[pct-l] Lightweighting microspikes?

[J J]

Eric,

To each his own - another way of saying HYOH. But. I went through the Sierra in 2004, a light snow year. I had no sense of a need for foot gear beyond the NB 900 trail runners I was wearing. I did carry and use an axe.

Walk well,
J J

On Mar 16, 2012, at 8:40 AM, Eric Munsing wrote:

> As I tally up the weight of my pack I cringe at the weight of the extra
> sierran gear, and particularly my microspikes.  Much of their weight (17oz
> with bag for size L) seems to be in the rubber attachment system- which
> seems like bulky and overbuilt.  I'm curious whether anyone has tried
> replacing the rubber part with a cord lacing system or otherwise
> lightweighting the microspikes.  Also, any experience thru-hiking with
> other, lighter traction systems, i.e. instep crampons or yaktrax?
> 
> I ask as an avid backcountry skier and mountaineer with a high degree of
> comfort with steep snow climbs, self-rescue, and exposure; I recognize that
> the microspikes are a safety system but would feel comfortable with a less
> robust, lighter system.  That being said, most of my experience with snow
> has been while wearing ski/mountaineering boots, so I'm new to the world of
> hiking-compatible traction systems- hence the question for the list.
> 
> When all is said and done, by the time I hit the Sierras I'll hopefully be
> in good enough shape that I won't notice the extra weight...
> 
> -- 
> Eric Munsing
> +1 781 492 0614
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