Mike Hardaker Testing Faber Snowshoes in Jackson WY | Photo Connor Burkesmith Mountain Weekly News
Since 1870, Faber Snowshoes has carved its niche in the winter sports industry with a commitment to quality and innovation. This Canadian company has been synonymous with reliable, dependable, and innovative snowshoe designs. True to this tradition, the newest and most advanced snowshoe lines, the S Line Off Trail, and the Mountain Master, are proving to be some of the most advanced yet.
In this review, we’re going to take a deep dive into these two lines, exploring all of their basic and advanced features. Each of these represents substantial engineering advancements and innovations that have been integrated with Faber’s signature dedication to the improvement of the overall snowshoeing experience. As we dig into each model, we’ll find out just what has made Faber the ultimate authority and performance standard in snowshoeing for more than 150 years.
About Faber
Faber Snowshoes, with its inception in Quebec, Canada, stands as a testament to enduring quality and innovation in the snowshoe industry. This company has not just witnessed but also contributed to the evolution of snowshoe design and technology over more than a century. Faber’s commitment to craftsmanship is deeply rooted in its heritage, blending traditional techniques with modern advancements.
This unique approach has enabled them to offer a wide array of snowshoes, suitable for various terrains and snow conditions. Their products are a reflection of an ongoing journey to perfect the art of snowshoe making, continuously adapting to the changing needs of outdoor enthusiasts. This rich history and dedication to excellence are what set Faber apart, making it a beloved brand among snowshoers around the world.
Overview of the Mountain Master
The Mountain Master model by Faber Snowshoes is a high-performance option designed for extreme mountaineering conditions. This model stands out with its “Arcatech” frame, a design that ensures durability and stability in rugged terrain. The double suspension pivot system enhances the comfort and ease of movement, adapting to various snow conditions and landscapes. The aggressive crampons on the Mountain Master are engineered for superior grip, providing essential traction on icy or slippery surfaces.
One of the key features of the Faber Mountain Master Snowshoe is its 360° binding equipped with a three-ratchet buckle system. This design ensures a snug and comfortable fit, accommodating different foot sizes and shapes while maintaining control and stability. If you have ever strapped into a snowboard before this system will be familiar.
The foot and heel plates are made from double-density anti-slip material, adding to the overall comfort and control of the snowshoe. Additionally, the heel lifter feature in the Mountain Master significantly reduces strain on the calves, facilitating easier ascension on steep hills. This makes the Mountain Master an ideal choice for challenging mountaineering adventures, where reliability and performance are critical.
In terms of maintenance, the Mountain Master is designed to be practically maintenance-free, with an aluminum construction that withstands harsh conditions. After each use, a simple inspection of the pivot and ratchet systems is recommended to ensure longevity and performance.
Overview of the S Line | Off Trail
The S Line | Off Trail model from Faber Snowshoes is specially designed for adventurers who love to explore beyond the beaten path. This model caters to the needs of off-trail snowshoeing, providing superior performance in deep snow and uneven terrain. Its design focuses on delivering a balance of comfort, stability, and traction in less-traveled snowy landscapes.
A standout feature of the Faber S Line | Off Trail Snowshoe is its robust construction, designed to handle the rigors of off-trail conditions. The snowshoes are equipped with features that ensure stability and grip, crucial for navigating through deep snow and varied terrain. The design also includes elements that provide flexibility and ease of movement, allowing for a more natural walking experience even in challenging conditions.
Furthermore, the S Line | Off Trail snowshoes are built with comfort in mind. They are designed to distribute weight evenly, reducing fatigue and making long excursions more enjoyable. The bindings are adjustable and secure, ensuring a snug fit for different foot sizes and types of footwear. This model is ideal for those who seek the thrill of exploring untouched snowy landscapes, offering the reliability and performance that off-trail snowshoers require.
Instead of lifting your feet like traditional snowshoes, you actually glide your feet like XC skis or a splitboard going uphill.
Features & Benefits
The Faber Mountain Master and S Line | Off Trail models from Faber Snowshoes are designed with a range of features that offer significant benefits for different snowshoeing activities. Let’s take a look at each one and what they offer.
Mountain Master Features
- “Arcatech” Frame: This frame design enhances durability and stability, particularly suited for rugged terrains encountered in mountaineering. It’s robust enough to withstand the challenges of steep, uneven surfaces, providing reliable support in extreme conditions.
- Double Suspension Pivot System: This system offers improved comfort and adaptability, allowing the snowshoe to flex and adjust to varying snow conditions and landscapes, making every step more secure and less strenuous.
- Aggressive Crampons: Provide essential traction on icy or slippery surfaces.
