Snowshoes
We began our hiking adventures just as winter rolled in. We soon realized that to enjoy this activity year round we were going to need snowshoes or else become know as a “holer.” Like most things that have come with COVID outdoor equipment was at a premium. I called around and searched the internet in vain to locate snowshoes. Now when I say I couldn’t located snowshoes I mean I couldn’t locate snowshoes that would accommodate my sasquatch of a husband. Being 6’7″ makes even the simplest things a challenge. Luckily I have become an expert in accommodating the slightly larger than life. As luck would have it I finally located two pairs of Retrospec (the last two pairs) at Catskill Outfitters | Fly Fishing Guided Trips | Outdoor & Home Goods in Phoenicia, NY. Paul, the owner, was super
helpful and soon we were on our way. Now as most people I researched the brand and had a bit of trepidation. There was plenty of information on Tubbs and MSR’s but very little on Retrospec. Figuring we didn’t have a big choice if we wanted to hike in the winter and with the supply of all snowshoes being decimated we went with them. Now keep in mind we know nothing about snowshoeing so I have no point of reference to draw from but so far I am happy with our purchase. They are a little on the heavy side, clocking it at a reported 8 pounds, but I figure we will be in better shape by spring or dead LOL. The set we got came with poles. I opted to use my Black Diamond poles with snow baskets but my husband used the ones that came with the snowshoes. Suffice to say he has had less issues with his than I did with mine? The bindings are a plus for me. They are ratchet bindings similar to a snowboard with a heel strap to secure them. They also come with a heel lift. Now like most things I usually ignore the extras figuring they are just added for the hell of it. HEEL LIFTS are not such an extra. Our first hike with them was Windham High Peak. For the first part of the trail I opted to forego using them figuring they would make very little difference. I WAS WRONG. Ascending hills was SOOOOOOOO much easier. The only problem I have is remembering to flip them up before I get to the top of the hill (again a by-product of being OLD). Considering the current availability of snowshoes, the lack of information on these in particular and no other point of reference I can’t complain. We have climbed three 3500’s with these and have no plans to switch.