TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust snowshoe – Adjustable for All Sizes of Feet

Kate Agathon

If you are an adult with small feet, the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust snowshoe is the snowshoe for you.

 

As someone who wears a size five shoe, finding a snowshoe whose bindings can accommodate my small foot is a challenge.

In the past, I’ve tried a lot of popular snowshoe brands including MSR, Atlas, Tubbs, etc. Some have worked ok, some not at all. But none have offered the perfect fit. Often, the point between my toes and my heels was just a bit too long- something that became noticeable on long hikes.

 

In my quest for a new snowshoe, I did have one very specific requirement: I wanted a BOA Fit System binding.

 

I’ve tried strap bindings, and I’ve tried Paragon bindings. Because of my small feet, none seemed to provide the secure fit necessary for hikes in the backcountry.

 

In every snowshoe I’d tried previously- the bindings proved to be a major inconvenience (especially on the heel). Instead of just strapping in once and being done, I found myself constantly adjusting bindings. Often on rigorous hikes, I’d find my foot slipped below the area where my toes are supposed to be, despite the tightness of the bindings.

 

Mostly, I just got tired of adjusting bindings. I wanted to secure my foot in the snowshoe and be done. Going forward, in my mind, only a BOA Fit System binding would do.

But, were there any snowshoes small enough with BOA Fit System bindings?

TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust Snowshoe Review

When the BOA Fit System representative suggested I try the French brand TSL, I leaped at the opportunity.

 

Designed for experienced hikers, The TSL Symbioz Hyperflex securely and comfortably keeps my feet in and is compatible with any boot I choose to wear (I wear a size 5 shoe and wore a size 20.5 TSL snowshoe).

 

I recently wore these on a steep hike in three feet of snow up Ute Pass and immediately loved them.

Bindings

The first thing I noticed was how easy they were to put on.

 

I especially liked the ratchet ankle adjustment point (different than any other binding I’ve used and I knew they would stay secure) and the BOA Fit System that comfortably enclosed my upper foot.

 

Twenty minutes into the hike, I realized that I had not stopped once to adjust my bindings. That in itself was a major achievement.

 

Crampons

These grippy snowshoes are great for technical climbs in the backcountry.

 

The bidirectional crampons provide serious traction and easily helped me negotiate varying terrain and steep inclines.

 

Weight and Shape

Among the lighter snowshoes that I have used, the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust is designed to provide as natural an experience as possible.

 

Its hourglass shape allowed me to hike more naturally and they were not as cumbersome on uneven surfaces as other snowshoes I have worn previously.

 

Key features:

• Flexible backcountry snowshoe with an ergonomic binding

• Carbon-reinforced frame adapts to technical terrain on uneven trails

• BOA fit system dials in the perfect fit quickly

• Bidirectional crampons give solid traction uphill and downhill

• Easy Ascent heel lift assists with steeper trails

• Arrives with travel case

 

Overall, the TSL Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust Snowshoe is a great technical snowshoe for backcountry hikes. While I’m pleased with its overall functionality and ergonomic design, I was even happier that I found the perfect snowshoe (with the bindings I specified!) for small feet.

 

Now that I don’t have to constantly readjust my snowshoes, I’m looking forward to many more snowshoe hikes this season!


TSL Outdoors Symbioz Hyperflex Adjust Snowshoe - Snowshoe

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Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Utah the Adventure Dog.

 

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, fat biking, snowshoeing, camping, peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers, road cycling, and Nordic skiing. After suffering two major knee injuries within four years, Kate hopes to return to alpine skiing next season.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.

We also heard she has a (slight) obsession for blue heelers.