Traction Aids for Ice and Snow on the OLT

[stry]

Not sure if this is better here or on the OLT page. See how we go.

Planning to spend some time on, and perhaps around, the OLT around this time in 2014, and thinking that something to help me stay vertical in the event of ice and or snow may be a good idea.

I am aware only of the Kahtoola spikes and the Diamond Grip Ice trekkers.

Any thoughts on which would be the most suitable ? Are there other options that I should consider ?

Thank you.

[andrewbish]

Kahtoola Microspikes are great in ice, light and easy to put in/take off. Not sure whether the potential conditions on the OLT will require them though.

[ninjapuppet]

Ive tried a few and they all work well. but i went with microspikes because mine came with a storage bag and was on sale.
There are at least 10 other models out there and i'm sure they all work.
http://www.amazon.com/STABILicers-Stabilicers/dp/B0002Z3G40

http://www.amazon.com/Hillsound-Cypress-6-Crampons/dp/B004BN97IS/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1299542274&sr=8-12

http://www.amazon.com/Hillsound-Trail-Crampons-Medium/dp/B004BN96UC/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1299542274&sr=8-11

For something abit beefier, ive got a pair of CAMP aluminium XLC 490 crampons which are the lightest 12 point crampons in the world. On ice they are as good as full mountaineering crampons but hit rock and they soften up real quick. Not suitable for OLT but great for NZ hiking over glaciers.

[Peaksnik]

For something abit beefier, ive got a pair of CAMP aluminium XLC 490 crampons which are the lightest 12 point crampons in the world.

What about these at 100g lighter? http://www.sierradescents.com/reviews/camp-usa/xlc-390.html

Same crampon but different binding to the 490.

[Peaksnik]

Ninjapuppet, do you have any trouble with the fit of the CAMP crampons? Web posts indicate that any larger than size 10 and there are probs. I'm in the market for something light than my Grivels for occasional use in NZ.

[nq111]

For something abit beefier, ive got a pair of CAMP aluminium XLC 490 crampons which are the lightest 12 point crampons in the world.

What about these at 100g lighter? http://www.sierradescents.com/reviews/camp-usa/xlc-390.html

Same crampon but different binding to the 490.

I worry about the alloy. Ok for skiing I guess. But if they are for the occasional glacier crossing or unexpectedly icy morning i would prefer something steel (e.g. http://www.kahtoola.com/k10_crampons_details.php) given the high likelihood and crossing mixed rock.

[stry]

Thanks people. I don't think something as aggressive as crampons (even light ones) is necessary.

My concern with the likes of the micro spikes is that if I am using them for icy/frosty board walks and rocks, without snow cover, they could put pretty uncomfortable pressure on the balls of my feet. The Ice Trekkers look like this could be less of a problem, but I have no experience with either so don't know.

Is this a problem with the Microspikes ?

[Nuts]

I'm sure either are fine, I believe some here have mentioned the ice trekkers but we use the Kahtoolas, iv'e worn them all day.. kinda forget they are on, ok at gripping or breaking the thin ice. Make sure you get them the right size (tight) or keep an eye out for them when you come out of a bog.

[madmacca]

https://www.yaktrax.com/?

[stry]

Thanks Nuts. That's very helpful.

Thanks for the link macca. I wasn't aware of those.

[sthughes]

I have the Ice Trekker Diamond Grips. They are great, but like Nuts said make sure they are a tight fit. I lost one a while back in some scrub.

[stry]

I have the Ice Trekker Diamond Grips. They are great, but like Nuts said make sure they are a tight fit. I lost one a while back in some scrub.

Thanks. I thought the Ice Trekkers may be more comfortable to walk in, but Nut's experience puts that concern to bed.

How are the Ice Trekkers when board walks have a bit of slush/snow/frost on them ? Does this stuff simply ball up on the sole of your boots and the trekkers, and make the trekkers ineffective ??

I also had the feeling that Microspikes may catch in boards and wire, but nothing is perfect.

[Strider]

Another option. Supposedly stronger than the Microspikes due to having welded chain rather than bent.

http://hillsound.com/hillsound-product/trail-crampon/


Some good discussion here:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthr ... -Spikes-or

[sthughes]

I have the Ice Trekker Diamond Grips. They are great, but like Nuts said make sure they are a tight fit. I lost one a while back in some scrub.

Thanks. I thought the Ice Trekkers may be more comfortable to walk in, but Nut's experience puts that concern to bed.

How are the Ice Trekkers when board walks have a bit of slush/snow/frost on them ? Does this stuff simply ball up on the sole of your boots and the trekkers, and make the trekkers ineffective ??

I also had the feeling that Microspikes may catch in boards and wire, but nothing is perfect.

Good question, actually I've never used them yet in the boardwalk/compacted snow circumstance to be honest! Boardwalks with ice they are great, scree with dusting of snow they are great, slimey scree they are good too, but yeah the compacted snow stuff, apart from bits here and there I haven't seen much of in recent times for whatever reason!

[Rob A]

On the OLT? Kinda not sure.
For what its worth, I reckon you need to know your kit so I tried the MICROspikes on wet greasy clay grassy inclines and coastal rockhopping to get the feel of them before I took em overseas and they were pretty easy to get used to. Honestly I beat the living S out of them and expected them not to manage and roll off, but I guess the Koreans know more about these sorts of things than I do.

[Nuts]

I also had the feeling that Microspikes may catch in boards and wire, but nothing is perfect.

I thought they may catch as well but it's not something I noticed. May be possible. They don't seem to clagg with snow like crampons but I guess given the right conditions they could. Really no issues with strength. Ours have had maybe a couple of weeks use all up, carried along with yowies.

