[pct-l] Lightweighting microspikes?

[Sir Mixalot]

It doesn't matter if the depth of the snow is an inch or 10 feet because
it's the surface that causes most of the problems.

What's more important is how much of the trail is covered by snow, and how
much you care to mitigate the risks.

Last year on a short hike in the Sierras I thought the risks were low
because I'd only be hiking on snow for a short while, so I didn't bother to
put on my Microspikes.  I took a few steps on the snow, slipped, and
tweaked my knee.  I put my Microspikes on right after that.  That incident
made me realize that I have nothing to prove by trying to walk on snow
without my Microspikes and that if I have the tools in my pack, I should
use them to keep me as safe as possible.

On Wed, Mar 21, 2012 at 7:21 AM, Tim <tim1ness at gmail.com> wrote:

> Since it has been a low snow year, is it at all feasible to proceed on the
> PCT without ice ax and cramps?
>
> On Mar 21, 2012, at 12:39 AM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:
>
> > I know that I'm coming into this thread late (been out in the snow, now
> that
> > it is finally here in Tahoe) but we have tested the Kahtoola Microspikes
> a
> > lot during the months of May, June, and July in the high sierra and have
> a
> > thing or two to add:
> >
> > I won't use them again on any slope other than straight up or down. When
> on
> > a sloping traverse, they simply roll off your footwear (especially off
> the
> > ball of your foot, just where you need the traction) and down you go. We
> > tried microspikes on various types of shoes ranging from trailrunners to
> > leather boots and had this predictable result.
> >
> > However, the Kahtoola KTS crampons design and strapping system proved
> highly
> > reliable, built our confidence with every foot placement on snow, crust,
> or
> > ice, and kept us safe, whether on steep traverses, suncups, ascents, or
> > descents. Whenever we know that we will be on spring snow for any length
> of
> > time or distance where we might slip and fall, we always carry ours! The
> > weight is worth the security!
> >
> > And, yes, you will be strong enough by the time you hit the sierras at
> > Kennedy that the added gear will not be a big deal!
> >
> >
> >
> > "Just remember, Be Careful out there!"
> >
> > Ned Tibbits, Director
> > Mountain Education
> > South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
> >    P: 888-996-8333
> >    F: 530-541-1456
> >    C: 530-721-1551
> >    http://www.mountaineducation.org
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Eric Munsing" <eric.munsing at gmail.com>
> > To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> > Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 8:40 AM
> > Subject: [pct-l] Lightweighting microspikes?
> >
> >
> >> As I tally up the weight of my pack I cringe at the weight of the extra
> >> sierran gear, and particularly my microspikes.  Much of their weight
> (17oz
> >> with bag for size L) seems to be in the rubber attachment system- which
> >> seems like bulky and overbuilt.  I'm curious whether anyone has tried
> >> replacing the rubber part with a cord lacing system or otherwise
> >> lightweighting the microspikes.  Also, any experience thru-hiking with
> >> other, lighter traction systems, i.e. instep crampons or yaktrax?
> >>
> >> I ask as an avid backcountry skier and mountaineer with a high degree of
> >> comfort with steep snow climbs, self-rescue, and exposure; I recognize
> >> that
> >> the microspikes are a safety system but would feel comfortable with a
> less
> >> robust, lighter system.  That being said, most of my experience with
> snow
> >> has been while wearing ski/mountaineering boots, so I'm new to the world
> >> of
> >> hiking-compatible traction systems- hence the question for the list.
> >>
> >> When all is said and done, by the time I hit the Sierras I'll hopefully
> be
> >> in good enough shape that I won't notice the extra weight...
> >>
> >> --
> >> Eric Munsing
> >> +1 781 492 0614
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