First Look: L.L. Bean Men's Summit Trekker Snowshoes

Since the Snowshoeing boom in the 1990s, the number of models on the market has mushroomed. Simultaneously, the technology has greatly improved: bindings are easier to operate yet more secure; frames are lighter, stronger, and more streamlined; and cutting-edge materials are being used in everything from the frame to the decking.

Thanks to this rash of innovations and refinements, snowshoes are more user-friendly than ever. Moreover, the consumer has more choices than ever so all you need to do is find the pair that fits your needs and head off into the great white fields of powder when cabin fever sets in.

If you’re searching for a quality pair of do-everything snowshoes, then L.L. Bean is always a great place to start. Since their founding in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, L.L. Bean has been a trusted source for quality apparel, reliable outdoor equipment and expert advice for almost 100 years.  So when this company says that the Summit Trekker Snowshoes are their most advanced snowhoes ever, that’s saying something.

Photographer: Courtesy of L.L. Bean

Made exclusively for L.L.Bean by Tubbs® the Summit Trekkers strike the perfect balance between performance and comfort so you can casually follow the valley trail, or strike out to conquer the summit. And at $199 these Snowshoes let you break trail without breaking your budget. The Summit Trekker showcases some of the following features:

• Tubbs' gender-specific ReAct binding;
• Carbon-steel crampons to provide traction on climbs and variable snow condition;
• Heel lift to help minimize leg fatigue on steep ascent;
• Full step rotation maximizes crampon penetration, and the tail drops to shed snow, minimizing fatigue and discomfort.
• Softec decking provides durable lightweight flotation with a smooth soft texture.

Featured in Outside Magazine's 2012 Winter Buyer's Guide and Backpacker Magazine's 2011 Fall/Winter Gear Guide, you can trek in confidence knowing the L.L. Bean's Summit Trekker shoes are stacked with enough features to help put miles of snow behind you. As the snow continues to fall in the Sierra’s the Gumption Snow Patrol Crew will put the L.L. Bean Summit Trekkers through the full vetting process. We'll follow up with our final review to let you know whether or not these snowshoes have the gumption necessary to provide season after season of clear smooth trekking through the high alpine terrain.