View Full Version : Footgear for icy trails
This link provides a rundown of your options for the various terrain features:
http://outdoors.mainetoday.com/news/061029hiking.html
LIhikers
12-04-2006, 20:14
I like the regular Stabilicers. Good traction on packed snow and ice with "studs" under every part of your foot. Stay away from the sport version as they came off every few steps!
VictoriaM
12-04-2006, 21:20
Anyone use Yak Traks? I bought as pair, but haven't had a chance to try them yet.
stickman
12-04-2006, 22:10
For walking in snow, Yaks and Stabilicers seem to work fine because they can bite in, but for ice you need crampons. I've used the four point instep crampons, very small, light, and under $10 from Campmore if memory serves. They saved my a** in slick ice at the Grand Canyon a couple of years ago. My brother had Yak Traks and he couldn't walk at all.
Stickman
I had stabilicers on sheer ice last year, and they worked like a charm. I wouldn't use them for anything big like mountaineering, but for a trail that was slick with solid ice the whole way up, I had surprisingly good footing. When I got to the deep snow, though, the stabilicers were better than just boots, but nowhere near as good as snowshoes.
LostInSpace
12-05-2006, 14:05
Although the Petzl (Charlet Moser) Crab 6 (http://www.hiltonstentcity.com/library/charlet-crab.htm) instep crampons (14 oz) are more expensive, they are 14 oz less than the Stabilicers (28 oz). Most 6-point instep crampons only weigh 1-2 oz. more than the 4-point ones, but the 6-point are more stable.
LostInSpace
12-05-2006, 14:28
This link provides a rundown of your options for the various terrain features:
http://outdoors.mainetoday.com/news/061029hiking.html
I don't agree with everything in this article. The Stabilicers Anti-Skid Soles (http://www.rei.com/product/2029.htm) weigh 28 oz. The article says that 6-point crampons are inadequate, yet they have more purchase than the Stabilicers, in my opinion.
Kevin A. Boyce
12-05-2006, 14:32
I used Yak Trax last winter for the first time, I was not happy with them, I had the upgraded versions, and in my experience and my hiking partner's experience, they are fine for walking to your car, but not in the backcountry.
They kept sliding off... which lead to
Having to keep adjusting them
Wore out/snapped after only a few miles for me.
Even with the extra strap across the foot, my partner lost one on the north side of Mount Greylock in the snow.If you break a Y-T, there is no easy and workable field repair you can do, and this can be a major problem.
This year, I will be using the Stablicers... from other reviews I have read they seem to be a better choice.