Tubbs Adventure Snowshoes: Fun in the Snow

Why Haven't I Done This Before?! Until this winter, I had never been on snowshoes. Surprising, actually, since I live in a city in which it's winter for about half the year. I run in the winter, I cross country ski, I ice skate on frozen lakes. Yet, I've been delighted to discover that snowshoeing offers me a convenient and effective workout.

One of the things I love about my Tubbs snowshoes is that I was able to pull them out of the box, put them on, and I was snowshoeing minutes later. It's that easy. If you can walk, you can snowshoe. The bootstraps easily tighten to fit the size of any boot you're wearing. After a recent snowfall of 10" of fresh powder, they allow me to walk over any heavier or compact snow. It's a blast! In addition to walking on top of snow, I love that the teeth on the underside make snowy and icy hills easy to climb. The combination of these features has allowed me to walk and hike in snow covered areas that I usually visit only in the summer.

Unlike cross country skiing, the equipment for snowshoeing is minimal and compact. There are no long skis to tangle with, no poles, no special boots. Tubbs snowshoes could easily fit in a large duffle or on the pack of a daypack. And, showshoeing is more lenient than other activities when it comes to conditions. Unlike cross country skiing, which involves waxing your skis to fit snow conditions, I've been pleased to be able to snap on my snowshoes and head out the door. Footing is often a problem in winter running, but with snowshoes you get a stable ride on snow or ice.

Snowshoeing has been a great way for me to explore some new trails, escape to quiet places, and enjoy Minnesota's peaceful winter days. It's an excellent way to stay in shape, too.

Bottom Line: Because snowshoeing it so simple to learn (the snowshoes come with an instructional CD) and so much fun, I'll be equipping my husband and two young children next winter.--S.M. (Jan '04)

Price: $159.00 (introductory level model)

Manufacturer's Site: www.tubbssnowshoes.com

Buy Online: , Altrec.com