union rover approach skis

ENTER THE BACKCOUNTRY

REVIEW BY RHYTHM STAFF MEMBER | YANK

No, this isn't a splitboard or a pair of snow shoes that you see out in the backcountry. These are Union Rover Approach Skis. A new product from our friends at Union Binding Co. and they are available at Rhythm Snowsports.

The concept of these funny looking snow shoes is to make riding a solid board out in the backcountry a breeze with simple transitions.

The Rovers are designed with integrated climbing skins. This eliminates the process of skinning and de-skinning your splitboard and storing them in your backpack. The only transition here is simply swapping the Union Explorer Bindings over from Rover to board (Hike to Ride). Plus, Crampons lock in easily with the bindings, making yet another easy transition.

Although you don't have to store skins in your bag. You do have to always carry either your board or the rovers, similar to snow shoeing. So keep that in mind.

WHAT I LIKED

- The Rovers are Light and glide seamlessly. This takes the pressure off my hip flexers, making the journey and the recovery better.

- The climbing skins worked well. I kept up with two ski tourers.

- Snowboard bindings are so much easier and quicker to get in than snow shoes. I can feel confident that i'm locked in. Snow shoes straps can be a bit tricky.

- The transitions of the bindings were easy. The Union Explorer Bindings are a Splitboard binding. So if you were to invest in Rovers and later down the track decide you want to dive deeper in the backcountry world, you already got a compatible pair of bindings.

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE

I used the Union Expedition backpack and struggled to fit the rovers securely with the straps as the Rovers have a long and flat surface. But with a better strapping system, it should be good to go.

WHO ROVERS ARE FOR

A fun person looking to get their foot in the backcountry without breaking the bank. This person enjoys mellow hikes and to cruise down. Ideal for day trips or chasing the untouched beyond the resort.