L.L. Bean Recalls Snowshoes Due to Fall Hazard (Recall Alert)

What was recalled

In the spring of 2017, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a significant recall involving popular winter gear from L.L. Bean. Specifically, this action targeted two distinct product lines: the L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable Snowshoes in the 25-inch to 30-inch size range, and the corresponding L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable Snowshoe Package that includes these same snowshoes. The recall was issued on March 7, 2017, affecting products that had been widely available to consumers during the preceding winter season. While the official recall documents do not specify the exact total number of units sold worldwide, they emphasize that this was a substantial inventory issue requiring immediate consumer attention due to the nature of the defect.

The recalled snowshoes are easily identifiable by their specific construction and labeling. Each unit features an aluminum frame paired with Boa bindings, which are known for their secure fit. The deck of the snowshoe is constructed from polyethylene plastic. To help consumers identify if they own a recalled item, look closely at the side of the snowshoe; it should have the text "ADVENTURE ADJ 25-30" printed clearly on it. Additionally, the front of the snowshoe will bear the "L.L. Bean" brand name. These items were offered in two color options: a red shade described as Carbon Chili, and a blue shade referred to as Glacier/Teal. They were designed to be versatile enough to fit with either men's or women's winter boots, making them a common choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

If you purchased the snowshoe package, your set includes not only the recalled snowshoes but also adjustable snowshoe poles and a carrying bag. These packages were marketed as complete solutions for winter traction, which likely contributed to their popularity. The recall applies to these items regardless of when they were bought within the sales window leading up to March 2017, as long as they match the model descriptions above. Consumers are urged to check their gear immediately, as the defect lies in a critical component that compromises safety during use.

The hazard, explained

When you are out on the snowshoes, your body weight is entirely dependent on the structural integrity of the equipment beneath your feet. In this specific case, the danger lies in the deck of the L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable Snowshoe. This deck is constructed from polyethylene, a type of durable plastic designed to be lightweight and resistant to moisture. However, under the intense physical stress of winter use, this material can undergo a process known as material fatigue or brittle fracture. Essentially, the plastic fibers that make up the deck can weaken over time due to repeated bending, impact with ice, and exposure to cold temperatures, which makes many plastics more fragile.

The critical failure point occurs when these weakened areas reach their breaking threshold. When the polyethylene deck cracks or breaks during use, it no longer provides a stable platform for your foot. Instead of distributing your weight evenly across the snow, the support fails abruptly. This is not a gradual slip; it is a sudden loss of structural integrity. One moment you are standing firmly on the shoe, and in the next instant, the deck gives way beneath you.

This mechanical failure leads directly to the fall hazard mentioned in the recall. When the snowshoe breaks, your foot may drop through the frame or twist unexpectedly because the binding is no longer held securely by a solid base. This unexpected movement throws off your center of gravity instantly. Because snowshoeing often takes place on uneven terrain, near tree lines, or on slopes where traction is already challenging, losing your balance in this manner is particularly dangerous. You are likely to fall hard onto the snow or ice below.

While the CPSC report notes that no injuries have been reported so far, the potential for harm in this type of incident is significant. A fall from standing height on snowshoes can result in sprains, fractures, or more serious trauma if you hit a rock, root, or hard ice patch. The risk is compounded by the fact that snowshoeing is often done in remote areas where help is not immediately available. The plastic breaking removes your primary tool for navigating safely, turning a recreational activity into a potential emergency situation. Understanding that the failure is mechanical and sudden helps explain why the remedy is to stop using them immediately rather than trying to patch or repair them yourself.

Who is most at risk

When we talk about who is most vulnerable in this recall, it is helpful to first understand the context of the product itself. The L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable Snowshoes are designed for general outdoor winter recreation. They are built with Boa bindings and an aluminum frame, intended to be worn over standard men’s or women’s winter boots. This means the primary group at risk includes anyone who has purchased this specific model—either the individual snowshoes ranging from 25 to 30 inches or the complete package that includes poles and a bag—and is currently using them on snow-covered terrain. While the product is marketed as durable, the core issue lies in the polyethylene deck material. For the average adult user, the risk is primarily one of sudden mechanical failure leading to a loss of balance. However, certain demographics face heightened consequences if this failure occurs.

Children and younger users may be at a distinct disadvantage due to their developing motor skills and potentially less experience with winter sports equipment. Snowshoeing requires a specific gait and balance adjustment compared to walking on flat ground. If the plastic deck cracks or breaks while a child is in motion, they may not have the reflexes or strength to recover their balance quickly. The fall could result in impacts that are more severe for smaller bodies, particularly if they land on hard-packed ice or exposed rocks beneath the snow. Although no injuries have been reported in this specific recall so far, the potential for harm is inherently greater for younger users who may not anticipate the instability caused by a compromised shoe.

Elderly individuals or those with pre-existing joint issues, balance disorders, or mobility challenges are also among the most vulnerable groups. Snowshoeing often takes place on uneven, slippery, or unpredictable surfaces. For an older adult, a fall is not just an inconvenience; it is a significant health event. The failure of the plastic material could cause a sudden twist or drop, leading to fractures in the hip, wrist, or tailbone. Even without a broken bone, the shock of a fall can exacerbate existing conditions or lead to prolonged recovery times. Because the recall involves a structural weakness that can occur "during use," there is no way for the user to predict when the material might fail, making preparedness and immediate cessation of use critical for those with lower physical resilience.

