Verts have quietly been produced for over a decade and have created a cult-like following in the backcountry community due to their effectiveness. These snow-climbing-shoes utilize a basic strap system similar to a strap crampon and will help keep you floating on top of the snow while your friends are post-holing to the bottom. Unlike a traditional snowshoe these are constructed of plastic and feature a fixed, non-pivoting design. Combined with a short, sharp nose the design allows a rider to climb steep slopes much like they were walking up a staircase. Their small footprint and compact size also allow them to be stowed within your pack, depending on the size of the pack.
With the growth splitboarding has enjoyed over the last several years binding companies such as Spark R&D and Karakoram now offer special adapters to use with Verts. This allows the user to remove the weight and bulk of the stock straps and connect their bindings directly to the deck of the Verts. Phantom Splitboard Bindings are said to be working on an adapter for their popular plate bindings as well.
Splitboard.com and many of our members have been using Verts for years and making home-made adapters so we’re stoked to see splitboard binding companies now offering these. Thanks!