If you’re anything like me, you’re constantly looking for new ways to get outside during the winter months to enjoy the crisp, cool air. In addition to skiing and snowboarding (which I’ve been doing for years), my wife and I recently picked up two pairs of Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith Snowshoes to try our hand at some backcountry winter hiking. Compared to traditional winter sports, hiking in snowshoes has a significantly lower learning curve, making it something anyone can pick up pretty much immediately. Best of all, it offers another channel to get outside and be active, despite the frigid temperatures and slippery conditions.
If you’ve never tried snowshoes before, the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith Snowshoes are really an exceptional choice for the beginner, as I’ve come to learn. Built on a super tough polymer molded deck, the Vector UX Zenith’s feature somewhat of an hourglass shape, meaning that you can maintain your natural stride during hiking. In addition to the shape, the Zenith’s also feature an Ultraflex pivot that allows free foot rotation on the axle for a more efficient stride, and it also plays a central role in preventing the front of the snowshoe from hitting the leg.
Helping secure your foot in place, the Vector UX Zenith’s feature an incredibly easy-to-use twin clip buckle system reminiscent of some snowboard bindings, with two hooks up front and a heel strap, all of which are easily operated with gloves/mittens in place. Once you’re on the snow, the aggressive Split Jaw front crampon design offers incredible unidirectional traction on ice and slippery conditions, while a second set of side crampons extend down the length of each side of the Vector UX Zenith’s before forming a v-shape in the rear. Having used the Zenith’s the past couple months, it’s a fantastic, confidence inspiring design, and the Zenith’s truly excel in packed snow, ice, and steep, slippery ascents and descents.
In addition to their exceptional traction, another notable feature of the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith’s are their comfort. Long hikes are a pleasure, thanks to an integrated heel riser that reduces calf fatigue during use, and the 3D-contoured molded harness with EVA padding supports your foot while still keeping you comfortable during extended use. In terms of snow evacuation, the Vector UX Zenith’s do a great job of clearing the snow as you go, again helping reduce fatigue and increasing comfort during use.
Pricing for the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith snowshoes is set at $189 for both men’s and women’s variants, and they come in either charcoal/orange for the men or light grey/lime for the ladies. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a new way to get outside and escape the all-too-common cabin fever this winter, the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith make a fantastic option for winter hiking. To learn more about the Louis Garneau Vector UX Zenith, head over to LouisGarneau.com for the full details or buy now from Amazon.com
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