Tubbs Xplore Snowshoe Review

Bottom Line

We’ve tested just about every snowshoe made by Tubbs. This year, we tried the Xplores, and they proved to be the perfect budget-friendly snowshoe that excels across variable conditions. Continuing Tubbs’ long tradition of excellently crafted snowshoes, the Xplore balances performance with affordability, making it one of our top snowshoes for anyone from entry-level winter hikers to cold-weather veterans looking to save a few dollars on their next setup.

The Xplore is built with a traditional tube-style frame, but incorporates some modern features to break away from entry-level performance. The frame has an upturned tail that improves walkability, allowing for a more natural gait than traditional snowshoes. Tubbs’ QuickPill binding system cinches easily and unlocks with one buckle push, making it extremely easy to use. The Soft-Tec decking is light and flexible, providing moderate flotation for most snow conditions. 

As a budget-priced option, the Tubbs has some minor drawbacks. It does not provide top-of-the-line flotation in deep powder, and the crampons’ teeth are relatively small. We had a few slips in deep, unconsolidated snow.  They also don’t have heel risers, so we stick to outings with gentle inclines in these. 

We are happy that Tubbs didn’t stray too far from its time-tested construction, but tastefully added some modern features to make the overall design a versatile and affordable option. It has quickly become one of our favorites, and we are confident it will be one of yours as well.

How We Tested

The Tubbs Xplore was tested over two months in the snow and cold of Alaska. From on-trail walks to deep powder excursions, we tested the Xplore on a variety of surfaces and conditions. The flotation, traction, walkability, and ease of use were all carefully evaluated in rigorous real-world testing to bring the most comprehensive analysis possible.

Flotation

The Xplore is available in 25- and 30-inch lengths to suit different weights and snow conditions. We tested the 25-inch version, and it has moderate flotation that gets the job done for most conditions or trails, but it isn’t quite what we need in deep powder. 

The high-density polyethylene decking is lightweight and flexible, and the tube frame does add some flotation, but the Xplore lacks the surface area found in more beefy snowshoes. We found it most at home in loosely packed trails or in powder 6 inches deep or less. We found that the Xplore started to suffer in more than a foot of fresh snow. For that reason, we stick to moderate snowfall or packed paths.

Traction

The Xplore comes armed with Tubbs’ Recreational series of carbon steel crampons that give it better traction on snow and ice. With both forward- and rear-facing teeth, they provide enough traction for packed trails and a few inches of powder, but they struggle noticeably in deep, unconsolidated snow. Otherwise, the 1.25-inch-long front-facing crampons and 0.75-inch rear-facing teeth are sufficient for hardpack snow. 

The heel traction is placed relatively close to the front, making the Xplore lose traction when walking down steeper hills, and the weight is more on the tails. It’s not something we’d really notice unless we were testing other steep-capable snowshoes side by side with the Xplore.

Otherwise, the Xplore has more than enough traction for loosely packed trails and rolling terrain, but we have other pairs that offer greater confidence on steep, deep adventures.

Walkability

Weighing in at 3.5 pounds, the Xplore is one of the lightest snowshoes in our lineup. We absolutely noticed and appreciated the reduced  “clompiness” that is common in heavy snowshoes. The clomp factor isn’t just a feeling, it can seriously add to fatigue if we are going for longer missions. 

We particularly enjoyed the Xplore’s Fit-Step frame. Designed with upturned tails, this greatly improved walkability. It’s basically more of a rolling motion when walking. 

The free-rotating binding system was another advancement for walkability. Rather than having the snowshoes clap or retract up, they pivoted down, allowing snow to shed off the tails. 

All of these aspects came together to give the Xplore excellent walkability, perfect for someone getting used to snowshoeing or a seasoned veteran looking to cover ground quickly and easily.

Ease of Use

The Tubbs Xplore has an excellent binding system. In other words, it is very easy to use. The QuickPill system cinches across the forefoot and unlocks with a single buckle push. The heel is secured with a notched rubber strap that can be tightened or loosened with a single quick pull.

They also feature Control Wings, which are lateral plastic pieces along the midfoot. They help guide the foot in and out and add some support to the binding. 

The only annoyance came from the length of the heel strap. The long tail was excellent for accommodating larger boot sizes. But when tested by someone with a smaller foot, it required cinching all the way to the last notch. More notches on the heel strap would better accommodate smaller foot sizes or lower volume boots.

Should You Buy the Tubbs Xplore?

The Tubbs Xplore is a budget snowshoe with performance more similar to that of a pricier model. Its traditional aluminum-tube frame has some modern twists, such as a slight rocker profile, a free-pivot binding system to increase walkability, and lightweight decking to improve flotation. 

This makes it a great option for someone looking for a high performer without the high price. 

It’s our job to pick apart gear, and we did find some small sacrifices, like less flotation and reduced traction in the deepest powder days. It also lacks a heel riser for steep climbs. Despite these small shortcomings, it is an excellent choice for the entry-level hiker looking to save on their first pair of snowshoes or a budget-conscious veteran.

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?

Check out our full gear guide for more of our favorite snowshoes.

MSR Evo Trail Review: Another great budget option, the Evo Trail is a high performer with excellent value.

Tubbs Flex RDG Review: With its innovative flexible material, the Flex RDG offers enhanced walkability.

Retrospec Drifter Review: Coming with an included transport bag and poles, the Retrospec Drifter is a great option for entry-level enthusiasts.