There is no true flat in the backcountry, so we strap into the Tubbs Flex ALP Snowshoe for control on steep climbs, icy traverses, and technical straightaways. The flexible deck twists and bends for optimal connection with uneven ground, while the pin-equipped tails, shark tooth crampons, and curved, microserrated rails give us optimal traction. As we travel deep into untracked territory, the rotating bindings shed snow and allow a more natural stride for energy-saving efficiency, and the flexible tail absorbs shock to reduce the stress on our joints, encouraging us to explore further.