Tubbs Wayfinder Snowshoe Evaluation | CleverHiker

Backside Line

The Tubbs Wayfinder stands out in our lineup of finest snowshoes as a high-performing, entry-level choice. It encompasses a historically styled body of tube aluminum with nylon decking that’s each light-weight and sturdy. We loved them finest on trails and in mild powder. Because of its tapered design virtually resembling a teardrop, a pure stance is comfy and there’s no overlapping of the snowshoes whereas strolling. A rockered profile from toe to heel permits for a simple gate on quite a lot of slopes and surfaces.

We’re large followers of the Boa closure system. Micro changes are straightforward even whereas carrying gloves, due to the straightforward twist of the dial. Getting the snowshoes on and off takes a second or two. We love the Boa for its simplicity and safety.

With none vital traction aids, the Wayfinders shortly met their match on steep and slippery slopes. Additionally, whereas strolling in moist snow, they balled snow below the forefoot. Due to this, they carried out finest on rolling trails with out excessively deep snow. The Tubbs Wayfinder is the right choice for somebody wanting one snowshoe for extra informal outings.

Flotation

Throughout our testing, we took the Tubbs Wayfinders on quite a lot of trails and circumstances, from packed and groomed to deep powder. Testing these within the foothills of the Chugach Mountains of Alaska, these snowshoes to be most at house on packed trails and people with six inches or much less of powder snow.

The tapered profile of those snowshoes gives much less floor space than others we examined. Mixed with a big opening by means of the toe of the snowshoes, these snowshoes sink additional than others examined and won’t be our first alternative for taking into deep snow or for off-trail adventures the place others haven’t damaged within the path.

Traction

When strolling on rolling terrain and packed trails, the traction supplied by the Tubbs Wayfinder was greater than enough. Small but sharp traction factors within the midfoot, and the heel bites solidly into the snow below stress. Their low profile made for simple strolling with out tripping. We loved this pair finest on packed trails.

Nevertheless, when taking these up steep slopes, it shortly turned evident that these should not the snowshoes to tackle something steep and deep. When testing these on a mellow slope earlier than transitioning to steep, they began to slide at about twenty levels, requiring using arms to make it to the highest of the hill.

With solely a small v-shape of traction protruding lower than an inch below the heels, strolling downhill was particularly slippery, and we ceaselessly slid down the hill. The tails of those snowshoes don’t have any extra attraction support, so strolling down something steeper than a small hill shortly became spicy “snowboarding”. They aren’t our prime picks for steep terrain, however they’re nice for rolling hills and flats.

Walkability

We have been instantly impressed with the convenience of strolling whereas carrying the Tubbs Wayfinder. Their tapered design from toe to tail virtually resembles a teardrop and permits for a pure stance whereas carrying them. The snowshoes function a barely rockered profile, permitting for a easy and simple gait for rolling terrain.

When strolling in early winter moist snow, these snowshoes balled up below the toe and midfoot greater than others examined. Whether or not it was the form of the traction factors or the fabric used, these snowshoes collected snow and required frequent clearing. 

With solely two small screw heads below the heel for traction on the floor of the deck, we discovered our heels sliding backwards and forwards on the slippery nylon decking. We wished for some type of stomp pad to grip into the soles of our boots for a safer step.

Ease of Use

The Boa binding system on the Tubbs Wayfinder is without doubt one of the finest we examined. The cable system runs from the heels to a plate that tightens securely throughout the highest of the foot, maintaining all elements of the binding safe in a single steady system.

We liked how straightforward it’s to slide on and off these snowshoes. Tightening them is equally as straightforward, even with gloves on. The ratcheting Boa dial permits for micro changes and fast changes on the fly. The heel of the binding additionally comes with snaps with labeled sizes to simply set the size of the strap for a personalized and safe match.

When utilizing these in hilly terrain, we wished for a heel riser. Whereas this doesn’t negatively influence the expertise on most excursions, it may need improved their skill to load the shoe evenly and saved us from some slips and slides.

Ought to You Purchase the Tubbs Wayfinder?

The Tubbs Wayfinder is finest suited for individuals who spend most of their time on packed trails and rolling terrain. Whereas able to dealing with shin-deep powder, these snowshoes should not those for snow a lot deeper than six inches. Their low traction works nice for rolling trails, however something steep or deep instantly overwhelms these snowshoes, they usually shortly lose traction.

With an ergonomic form, the Tubbs Wayfinde is comfy and simple to stroll in. Its Boa system is top-of-class for adjustability and ease of use. This snowshoe is ideal for the informal or entry-level snowshoer who shouldn’t be seeking to spend some huge cash and needs a snowshoe that may take a number of circumstances and surfaces in stride.

What Different Snowshoes Ought to You Take into account?

MSR Evo Path Evaluation – One other trail-oriented snowshoe, the MSR EVO Path comes with the light-weight maneuverability of a path snowshoe however with traction that may deal with the steeps.

Retrospec Drifter Evaluation – Comparable in form, the Retrospec Drifter presents strong flotation however higher traction and a sturdy ratchet-style closure system.

XtremPro Open air Snowshoe Evaluation – If worth is your primary concern, then the XtremPro Open air Snowshoe presents one of many lowest costs of any snowshoe we examined.