With winter approaching… I’d like to add some micro spikes (micro crampon?) to the kit list for those ‘just in case’ moments. I do have crampons, ice axe, etc for planned winter activities but most of the time these stay at home.
I’m sure many winter SOTA activators will probably use micro spikes, so would like any recommendations on whats good or what to avoid. My local outdoor shop has Grivel Explorers which look ok (heavier than I was expecting - but not an issue)… Kahtoola products seem to get good reviews online.
One of the most popular are the Snowline Chainsen (in the Pro or Trail version).
With similar cheaper versions I had bad experiences as the silicon rubber was not so flexible and it was easy to loose them. The Snowline work excellent for me. But the Grivel look even more robust. Nice find! Thanks
I’ve had a pair of Kahtoola micro spikes for several winters and they are excellent. They are more expensive than some cheaper brands but my wife found her cheaper ones became damaged after only a few outings. One of the hooks that connects a chain link to a spike plate had broken.
The back lanes in our Cumbrian village are not salted nor ploughed and just walking on the compacted snow and ice can be dangerous without spikes. I’ve gone up 40-degree slopes of sheet ice with total grip and total confidence . I’ve used them on icy hills and in light snow. They don’t take up much space in the rucksack so good to take in case you encounter unexpected icy conditions.
Of course for very serious conditions you should wear crampons and carry an ice axe (and know how to use it).
Yes, it’s ironical that folk sometimes leave the crampons and ice axe at home or in the boot of the car (thinking they won’t be needed) but find micro spikes are definitely needed but have neither with them.
Thanks so much for this link. I could’ve done with a pair recently for an ultra. Those trail spikes look super useful for upcoming Winter trail run training. Going to nab myself a pair if they ship to the EU. Thanks again.
EDIT: Got a pair of Snowline Chainsen Trail (the Chainsen part is just a naming convention, it is the same product, just named slightly different in some countries following a company split from Kahtoola in Korea, they were the same company before apparently) on Amazon IE for €37 delivered just there.
Doubt I’ll need the Pro version unless pottering around Wicklow mountains over Winter. The Trail version appear lighter and better suited to trail running, whereas the Pro are similar but longer in the spike for denser snow apparently?
I’ve no alpine trail races planned (at least not imminently). See how it goes. Looking forward to giving them a try on softer, muddier trails to see how they cope on climbs and descents that have turned in to chutes!
@GM4LLD Andy, thanks for the safety reminder. I am experienced in winter mountaineering and do take the proper kit when heading out on a planned winter expedition. The micro spikes are really as a back up to be used when a bit of unexpected ice is encountered on non-technical trails (or even an icy car park!) to minimise risk of injury or embarrassment.
I’ve used Grivel Spiders on a very slick and moderately steep grass surface in a forest firebreak. The trees have grown so the surface sees little sunlight so it’s always damp and greasy.
It’s one of those weird surfaces that you can climb easily but is incredibly slippy coming back down.
Good to know. I was on my regular trail today and we’ve had rain dumped by the skip-full the past 48hrs or so, a good bit of localised flooding too.
Had to get creative with the flooded areas and make it round. Wish I had goretex trail running shoes on at some points. Lots of soft terrain and sludge as well. I will certainly test the Snowline micro spikes soon and see what difference they make. The lightness is key though for this use purpose.
