The Powder Lover’s Choice: Tubbs Mountaineer Snowshoes Review

It’s a frigid morning in Grand Teton National Park. Nearly 2 new feet of powder blanket the valley floor, and a group of clients wait behind me, shifting with nervous energy as they look out at the untouched snow. As the guide, it’s my job to take the first steps, breaking trail so they can follow without taking on the exhausting work themselves.

I strap into the Tubbs Mountaineer ($280) and immediately feel the difference. The snowshoes keep me high on the surface, let me move with efficiency, and give me the confidence to lead without draining all my energy in the first few minutes.

Over the years, I’ve tested snowshoes across the spectrum — from lightweight trail models built for speed to technical designs made for steep, icy ascents. Many perform adequately in mixed conditions, but only a handful truly excel in deep snow.

The Tubbs Mountaineer is among the most reliable specialists. With its wide, rigid frame for flotation, aggressive crampons for traction, and ActiveFit bindings that remain comfortable and secure, it’s built to handle demanding winter travel.

In short: The Tubbs Mountaineer is a snowshoe designed for powder. It delivers excellent flotation in unconsolidated snow, steady traction when the surface firms up, and bindings that stay dialed on long days. With large deck sizes and a stiff frame, it’s a dependable option for off-trail routes, heavy packs, or fresh snow that would bog down lighter models. It isn’t the lightest or most compact, but when staying on top of soft snow is the goal, few can match its performance.

See how the Tubbs Mountaineer compares to others we’ve tested in our Buyer’s Guide to the Best Snowshoes.

Tubbs Mountaineer Snowshoes Review

Flotation

The wide platform and rigid tubular frame of the Mountaineer keep you riding higher in the snowpack, even when the surface is loose and unconsolidated. On a January morning in Yellowstone, I was able to haul a heavy camera pack across rolling terrain without sinking in more than a few inches.

The upturned tail softens each step and helps the snowshoe release cleanly from deep powder. The tapered tail slightly reduces flotation but improves overall stride comfort. Compared to a smaller, trail-focused model like the MSR Evo Trail, the Mountaineer is in another class. The Evo Trail shines on packed trails and rolling terrain, but cannot match the Mountaineer’s ability to float in bottomless snow.

Traction

Aggressive Viper 2.0 crampons dig in when conditions change from powder to buried crust. On steeper approaches in the Tetons, I felt secure edging across side slopes with a full load. The Mountaineer’s traction is more than enough for most backcountry routes that mix soft snow with occasional firm layers.

That said, if you regularly travel in icy or very steep alpine terrain, the MSR Lightning Ascent still has the edge with its serrated frame and more aggressive bite on hardpack. The Mountaineer trades a little of that all-out grip for better flotation and comfort in softer snow, which is where it really shines.

Bindings

The ActiveFit bindings are simple and intuitive, which makes getting in and out quick, even with bulky gloves on. The straps cinch evenly across the foot, locking in without creating pressure points, and release with a single pull when it is time to step out. Once secured, the fit remains comfortable and doesn’t loosen during long outings.

The binding attaches with a hybrid hinged system, which means the snowshoe pivots naturally underfoot as you walk rather than staying flat with each stride. This hinge makes the stride feel smoother in deep snow and helps reduce fatigue when sidehilling or climbing.

Stride Efficiency and Walkability

These snowshoes are heavier than trail-focused models, and you can feel the tail dragging slightly in soft snow. That said, the pivoting binding and upturned tail create a smoother stride than many large powder shoes. I found myself able to move at a steady pace for hours without the awkward tripping or snow drag that can slow you down in bulky gear.

Features

The ActiveLift heel risers provided real relief during sustained climbs. Flipping them up on long ascents helped me keep a more upright posture and eased calf strain. The rigid frame also adds stability when carrying heavy loads, and the overall design feels sturdy enough to handle years of hard use.

Room for Improvement

Weight and bulk are the main drawbacks. Strapping them to a pack for travel is cumbersome, and they are less nimble on packed trails where flotation is not needed. For extremely deep snow, a slightly wider tail could add more surface area for flotation without sacrificing walkability, but these performed well even in a few feet of freshies.

While traction is solid for most backcountry travel, if your trips consistently involve steep, icy terrain, you will likely want something with more bite, such as the MSR Lightning Ascent. On the flip side, if your snowshoeing is mostly on groomed or packed trails, a lighter and more affordable option like the MSR Evo Trail will feel far more manageable, though it will not deliver the Mountaineer’s flotation in deep snow.

Tubbs Mountaineer Snowshoe: Who Is It For?

The Tubbs Mountaineer is best for snowshoers who spend their winters in regions with frequent deep snow. It excels on multiday backcountry routes, wildlife photography trips, and any adventure where you are carrying extra weight through unconsolidated terrain.

If your winter outings are mostly on groomed or packed trails, a smaller, lighter model may be more suitable for you. But if you want a snowshoe that thrives in bottomless powder and helps you cover ground when conditions are at their toughest, the Mountaineer is an excellent choice.