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by Diane Spicer
Hiking traction devices are just like putting studded tires or snow chains on your car to get over a wintery mountain pass.
Except on a smaller scale!
Not familiar with the idea of winter traction devices for trail footwear?
It's all about solid grip and stability.
Look at the tread on a pair of hiking boots, and you will notice plenty of grooves and surface area.
But imagine these boots on snow and ice: the grooves fill up with the stuff, and there goes your traction.
So if you're tired of fishtailing, slipping, sliding, and falling when the trail gets covered in solid water (snow! ice! or both), consider your options for the best winter traction devices for your hiking boots.
Note: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. You pay nothing extra to purchase through the Hiking For Her website!
Let's get the most serious option out of the way first: crampons.
You won't need these ice cleats unless you're doing something technical in high alpine areas, so I'm going to leave them out of our discussion of winter traction devices for hiking footwear.
If you want to read up on what they are, and when they are needed, go here.
I carry these winter traction devices for my hiking boots on my late fall through late spring hikes, which bring me onto snowy, potentially icy slopes at Mt. Rainier National Park and elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest.
What I love about Microspikes:
Canadian hikers, buy from MEC:
Microspikes do have a few drawbacks:
So let's sum up the reasons these are
my go-to winter traction devices for hiking on snowy, icy surfaces: They
are portable, don't take up much room in my pack, durable, fast to get
on and off, and won't let you slip and slide around when you're on ice,
ice covered snow, or steep snow.
If you've ever fallen while hiking, you know that you never want to do that again. Microspikes to the rescue!
A nylon carry bag is included, a nice touch, although a resealable plastic bag would also work to keep grit and moisture out of your backpack.
What I love:
Not convinced you need the Ultra?
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You can support this small business directly (no Amazon) with your purchase from GarageGrownGear here.
I also use a pair of Yaktrax, and here's why:
I use Yaktrax when I'm going for shorter, easier winter hikes with potential water crossings on snow covered ice.
I also use them when I go for my daily training walks around the neighborhood if I know that I'll be coming up against icy sidewalks, trails through the park, and snow packed fields to cross.
So you might find that Yaktrax are the best option for your wintery conditions, and never need to trade up to spikes.
My concerns:
So to wrap up my recommendations for these hiking traction devices:
Yaktrax come in three different versions (thus, 3 different price points, beginning with a pair under $20 U.S.). Check them out if your type of hiking isn't taking you into technical terrain or steep trails.
And keep them handy to use around home, too, when you need to grab the snow shovel or walk the dog or toddler on an icy sidewalk.
A pair in the car gives you confidence wherever you drive in winter conditions, too.
I've never tried this particular approach to staying upright in the face of icy trail conditions.
But based on my experience with the four options above, here are my thoughts about the Kahtoola EXOspikes traction system for hikers.
These are a hybrid, a good option when you aren't facing miles of ice but will definitely be on uncertain footing.
They are lighter than MicroSpikes, which translates into less leg fatigue on a long day.
The business end that give you traction are made from thermoplastic polyurethane/aluminum/tungsten carbide. They are more like the studs on winter tires than the spikes discussed above.
They have some of the drawbacks mentioned above, like being hard to get on and off.
They might also be less durable.
If you're not a hiker (which makes me wonder why you're visiting this site, but thank you anyway!), these make a fantastic gift for the hikers in your life.
They will keep icy trails more enjoyable.
And it just feels great to know there are a pair of traction devices in the bottom of the pack if trail conditions deteriorate.
So really, you're giving a gift of peace of mind!
When you're fairly certain that you'll face snow, ice, or both on your next winter hike, do yourself a big favor and bring along some good traction for your hiking boots.
Heck, even if you have no idea what the trail will be like, bring along a pair of these hiking traction devices.
They're lightweight and easy to stash in an outside pocket of your pack.
Falling down is an unpleasant and potentially dangerous experience (says the voice of experience). Tips on how not to fall down here.
It's also cheap entertainment for your trail buddies, but who cares about them!
Think only of yourself here:
The trail looks way more pleasant when you're upright and all of your parts are functioning.
Need more winter hiking tips?
I thought you might ;)
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Best Hiking Traction Devices
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