Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Backpack Hunting Microspikes and Crampons Suggestions

I and a pard have had great luck with the Kahtoola KTS crampons. From mtn goats to chuckars, they are like 4 low.

We haven't tested these yet, but they appear to have potential for the OP's application.

https://www.moosejaw.com/product/camp-usa-frost-crampons_10260967

I replaced my near worthless Yaktrax w/ the Kathoolas to augment my snowshoes. I frequently pull a sled and these work great on icy uphills as well as downhills and level ground. Manhauling a loaded sled requires pretty good traction. Winter in the mountains can produce some pretty painful falls and the Kathoolas are a light and easy solution.


mike r

19.5 oz's... no thanks.

As I mentioned before, I use Chainsen. Either those, Hillsound or Kahtoola's are at the top of the microspike heap. They're all very good.

Chainsen was started by a former Kahtoola employee and are virtually identical, except that Chainsen also makes a lightweight model, which is what I use. They're 8.5oz's and I've found them bomber. The price-point of Chainsen is better than Kahtoola and is its full equal.

The light version:

https://www.camp-usa.com/outdoor/product/brands/snowline/chainsen-trail-light/

The heavy version:

https://www.camp-usa.com/outdoor/product/brands/snowline/chainsen-pro/

I got Kahtoola nano-spikes. Sometimes just need a little help on icy surfaces. They're light & easy to have in my pack, or in the Jeep. Just in case.

Not sure they'd do well for what the OP asked about though. Maybe not big enough spikes? I dunno.

Guy

These pseudo-crampons may work well on an icy level driveway...they look very flimsy and the connection to the boot doesn't appear bombproof. For ice and hard, old snow...get crampons. At the very least get ones without front points for wilderness travel. Without an ice ax on "icy" snow slopes...you will NOT be able to stop if you slip on a steep snow slope.

Watch your step.

Oh ya, I've had real crampons for 40 years or so now. But sometimes ya just need a little more grab, not the whole mountaineering setup.

Guy

In other words, you’ve never used them...

I'm no expert but I've used the Hillsounds on packed snow and ice, some of which was fairly steep.

Somehow, I survived to tell the tale.

Yeah..."in other words"...I only use REAL crampons WHEN they are ACTUALLY needed.

The OP asks about slippery grass and you’re recommending crampons... it’s hard to know what to say to you without being completely insulting.

Perhaps you should spend a winter with microspikes before you answer next time?

Undoubtedly hard to do in Arizona...

SJ your condescending attitude suggest that your experience/knowledge exceeds that of of others on here.

The quality of what you post does not support that attitude.


mike r

Many experienced people have relied on a Black Diamond Whippet on one or both poles for self arrest for many years. They even work for us tyros. For REALLY EPIC conditions I may even indulge in both an axe and a Whippet. But I am a belt and suspenders kind of guy.


mike r

Well then fatboy...c'mon up to the North Cascades where I live and you couldn't follow me for two miles.

SJ is a legend in his own mind.

You...stupid..f**K...am here helping to keep your stupid f**k Lib fat*ss safe.

Yeah ok! When you have actually done something besides flap your gums let us know.

No hands-on experience, lots of guessing, and a martyr too... seems about right.

Too bad that certain people can’t get voted off the “island” on the Backpack Hunt forum.

Only a flatlander or a Townie would wear your gay microspikes on a slope. Man, if you ARE a man...you are deliberately stupid! Now get off mommie's laptop and go back to your nap.