View Full Version : Crampons
saimyoji
01-02-2008, 19:29
What are you griping ice with these days? I'm talking about icy rocky mountain climbing here, not "I don't want to slip on the driveway while fetching the morning paper."
Well, I do a lot of griping about the ice, but for griPPing the ice, I use a very old pair of Camp 10 point adjustable crampons. They work well on everything stiffer than a running shoe.
I like Kahtoola's. Easy on, easy off, lighweight.
I feel like spiderman when walking on ice covered slopes and trails.
Mooselook Marty
01-03-2008, 10:25
I like Kahtoola's. Easy on, easy off, lighweight.
I feel like spiderman when walking on ice covered slopes and trails.
Agreed. Kahtoolas are excellent! I have the steel and aluminum crampons, as well as the new Microspikes. I recommend the Kahtoola Steel crampons over the aluminum version. They're a bit longer, considerably sharper and much sturdier.
saimyoji
01-12-2008, 16:40
Looking at the microspikes, I thought I might be able to make a pair at considerably less cost. Saw some chain at Home Depot, came up with an idea. A large rubber band, crimp the chains in a web pattern under the boot, crimp to the rubber band, then screw some hex screws into the chain links. Seems to be pretty rugged, though not like a real crampon....more like studded chains for your tires. Now I just need the ice/snow to come back...
The UPS guy here uses Stabilicers. Said Yaktrax blow out. I find different pairs of running shoes have different gription.
saimyoji
01-12-2008, 17:46
Looked at the Stabilicers. Too bulky and too $$. Thats why I did a DIY instead of paying for the microspikes. If this doesn't work, I'll just screw the chains to the bottom of my boots with the hex screws.
Do you mean for the AT? It really depends. Around here in Tennessee, we DO get some ice on the AT is places, the Smokies being the area I know best. But it's pretty mellow in grade and Yaktrax Pro work well for me. http://www.rei.com/product/760281?vcat=REI_SEARCH. The regular Yaktrax are a pain, because they slip off very easily. I've heard their durability is poor as well, though I've had no problems with wearing my Pros for an estimated 20 or so miles. No substantial wear and tear to them.
Before I used the Yaktrax Pros, I also used CMI Instep Crampons http://www.basegear.com/cmiinstep.html. They take a bit of getting used to. You can feel them pushing up into the instep and arch area, though in packed hardened snow, they sink in nicely. I felt a bit of soreness in my feet after using them, but this was in a mix of ice, hard pack snow, and occasional rock, which may be why they lightly bruised my feet. However, they certainly beat the alternative of sliding every where.
saimyoji
01-12-2008, 17:50
Yeah even instep crampons seem to be too much for PA, at least along the AT. But Yaktrax didn't appeal to me. I could tie springs around my shoes for much cheaper.
What are you griping ice with these days? I'm talking about icy rocky mountain climbing here, not "I don't want to slip on the driveway while fetching the morning paper."
I read that wrong, sorry. Thought you needed driveway, too.
The price of the stabilicers has kept me away also.
I keep threatening to put some sheet metal screws to an old pair of shoes, but have been chicken.
NorthCountryWoods
01-12-2008, 17:56
Yaktrax are the lightest and most compact of the bunch, but probably the least durable. Although, my mother in law uses them daily in the winter and one pair has lasted a couple years now.
NorthCountryWoods
01-12-2008, 17:58
Whoops. I thought you were talking driveway too.
I use Black Diamond Sabertooths, but they are a step in.
http://www.newbalancetampa.com/shop/product_detail.asp?model=MR921BK
http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/687106477/m/6341060093
Food for thought.
Mooselook Marty
01-12-2008, 18:46
[quote=saimyoji;498907]Looking at the microspikesIquote]
I have them. They work great for trail hiking. I find they have an equivalent or slightly better grip than Stabilicers, but a full pound less. I love them.
That being said, if you are going to encounter really icy and steep trails, crampons are the better option.
Marty
Nightwalker
01-12-2008, 18:53
I used regular Yak Trax during an ice storm in 12-05 on the GA AT. One of them broke in less than a mile.
I really need to get something for up high this time of year. Thanks for the remarks and suggestions.
saimyoji
01-12-2008, 18:58
Looking at the microspikes
I have them. They work great for trail hiking. I find they have an equivalent or slightly better grip than Stabilicers, but a full pound less. I love them.
Ever lose a spike?
Mooselook Marty
01-13-2008, 09:28
Ever lose a spike?
Nope. I've done some peakbagging in the White Mountains of NH with the Microspikes and never lost a spike. They are also very easy to hike with, similar to Stabilicers. Lastly, they are pretty easy to put on and stay on securely. An amazing innovation!
Regards,
Marty
http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm
:)
saimyoji
01-14-2008, 13:16
Yeah, I'd seen that before. A last resort, I think.
Yeah, I'd seen that before. A last resort, I think.
In all seriousness, some of the local ultra runners swear by them. I would not do anything technical with them, but people have used them for icy trails. (The Barr Trail (http://www.barrcamp.com/barr_trail.html), mentioned in the article, goes to the top of Pikes Peak at 14110')
More useful for a day trip than an extended adventure, though.