- 360° Binding with Three Ratchet Buckle System: Ensures a precise and comfortable fit for various foot sizes, enhancing stability and control, crucial for navigating steep inclines and uneven terrain.
- Double Density Anti-Slip Material on Foot and Heel Plates: Adds to overall comfort and enhances control, reducing slippage and increasing efficiency during ascents and descents.
- Heel Lifter: This feature significantly eases calf strain on steep ascents, improving comfort and endurance, and allowing for longer, more enjoyable mountaineering expeditions.
S Line | Off Trail Features
- Robust Construction: Specifically designed for off-trail adventures in deep snow, this construction ensures stability and grip, crucial for navigating through untouched snowy landscapes.
- Flexible Design: Offers a natural walking experience, even in challenging off-trail conditions, providing flexibility that adapts to the snow’s contour for easier movement.
- Even Weight Distribution: Reduces fatigue during long treks, a crucial feature for extended periods of snowshoeing, ensuring that adventurers can enjoy their journey without unnecessary strain.
- Adjustable and Secure Bindings: Provide a snug and secure fit for various foot sizes and types of footwear, crucial for maintaining stability and comfort in deep snow conditions.
- Removable Skins: These are the first snowshoes we have tested with the ability to add climbing traction skins to the bottom of the snowshoe.
Both the Mountain Master and the Faber S Line | Off Trail are designed with durability and ease of maintenance in mind. The aluminum construction of the Mountain Master, for instance, requires minimal maintenance, making it ideal for frequent and intense use in challenging conditions. Whether tackling challenging mountain terrains or exploring untouched snowy landscapes, Faber Snowshoes’ Mountain Master and S Line | Off Trail models offer the reliability and performance required for such adventures.
Who Are These Snowshoes For?
The Mountain Master and S Line | Off Trail snowshoes from Faber cater to different segments of snowshoeing enthusiasts. Read on, and find out which line might best fit your needs.
Mountain Master
- Primarily favored by serious mountaineers and winter hikers who encounter steep, rugged terrain.
- Suitable for individuals participating in challenging expeditions across mountainous landscapes, where stability and robustness are key.
- Ideal for experienced snowshoers who require a durable, high-performance snowshoe for steep ascents and icy conditions.
- Also perfect for professional guides and outdoor educators who need reliable equipment for leading groups in challenging environments.
- A great choice for winter photographers and nature observers who require stable footing in varied mountain conditions.
S Line | Off Trail
- Designed for off-trail adventurers and explorers who prefer venturing into untouched snowy landscapes.
- Excellent for deep snow enthusiasts seeking snowshoes that provide superior floatation and stability in powdery conditions.
- Suitable for longer, off-path excursions where comfort and flexibility are as important as durability.
- Ideal for wildlife trackers and nature photographers who often traverse untracked areas for the perfect shot.
- A favored option for recreational snowshoers who enjoy the tranquility and challenge of exploring new, snow-covered terrains.
Both the Mountain Master and the S Line | Off Trail cater to enthusiasts with specific needs and preferences in snowshoeing. While the Mountain Master is tailored for challenging mountain terrains, the S Line | Off Trail is perfect for those who relish the serenity and adventure of off-trail snowshoeing.
Where And When Can You Use Each One?
The Mountain Master is ideally suited for rugged, mountainous terrains with steep, icy, or rocky conditions, making it perfect for winter hiking, backcountry expeditions, and mountaineering. Its design provides stability and grip on uneven surfaces, essential for navigating steep ascents and tricky mountain trails. They’re also ideal for activities such as snow-covered photography, nature observation, or outdoor educational trips in mountainous areas.
On the other hand, the S Line | Off Trail is designed for off-trail exploration in deep snow, offering an optimal experience for adventurers who seek the thrill of traversing untouched snowy landscapes. It is ideal for longer excursions in remote areas, providing comfort and ease of movement, crucial for activities like wildlife tracking, recreational exploration, or snowshoeing in serene, snow-laden forests. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy the solitude and challenge of off-path snowshoeing, providing the flexibility and stability needed for these unique adventures.
Overall Impression
When it comes down to it, the Faber Mountain Master ($359.99) is an excellent choice for serious mountaineers and winter hikers who face challenging terrains, offering unparalleled stability and durability. The S Line | Off Trail ($299.99), designed for off-trail adventures in deep snow, provides exceptional comfort and flexibility for explorers of untouched snowy landscapes.
Overall, Faber Snowshoes’ Mountain Master and S Line | Off Trail models are perfect examples of the blend of innovation, quality, and specificity in snowshoe design that you expect to see in modern Faber offerings.
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