Additionally, users who engage in strenuous activities on steep inclines or off-trail are at higher risk. The snowshoes were sold as "adjustable," implying they are used for varied terrain. On steep slopes, the leverage placed on the plastic deck is significantly greater than on flat ground. If the material weakens and breaks during these high-stress moments, the user is likely to tumble downhill, increasing the severity of potential injuries. Therefore, the risk is not just about who owns the item, but how and where they are using it. Anyone relying on this equipment for serious winter exploration should treat the defect with extreme caution, recognizing that the failure mode is sudden and unpredictable.

How to tell if you have the recalled item

If you own a pair of L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable Snowshoes, particularly those sized between 25 inches and 30 inches, it is essential to verify whether your specific gear falls under this recall before heading out onto the trails or your local park. Because these snowshoes were sold in multiple colors and configurations, relying solely on the brand name is not enough to ensure safety. You need to look for very specific physical markers on the product itself to confirm if you are holding a recalled unit.

The primary identifier for this recall is the model name printed directly on the equipment. Look closely at the side of the snowshoe deck. You should see the text "ADVENTURE ADJ 25-30" clearly printed there. This marking confirms that the item belongs to the L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable line in the specific size range subject to this safety alert. Additionally, check the front of the snowshoe. The brand name "L.L. Bean" should be prominently displayed on the front surface. If these markings are absent or if the text differs, your snowshoes may not be part of this specific recall, but you should still exercise caution.

Next, examine the construction materials and binding style to further narrow down your identification. The recalled snowshoes feature an aluminum frame, which provides structural support, paired with Boa bindings. These are a distinctive type of tightening system often used in outdoor gear for quick adjustments. It is important to note that the hazard specifically relates to the plastic material on these snowshoes, which can weaken and break. Therefore, confirming the presence of these specific components helps distinguish the recalled items from other L.L. Bean products that may use different materials or binding mechanisms.

You should also check the color of your snowshoes, as the recall applies to units sold in two specific colorways: red (marketed as Carbon Chili) and blue (marketed as Glacier/Teal). If your snowshoes match these descriptions and bear the correct model markings, they are part of this recall. Furthermore, if you purchased a package rather than individual snowshoes, check for the inclusion of adjustable snowshoe poles and a carrying bag. The presence of these accessories indicates you have the "L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable Snowshoe Package 25"-30"," which is also included in this safety alert.

If your snowshoes match all these criteria—the correct model text, aluminum frame with Boa bindings, specific colors, and size range—you should stop using them immediately. Do not attempt to repair the plastic components yourself. Instead, contact L.L. Bean directly at 800-555-9717 or visit their website at www.llbean.com and navigate to "Recall and Safety Info" at the bottom of the page to initiate your refund process.

What to do — step by step

Your refund, repair, or replacement options

If you have determined that your snowshoes match the description of the recalled items, the good news is that the remedy offered by the manufacturer is straightforward and consumer-friendly. L.L. Bean has chosen to offer a full refund for the affected products rather than offering a repair kit or a replacement unit. This decision likely stems from the nature of the defect; because the issue involves the structural integrity of the polyethylene deck material which can weaken and crack during use, a simple fix would not guarantee long-term safety. Instead, the company is allowing you to return the product for your money back, effectively removing the hazard from your possession entirely.

To initiate this process, you will need to reach out directly to L.L. Bean’s customer service team. You have two convenient options for making contact. The most direct method is to call their dedicated recall support line at 800-555-9717. This line is staffed around the clock, operating from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern Time every day of the week. This wide window of availability is helpful if you are trying to reach them before or after your own work schedule. Alternatively, if you prefer to handle things online, you can visit their official website at www.llbean.com. Once there, scroll down to the very bottom of the homepage and look for the link titled "Recall and Safety Info." Clicking this link will guide you through the specific steps required to process your refund claim.

When you contact L.L. Bean, whether by phone or online, be prepared to provide specific details about your purchase to verify that your item is indeed part of this recall. You should have your order number ready if you have it on file, as this will speed up the verification process. Additionally, it is helpful to know exactly which model you own. The recall specifically targets the L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable Snowshoes in sizes 25" to 30", as well as the L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable Snowshoe Package of the same size range. If you purchased the package version, remember that it includes adjustable snowshoe poles and a carrying bag along with the snowshoes themselves; all of these components are part of the return for your full refund.

The scope of your refund covers the entire product as originally sold. If you bought the individual snowshoes, you will receive a refund for that amount. If you purchased the package, which includes the poles and bag, you should expect a refund for the total cost of that bundle. This comprehensive approach ensures that you are not left with partial compensation for a hazardous item. There are no stated conditions requiring you to return the original packaging or tags, but having the product in your possession is obviously necessary to process the transaction. The goal here is to make the process as low-friction as possible so you can safely dispose of or store the recalled items and move on.

