Retrospec Drifter Snowshoe Review

Bottom Line

The Retrospec Drifter is an entry-level snowshoe on our best snowshoes list designed for those just starting or wanting to dip their toes into snowshoeing. Its intuitive and simple features are easy to use. They provide enough performance for short days on the trail or a light hike through the powder.

Two plastic ratchet straps across the midfoot and a reinforced webbing strap across the heel keep feet secure and snug. The ratchets are quick and easy to tighten and loosen. Heel risers are a great feature, and we had no trouble using them while wearing gloves. 

The Retrospec Drifter is a budget snowshoe, and its quality reflects that. The decking becomes stiff and brittle in the cold, and the toe opening is not wide enough to allow the binding to pivot without scraping. The long straps leave tails unsecured and are easy to trip on. Even still, this snowshoe is perfect for someone interested in the sport but does not want to spend a lot of money. Plus, it isn’t just for packed or groomed trails; it handles the ups and downs of bigger hikes.

Flotation

The Retrospec Drifter is one of the narrowest snowshoes that we have tested. This makes walking in them easy; however, they do not perform their best in deep snow. This snowshoe excels on packed trails and in a shallow layer of new snow but is quickly out of its league in powder and deep snow. We recommend this snowshoe for anyone whose primary use is on a packed trail. We found its surface area more than adequate for most conditions. The small toe opening means a relatively large surface area despite the snowshoe’s small dimensions. With three different lengths available, the Retrospec Drifter can accommodate different weights easily.

Traction

The Retrospec Drifter comes armed with an array of teeth both on the midfoot and directly under the heel. Six sets of teeth on the midfoot provide good bite when walking uphill and the serrated heel traction was good enough for slight downhills and kept us upright when descending short hills.

We took these snowshoes up into the alpine of Alaska’s Chugach range and found that they best work on mellow slopes and rolling terrain. When descending a steep mountainside, the traction on the teeth wasn’t enough to hold securely, and we found ourselves slipping downhill on the tails. The claws on the toes are sufficient for short climbs, but when the terrain becomes steep and icy, they lack the depth and angle necessary to grip the mountain. 

Walkability

The aluminum tube frame and plastic decking of the Retrospec Drifter is a time-tested design common to many more traditionally designed snowshoes. It provides a great combination of stability and walkability. The snowshoes are reasonably light, and their narrow shape means we could walk comfortably without a wide stance.

When testing these, we noticed a snagging feeling accompanied by a large snapping sound with each step. Upon further examination, we noticed that the hole in the tips of the snowshoe for the toe to pivot through is not large enough to allow a boot and binding to pivot through without contacting the decking. This impacted the snowshoe’s walkability, reducing the range of motion possible, and left us worried about the snowshoe’s long-term durability.

Ease of Use

The Retrospec Drifter is designed to be accessible to all, and we found that to be true of their binding system. The simple strap and ratchet system will feel familiar to anyone who has ever snowboarded. Simply feed the end of the strap through the ratchet and tighten it using the lever. The heel strap is a simple piece of wide webbing that tightens through a buckle. It comes with a wide piece of rubber to cradle the boot’s heel. The heel riser is a nice touch for those on a long hike and immediately relieves stress on the calves.

The straps on both the midfoot and the heel were overly long and without any stowing system, they tripped us and got in the way. The ratchet straps have a hard time engaging the teeth of the straps while under high tension and only get so tight before disengaging. If you have small feet and have to crank on the ratchet, you might want to keep shopping. The straps are also uncomfortable across the foot’s bridge when tightened to secure the foot adequately. While easy to use, these drawbacks are to be expected for a snowshoe with as low a price as these.

Should You Buy the Retrospec Drifter?

If you’re new to winter sports and are looking to get started in snowshoeing, then the Retrospec Drifter is a great way to dip your toes in without taking the plunge. They are accessibly priced and easy to use. The dual ratchet system is simple and intuitive and allows for adjustability while on the go. The heel riser is a great addition for those venturing up long, steep hills.

However, this snowshoe’s low price comes at the cost of its overall quality and durability, especially if you plan to wear the heck out of them. The straps do not engage the ratchet system when fully tightened, and the tails are excessively long, causing tripping and flopping when walking. The decking becomes stiff and brittle in the cold, and the toe opening is not large enough to allow the toe of your boot to pivot through without snagging. We also noticed the traction teeth showed signs of dulling with nicks and abrasions after only a few uses.

While this may not be the snowshoe to take out on long treks, it’s perfect for the beginner or someone who takes them out on packed trails a handful of times a year.

What Other Snowshoes Should You Consider?

MSR Evo Trail Review – Another budget-priced snowshoe, the Evo Trail is affordable while still having many of the features found in higher-priced options. This is perfect for someone who wants a versatile snowshoe without the high price tag.

ExtremPro Outdoors Snowshoe Review – If price is the number one factor influencing how you choose snowshoes, then it’s hard to get any cheaper than the ExtremPro Outdoors Snowshoe. At $50, it provides an accessible price for those getting started in the sport.

Tubbs Wayfinder Review – While more expensive, the Wayfinder answers many of the shortcomings faced by the Drifter. It features more flotation, better walkability, and an easier-to-use boa binding system.