[pct-l] lightweighting microspikes

[DJ Brown]

Eric - you asked about the microspikes. We did not modify them, they were 
well worth the weight for us. We used them in 2011 (PCT thruhike), and in 
contrast to Ned's experience, they did NOT slip around much on our feet. I 
wonder if Ned's were too large for his boots?

We have both used 10-point crampons in mountaineering dayhikes, and agree 
that they are more appropriate in certain circumstances (steep slopes, icy 
conditions). But the microspikes are more comfortable with 
dayhikers/trailrunners, as they allow your foot to flex, unlike crampons. We 
found them appropriate for 98% of the terrain where we wanted more traction. 
(The 2% was very steep traverse on Whitney, early morning, hard snow. This 
maxed out the usefulness of the spikes. If it had been 3 hrs later in the 
day, with softer snow, we could have kicked steps.) We used them with good 
success on traverses in softer snow, going straight up passes, walking down 
steep slopes, and going over flatter but hard-slippery snow.

We also hiked through the Sierras with several guys who had ice axes but no 
traction devices, and one guy who just used poles and no traction devices. 
They were young, strong, agile, and had very grippy shoes. But we were glad 
to have the spikes, especially early in the day on hard slick snow - the 
less you slip, the more energy you save! Fast on, fast off, pack 'em in a 
ziplock, and very little guilt if you hit some rock or dirt. Last year being 
a high snow year, we continued to use them here and there in northern CA for 
shaded slopes with slippery, hard-packed snow. This definitely saved us from 
some slips and falls.

FYI, We carried ice axes through Sonora Pass, so we are on the conservative 
side. But you must know how to use an ice axe if you carry one. Otherwise 
it's just a dangerous piece of metal, not a useful tool.

Topsy Turvy
(hiked with DATAmuffin)


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