This is my first year of snowshoeing. I debated whether to shop a store locally or order online. L.L Bean has a strong reputation and decided to trust them for my first pair of snowshoes. They're easy on/easy off, great for trudging through the woods. I love them! And very affordable, I might add.
I bought these snowshoes last year, so I've used them quite a few times. I should say that I am not a serious snowshoer, and that I use them only about 5 times per season for an hour or so each time.
Yesterday, I went snowshoeing with a friend who had a different type. While I popped my snowshoes on in less than a minute, she struggled to get her's on for 15 minutes, fiddling around with 3 different straps that had multiple holes in them. The LLBean Winter Walker snowshoes are so easy to put on and get off, and also to tighten up to just the right tension. You just snap in the buckles on the two straps and then pull each strap to tighten them. They don't loosen or some undone while walking.
They are very lightweight and work well walking up steep hills. I was thinking about buying the more expensive ones from LLBean, but since I also bought my daughter some at the same time, I didn't want to spend that much money. So far, I am really happy that I decided on these -- they have performed very well and I highly recommend them for recreational snowshoers.
I bought these for my petite daughter, who could have, by the specs, gone with a kid's version at less cost. Based on other reviews about some breakage, I bought these, for which she is towards the low end of the weight/height range. They are terrific, she loves them, and has used them in both the Adirondacks and the Rockies quite frequently.
I am a cross-country skier and bought these snowshoes as an alternate way to enjoy the snow. When I called to order the snowshoes the LL Bean rep was familiar with this sport and more than answered all my questions. Even though I orderen them late in the season I was able to enjoy them several times and I am looking forward to using them next year. It is a great winter sport and I highly recommend it.
