[pct-l] Lightweighting microspikes?

[ned at mountaineducation.org]

I know that I'm coming into this thread late (been out in the snow, now that 
it is finally here in Tahoe) but we have tested the Kahtoola Microspikes a 
lot during the months of May, June, and July in the high sierra and have a 
thing or two to add:

I won't use them again on any slope other than straight up or down. When on 
a sloping traverse, they simply roll off your footwear (especially off the 
ball of your foot, just where you need the traction) and down you go. We 
tried microspikes on various types of shoes ranging from trailrunners to 
leather boots and had this predictable result.

However, the Kahtoola KTS crampons design and strapping system proved highly 
reliable, built our confidence with every foot placement on snow, crust, or 
ice, and kept us safe, whether on steep traverses, suncups, ascents, or 
descents. Whenever we know that we will be on spring snow for any length of 
time or distance where we might slip and fall, we always carry ours! The 
weight is worth the security!

And, yes, you will be strong enough by the time you hit the sierras at 
Kennedy that the added gear will not be a big deal!



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Eric Munsing" <eric.munsing at gmail.com>
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 8:40 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Lightweighting microspikes?


> 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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