? Tubbs has packaged up three essentials—shoes, gaiters, and adjustable poles—into this smart, well-priced starter kit. The only thing missing is the snow! Bindings were easy for our first-time snowshoe tester to adjust with gloves on—an adjustable strap pulled over the heel of her boots and an adjustable criss-crossing strap over the forefoot offered enough stability to explore flat terrain comfortably.

The simple steel traction system offers a sure grip underfoot and the specially designed frame reduces impact on hips, knees, and ankles to keep wearers comfortable. Gaiters kept snow out of our tester’s boots, and adjustable poles (when they are not helping you keep your balance) keep the whole body moving. $180; m’s 25” and 30”, w’s 21” and 25”; 3.6 lbs. (25”); tubbssnowshoes.com