YakTrax sizing

[MtDoraDave]

I'm going to finish TN and do some of VA in a couple weeks, and I want to bring some yaktrax. They seem light, inexpensive, and better than slipping and falling dozens of times on ice (if I encounter any like I did a couple years ago).

The sizing says Medium fits mens 9 - 11 and Large fits mens 11.5+

I wear keen Targhee 2 size 11.5 - should I go with the Large or stretch the Medium?

I've never used these, but I imagine a loose fit would be about worthless...

any help?

[SkeeterPee]

Have you used them? I agree they are light and do help a lot on snow/ice, but I did not find them very sturdy. The rubber snagged on a root and broke on about the third time I ran on them. Perhaps others will have better results.

[saltysack]

Dave your money....only time I would have bothered was going over Roan...if it’s iffy I just carry few screws... https://youtu.be/cD0IS3hjJPM


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[jimmyjam]

Get the large. I have worn them on my size 12 keens. I take them with me hiking in the SNP during the winter and they work pretty good.

[cmoulder]

Don't waste your money on YakTrax! They're better than nothing, but not much... on ice or even hard compacted snow they have no grip whatsoever and they are flimsy.

I busted my ass on hard snow at the local dog park. I'd NEVER take them into the mountains.

Get some Kahtoola microspikes instead.

[jimmyjam]

I've had no slippage problems at all. Everyone's experience is different.

[cmoulder]

Fact: They don't have any 'bite' on ice once the coils get flattened with use.

I rarely write a post that doesn't include IMO or IME or 'for me', but I intentionally did not do that here. I stand by my comments.

In real mountains these things can lead to serious injury or worse.

But hey, I'm just some schmuck on the interwebs. :o

[1azarus]

Fact: They don't have any 'bite' on ice once the coils get flattened with use.

I rarely write a post that doesn't include IMO or IME or 'for me', but I intentionally did not do that here. I stand by my comments.

In real mountains these things can lead to serious injury or worse.

But hey, I'm just some schmuck on the interwebs. :o

I love everyone... but cmoulder is absolutely right. some things are judgement calls. this is not one of them.

[garlic08]

Another voice in the chorus--Yaktrax are good for going to work or getting the mail--a few times. They won't survive rocks.

[MtDoraDave]

Very well. Thank you for your input.

The screw idea would be great, if only I carried a screwdriver when I hiked... and I'm not fond of the idea of putting screws into my boots beforehand.

I'll just hope I don't run into an icy section this time...and if I do, remember to fall on my pack.

[saltysack]

Very well. Thank you for your input.

The screw idea would be great, if only I carried a screwdriver when I hiked... and I'm not fond of the idea of putting screws into my boots beforehand.

I'll just hope I don't run into an icy section this time...and if I do, remember to fall on my pack.

Simple 2oz Leatherman ps4 squirt works fine along with being very useful in other tasks....


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[1azarus]

...I'm not sure I agree with your conclusion...I, too, have struggled with walking on icy trails, and prefer not to fall down too often. That's why I took other serious winter hiker's advice and bought microspikes. If I were hiking with you I would have them in my ultra light pack. I think the responders are mostly just saying don't buy yak trax!

[Sarcasm the elf]

Simple 2oz Leatherman ps4 squirt works fine along with being very useful in other tasks....


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I tried that method a while ago, using the actual sabil-icers hardened screws. I wasn't able to get them in by hand and had to use a screwgun. Did you pre-drill holes in order to fit the screws in by hand.

[garlic08]

I've driven hex head sheet metal screws using the round end of a cheap 1/4" combination wrench that weighs about 10 grams.

[saltysack]

I tried that method a while ago, using the actual sabil-icers hardened screws. I wasn't able to get them in by hand and had to use a screwgun. Did you pre-drill holes in order to fit the screws in by hand.

Haven’t tried with the Altra trail runners but was able to get in w screw driver into lasportiva wildcats.


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[rocketsocks]

Use an 1/8” nut driver.

[rocketsocks]

A small dot of “shoe goo” on the threads will ensure a permanent hobnailed shoe.