It is worth noting that while four reports of cracking have been received, no injuries have been reported to date. This suggests that the failure mode may be progressive rather than sudden catastrophic breakage, but relying on that assessment is risky. By taking advantage of the full refund option now, you eliminate any uncertainty about the structural integrity of your gear. Do not attempt to use the snowshoes for any purpose other than returning them once you have confirmed they are part of this recall. Your safety while handling and transporting the items back to L.L. Bean is paramount, so handle them with care even though the primary hazard occurs during active use.

What can happen if you ignore it

It is completely understandable why you might hesitate to stop using a piece of gear that has been sitting in your closet, ready for the next winter adventure. Snowshoes are expensive investments, and they represent hours of anticipated enjoyment on the trails. However, ignoring this recall is not just about losing money; it is about risking serious physical harm. The core issue with the L.L. Bean Adventure Adjustable Snowshoes is structural integrity. The plastic components that form a critical part of the binding and deck system are prone to weakening over time or under stress. When you ignore the recall, you are essentially choosing to continue operating equipment that has been identified as having a known failure point.

The primary danger here is not just the snowshoe breaking in half while you are standing still. It is the sudden, unexpected loss of stability during movement. If the plastic material cracks or snaps while your foot is bearing weight, the binding can fail catastrophically. This does not leave you with a broken shoe; it leaves you with no secure attachment to your foot at all. In snowy, uneven, or icy terrain, losing your footing instantly is dangerous. You are likely to fall hard, potentially onto rocks, tree roots, or deep snow that can twist your ankle or knee in unnatural ways. The impact of the fall itself can cause fractures, concussions, or severe sprains, especially if you are caught off guard.

We must also look at the context of these failures. L.L. Bean has already documented four specific incidents where the plastic on these snowshoes cracked. While it is reassuring that no injuries have been reported so far, this absence of injury data does not mean the risk is low. It simply means that, up to this point, those who experienced the failure were fortunate enough to avoid harm. A fall on a steep slope, near a cliff edge, or in remote backcountry areas could turn a minor equipment failure into a life-threatening emergency. The "fall hazard" mentioned in the recall alert is not a theoretical possibility; it is a confirmed consequence of the product's flaw.

Furthermore, continuing to use recalled gear sends a false sense of security. You may believe that because the snowshoes look fine on the outside, they are safe on the inside. Plastic degradation often happens internally or in hidden stress points that are not visible to the naked eye. By ignoring the recall, you are gambling with your safety based on visual inspection alone, which is insufficient for detecting internal material weakness. The only way to eliminate this risk is to remove the hazard entirely from your environment. Do not wait for a crack to appear or for a binding to fail mid-stride. Your safety is worth more than the inconvenience of returning the product.

Staying safe: broader tips

While specific product recalls are essential for addressing immediate defects, true safety in the outdoors often comes down to proactive habits and regular maintenance. When it comes to winter sports equipment like snowshoes, skis, or snowboards, the integrity of your gear is directly tied to how well you care for it between seasons. One of the most effective ways to prevent unexpected failures on the trail is to establish a consistent post-use routine. After every outing, especially those involving wet snow or mud, take the time to thoroughly dry your equipment. Moisture trapped in bindings, buckles, or composite frames can lead to corrosion, material degradation, or freezing issues that compromise functionality when you least expect it. By ensuring your gear is completely dry before storing it away, you significantly extend its lifespan and maintain its structural reliability.

Regular visual inspections are another critical layer of defense against accidents. Before each use, take a few minutes to examine the condition of your equipment. Look for signs of wear that might not be obvious during a quick glance, such as micro-fractures in plastic components, fraying straps, or loose hardware. In the case of snowshoes, check the deck material and the binding attachments closely. If you notice any cracking, excessive wear, or parts that feel loose, do not ignore these warning signs. Minor issues can escalate quickly under the stress of movement over uneven terrain. If something feels off, it is better to stay home than to risk a fall. Treat your gear with respect; if it shows signs of aging or damage, replace it promptly rather than attempting temporary fixes that may fail when you are miles from help.

Beyond physical maintenance, staying informed about product safety is an empowering part of being a responsible consumer. Many hazardous products reach the market despite rigorous testing, and recalls are a normal part of ensuring public safety. You can stay protected by regularly checking official resources like the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) website or subscribing to their email alerts. This simple step ensures you are aware of any recalled items you might own, whether they are snowshoes, children’s toys, or household appliances. Additionally, always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before using new equipment. Understanding the intended use limits and proper fitting procedures can prevent a significant portion of outdoor injuries. By combining diligent care with up-to-date safety information, you create a robust personal safety net that allows you to enjoy winter activities with greater confidence and peace of mind.

• Dry Everything Down: Never store wet gear in an airtight container or dark bag for long periods, as this promotes mold and material breakdown.
• Inspect Before You Go: Make a habit of checking all connection points, bindings, and structural elements before lacing up your boots.
• Follow the Manual: Adhere strictly to weight limits and usage guidelines provided by the manufacturer to avoid overloading equipment.
• Stay Updated: Periodically check the CPSC recall database if you frequently purchase outdoor gear to ensure your investments are safe.