Fall 2015 Preview: The Best New Snowshoes of 2015
Our scout rounds up next year's best new snowshoes and traction devices at the Outdoor Retailer Winter Market. Bottom line: It's all about the bindings.
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Atlas is tackling that tangled-binding effect—when your straps won’t pull free—with the Treeline series ($240; en-us.atlassnowshoe.com). The new Wrap Luxe “butter binding” uses silicone straps that won’t freeze in the cold and slide easily through the low-friction buckles.
Tubbs is going old school with a backcountry snowshoe inspired by the 100+ year heritage of the company. Classic aesthetics and leather detailing on the bindings combine with burly traction for a ‘shoe that is reminiscent of days gone by ($250; tubbssnowshoe.com).
Atlas is making a splash this year with multiple introductions to the snowshoe market. The Rendezvous series features a low price point ($140; en-us.atlassnowshoe.com) and gender-specific bindings (the women’s is the Elektra). The lightweight construction is easier for beginners to handle, but it comes at a cost: these snowshoes don’t have heel risers.
With a single click, GV’s new Step-In Tech converts from a crampon to a foot harness that is compatible with three of GV’s snowshoe decks. Even better? The three snowshoe models also work with SPD cycling cleats, making it easy to go from bike-to-trail.
Yaktrax has updated their popular Pro model by featuring triangular-shaped steel coils rather than the former round structure. This gives the traction device ($30; yaktrax.com) better bite and grip when crushing icy and snow-covered trails.
Last year’s Yeti snowshoe was LG’s first introduction using a BOA closure system. This season’s new Versant builds upon the Yeti by adding a heel riser to improve comfort on long, steep climbs.