Tubbs Mountaineer Snowshoes Review | CleverHiker

Bottom Line

The XtremPro Outdoors Snowshoes are one of the most affordable options in our lineup of the best snowshoes. They are perfect for those wanting to dip their toes in the sport without committing to a premium pair. Tailored for entry-level enthusiasts, more experienced snowshoers will not find the features of this snowshoe adequate for rugged adventures.

The XtremPro Outdoors Snowshoes are best suited for occasional hikes on a packed trail. This option is relatively lightweight so they don’t feel like a drag on your step. Plus, their slender width means almost no overlap when walking. The binding consists of two simple ratchet straps across the top of the foot that passes through a cradle for the toes. A rubber strap keeps the heel securely in place.

Coming in a handy carrying case with the option to include poles, the XtremPro Outdoors Snowshoes are a great starter pair to open up the world of winter hiking without the prohibitive price.

Flotation

The XtremPro Outdoors Snowshoes are constructed using the traditional style of a tubular webbing frame connected with plastic decking. While this usually provides enough flotation for most outings, this snowshoe has a hard time off the packed trail. The tubing of the aluminum frame is much narrower than that of other models tested, and their overall width is quite small.

While comfortable to walk in, this compromises their flotation. We enjoyed walking in these on packed trails and an inch or two of fresh snow, but when venturing into the deep snow, we quickly found ourselves wallowing. We recommend these for staying on the trail or groomed surfaces.

Traction

With eight small teeth on the midfoot of the binding, the XtremPro Outdoors Snowshoes provide adequate traction for walking uphill, on rolling terrain, and on groomed surfaces. However, the teeth are less than an inch long, lacking the bite needed for steep snow or icy trails. We found ourselves slipping more than others tested. This was especially noticeable when coming downhill.

Six teeth less than an inch long set in a v-pattern on the heel do not provide enough traction for steep downhills. We often slipped and slid down the hill on the tails of the snowshoes, losing control along the way. While adequate on rolling and gentle terrain, we do not suggest this pair be taken out in steep off-trail settings.

Walkability

The ExtremPro Outdoors Snowshoes feature a narrower width compared to the others we tested. This makes them comfortable to walk in with no overlap or stepping on toes. The tails taper enough to be comfortable with each step. We enjoyed the heel traction pad on the top of the decking that held our feet secure with each step.

However, there isn’t much rocker in the design with little rise in the toes and none in the tails. The shape of these snowshoes is almost completely flat with little rise in the toes and none in the tails. The lack of rocker is the culprit of the classic slapping and clomping feeling of old-school snowshoes. With no rockered profile, or flex in the construction, these snowshoes feel floppy and clompy and are uncomfortable for long walks.

Ease of Use

The bindings of the ExtremPro Outdoors Snowshoes consist of two ratchet straps across the midfoot. This will feel familiar to other budget snowshoes or anyone who has used snowboard bindings. The ratchets tighten down securely without slipping and accommodate different boot sizes easily. The toe bail also passes through these straps to provide extra stability at the front of the foot. A simple rubber strap tightens the heel in place.

The plastic used for the bindings is quite stiff, and while hiking in these, we found that they pressed on the ankle bone uncomfortable and across the top of the foot. The tails of the straps are about five inches too long and flop awkwardly with each step, with no place to stow them. The opening in the toe of the snowshoe is not wide enough to accommodate a foot to pivot through freely. This causes frequent contact with the decking and a significant restraint on the range of motion possible in these snowshoes. Good enough for short walks and easy to slip on and off, we found these snowshoes to be finicky and not as secure as others tested.

Should You Buy the XtremPro Outdoors?

If you value price above all else, it’s hard to get anything more affordable than the ExtremPro Outdoors Snowshoes. They are the cheapest in our lineup and are sure not to break the bank. However, if you’re looking for performance, you might want to look at our other favorites on our list. The low price of these snowshoes makes some serious concessions in their performance. The bindings are uncomfortable across the foot, and the rigid plastic pushes uncomfortably on the ankle bone. The narrow shape of the snowshoe enables a natural stance but does not provide much in the way of flotation. These snowshoes are best suited for the occasional winter hiker, short walks in thick boots, or someone not looking to spend much money on the sport. The occasional use of these snowshoes will be fine, but we have serious questions about their long-term durability. For the price, these snowshoes meet expectations, but they are quickly out of their depth on more challenging terrain.

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?

Retrospec Drifter Review – Similarly priced but with slightly better performance in traction and flotation, the Drifter is the next step up while remaining affordable.

MSR Evo Trail Review – One of our top picks for value, the MSR Evo Trail combines the best elements of higher-priced snowshoes while remaining affordable. We recommend these if the XtremPro Outdoors left you wanting more but you don’t want the price tag of more expensive options.

Tubbs Wayfinder Review – With a more secure binding and better walkability than the XtremPros Outdoors, the Wayfinder is a logical next step to progress to once the winter hiking bug has bitten you.