Stuff We Want: Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes, Walk On Top of the Snow Like a Cartoon
Deep snow wants to eat you up to the knees. These say no, and the poles come in the same bag.
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Every winter you have the same brave idea. Fresh snow, quiet trail, you in a cute hat. Then you take three steps off the plowed path and sink to your knees like the snow owes you money and is collecting.
You are not a winter hiker. You are a person slowly being eaten by a field.
Enter the Retrospec Drifter Snowshoes & Trekking Poles Bundle. Strap these on and you float on top of deep snow instead of drilling into it. Basically, you get to walk like a cartoon character who hasn't looked down yet.
The frames are aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum with tough polyethylene decks, so they're light enough that your legs don't file a complaint by mile one. Retrospec lists the 25-inch pair at about 4.2 pounds.
The bindings are double-ratchet straps, and the listing says you can get in and out even with gloves on. So no more standing in the cold, bare-handed, fighting a buckle while your fingers slowly turn into frozen fish sticks.
Under your toes there's a full-floating pivot system with crampons that dig in as you climb, and the listing mentions heel lifters for the steep stuff. Hills go from "absolutely not" to "okay, fine."
The poles come in the box too. They're adjustable aluminum trekking poles with foam grips, wrist straps and terrain-specific attachments, so you stay upright instead of doing a slow, graceful face-plant in front of the dog.
It all packs into one carry bag. Pick your size, 25 or 30 inches, and a color like Olive, Superior Blue, Black Ice, Laurel or Winter Mint, and you're out the door.
Who it's for
- First-time snowshoers who want the whole kit in one box.
- Winter hikers tired of post-holing to the knee.
- Gift shoppers with a friend who won't stop talking about cabin trips.
Who should skip it
- You live where it doesn't snow. These will just hang out in the closet, judging you.
- You plus your pack need more than 200 pounds of rating. That's the 25-inch pair's max weight recommendation, so look at the 30-inch.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 6061-T6 aluminum frames with polyethylene decks.
- Double-ratchet bindings that work with gloves on.
- Full-floating pivot with toe crampons, plus heel lifters.
- Adjustable trekking poles and a carry bag included.
- 25- or 30-inch sizes, five colors.
Cons
- The 25-inch pair tops out at a 200-pound recommendation.
- You still have to drive to the snow.
Pros and cons are our read of the features on the listing, not a hands-on test.
How it compares
Vs. the SkiSkootys ski boot traction: that one helps you walk across an icy parking lot. This one helps you walk across a whole mountain.
After the hike: dry your boots with the Everlasting Comfort boot dryer.
Downhill instead: the Hammerhead Pro HD sled.
FAQ
What comes in the Retrospec Drifter bundle?
A pair of snowshoes, adjustable trekking poles and a carrying bag.
What sizes does it come in?
25 inches and 30 inches.
Can I use the bindings with gloves on?
Yes, the listing says the double-ratchet bindings strap in and out even with gloved hands.
What are the frames made of?
Aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum alloy with polyethylene decks.
The verdict
The verdict: hand-picked because snowshoeing is the easiest way to turn a snowy weekend into an actual adventure, and this bundle hands you the shoes, the poles and the bag at once. Stop letting the snow win.
#ad. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Hand-picked by The Deez List.
