[pct-l] Katoohla Microspikes vs instep crampons?

[Diane at Santa Barbara Hikes dot com]

On Oct 22, 2009, at 6:32 AM, pct-l-request at backcountry.net wrote:
> Saw a blog on the Katoohla
> Microspikes<http://sectionhiker.com/2009/10/21/katoohla-microspikes/ 
> >today,
> and wondered if they would be as good on trail runners as the instep
> crampons I have carried but never used. The spikes on the blog  
> photo look
> almost as big as the instep ones, and there are more spikes. I  
> realize they
> would be just as good if I never used them, but I'm wondering about  
> actually
> crossing snow fields.

The microspikes are great on ice or if the snow is icy and slippery.  
If the snow is soft, then they don't help. They stay on very well,  
but if you are worried they might not stay on, you can use a shoelace  
to apply them more firmly. I think they are awesome.