[pct-l] Lightweighting microspikes?

[Scott Williams]

I agree.  The Kahtoola KTS aluminum cramps were my favorite piece of gear
in 2010.  They weighed just a bit more than microspikes and gave my trail
runners incredible firmness over weeks of snow that year.

Shroomer

On Tue, Mar 20, 2012 at 10:39 PM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:

> 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
> > _______________________________________________
> > Pct-L mailing list
> > Pct-L at backcountry.net
> > To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
> >
> > List Archives:
> > http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> > All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> > Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pct-L mailing list
> Pct-L at backcountry.net
> To unsubcribe, or change options visit:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l
>
> List Archives:
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
> All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
> Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.
>