[stry]

Thanks for all the input. There are some things there that I hadn't thought of.

I will have a good think about the Hillsounds, but am leaning toward the Microspikes. Micros look like they could be a little more flexible (chains under instead of plates) and the upper may be a little more robust. Either way, I think I have a result !!

Thanks again.

[Joomy]

Another option. Supposedly stronger than the Microspikes due to having welded chain rather than bent.

http://hillsound.com/hillsound-product/trail-crampon/

From the same site: http://hillsound.com/hillsound-product/ ... pon-ultra/

Even lighter option but looks like it would still the do trick.

[Ent]

I have the Ice Trekker Diamond Grips. They are great, but like Nuts said make sure they are a tight fit. I lost one a while back in some scrub.

Thanks. I thought the Ice Trekkers may be more comfortable to walk in, but Nut's experience puts that concern to bed.

How are the Ice Trekkers when board walks have a bit of slush/snow/frost on them ? Does this stuff simply ball up on the sole of your boots and the trekkers, and make the trekkers ineffective ??

I also had the feeling that Microspikes may catch in boards and wire, but nothing is perfect.

Good question, actually I've never used them yet in the boardwalk/compacted snow circumstance to be honest! Boardwalks with ice they are great, scree with dusting of snow they are great, slimey scree they are good too, but yeah the compacted snow stuff, apart from bits here and there I haven't seen much of in recent times for whatever reason!

Finally used mine on all surfaces for a day. I am impressed and I do not impresses easily. Only thing with Icetrekkers is that can be easily lost as a fellow walker lost one. Maybe a loop over the boot would not be a bad idea. Still very happy with mine and on all surface as good as boots and magnificent on ice. Did not go down once.

[stry]

From the same site: http://hillsound.com/hillsound-product/ ... pon-ultra/

Nice looking !!

Finally used mine on all surfaces for a day. I am impressed and I do not impresses easily. Only thing with Icetrekkers is that can be easily lost as a fellow walker lost one. Maybe a loop over the boot would not be a bad idea. Still very happy with mine and on all surface as good as boots and magnificent on ice. Did not go down once.

I'm just a tad unsure here Ent. I think you have the Ice Trekkers ? Am I understanding correctly, or do you have the Microspikes ?

Thanks.

[Joomy]

Kind of insane that you can get 10- and 12- point crampons (CAMP) that weigh significantly less than most micro-spike type devices. I guess the aluminium wouldn't be so good for rocky terrain but still!

[Ent]

Finally used mine on all surfaces for a day. I am impressed and I do not impresses easily. Only thing with Icetrekkers is that can be easily lost as a fellow walker lost one. Maybe a loop over the boot would not be a bad idea. Still very happy with mine and on all surface as good as boots and magnificent on ice. Did not go down once.

I'm just a tad unsure here Ent. I think you have the Ice Trekkers ? Am I understanding correctly, or do you have the Microspikes ?

Thanks.

They are Icetrekkers. Very comfortable and gripped better than boots on most surfaces except smooth rock, but even then they were not treacherous. Magical on ice. We had a minus six night and every puddle was frozen solid on the Arm River track and coming in without them was challenging but going out with them a joy. Worthwhile packing for winter when snowshoes are overkill.

As mentioned they can be easily lost and need to be right size to hang on better. Which in my case this turned out to be a size smaller than recommended. I had the XL but rather loose while the large were a neat fit. I can think of a winter trip up East Pelion where they would have been welcome.

Cheers

[stry]

Thanks !!

[Lizzy]

Has anyone tried the Kovea ones available on eBay (sorry no link- doing this on mobile & too complicated)- found via search for crampons in eBay.
Cheers lizzy

[Lizzy]

Actually there are 2 I am interested to hear about "kovea zipsin" & "snow line chainsen"
Thanks

[Joomy]

Just discovered these: http://www.petzl.com/en/outdoor/special ... spiky-plus

Wouldn't be great for steeper stuff but would work on boardwalk I reckon. Super light at about 150g.

[dashandsaph]

Did the OLT 6-14 July and used Kahtoolas every day when not in snow shoes - fantastic on icy or wet boardwalks and no damage at all from the rocks. Particularly useful around the hut where the steps etc are often very icy. Only downsides are they are a bit heavy, I cut my gaiters with then once and they give no protection when the snow is more than about 10cm.

[icefest]

What dashandsaph said.

I did the OLT last year with both Kahtoola Microspikes and MSR Lightning snowshoes.

If you only do the main track then the Microspikes are your best bet. They give you grip on ice and the slippery, slipper timbers and roots. I'd recommend taking them off on boardwalk that has wire mesh. They tend to get hooked and torn off your foot. (Don't worry, you notice the tug, and no breakage)
If you have them you will use them every day. (in winter)

It is true that they will give you no grip in deep, soft snow (powder or slush).
I took snowshoes because I went off track, but if you are not planning Olympus, Ossa or the Acropolis then you will be fine.
(They are all great in winter though - I had a good 50cm fresh powder on ossa in some spots)
On a more positive note, plan to spend some time at one, then, when the weather end up dumping snow on you you can have one rest/snow day (Coal huts are best for this :p).

-icefest

[stry]

Thank you for the continuing valuable suggestions.

icefest, your last sentence pretty well summarizes what I was loosely planning to do - no fixed timetables. Will look at Ossa if the weather is suitable. Was beaten by fog/mist on my previous attempt.

[icefest]

stry, Funny you say that, This was our weather:
On the way up

In the first chute:


TL;DR, If you are prepared to slug heavy packs you can do it even in bad weather :p
Ossa is a lovely place to stop, though Kia Ora is a much nicer hut than New Pelion

-icefest