The heel webbing loop makes putting on and taking off the microspikes easy. For walking on hard thick ice surfaces, as youd find on a frozen lake, the Yaktrax Diamond Grip is a pretty amazing and unique version of crampons. The 0.29-inch spikes have three levels of traction on icy trails. NY 10036. We use them to clear the drive or walk to the mailbox. The Black Diamond Distance Spikes are among the best microspikes for hiking because they are durable, lightweight, and provide great traction. Avoid the walk and pro versions from yatkrax. The microspikes are also easy to put on, using a hook-and-loop strap to help keep them in place while you are hiking. Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Traction Both companies advertise this product as lightweight, easy to put on, and be used for everyday activities. Our mission is to help you plan your own adventures and create memories beyond your imagination! Microspikes are made of stainless steel spikes and Yaktrax have steel alloy coils. Yaktrax Ascent has 17 total spikes. I purchased the C.A.M.P. The grip of these traction devices on rock-hard ice and in deep snow is phenomenal. Microspikes sizing is straightforward. They are also made of heat-treated stainless steel to provide the ultimate durability and wear resistance. Versatile Design for City and Trail: Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Best Non-Technical Crampon for Alpine Use: Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro Best Overall Winter Traction Device 1. When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. This set has ten spikes that are 5.3mm in length. Yaktrax vs Microspikes: which is better? I prefer the placement of the 12 total spikes, which are 9.5mm in length and will cut deeper into ice and snow. HikingSoul.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'hikingsoul_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_8',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hikingsoul_com-large-leaderboard-1-0');report this ad. Microspikes Watch your step, hikers it's migration season. Winner: Kahtoola MICROspikes Its a tight one since we are comparing the value of strength to durability. Specs: Type of grip: Coil Spike material: Stainless steel Studs per foot: 12 coil sections Weight: 6.4 oz (181 g) for a size medium Construction: Natural rubber Ideal surface: Light/packed snow, ice The Yaktrax Pro is an upgraded version of the original Yaktrax Walk, the snow grips that first popularized the metal coil design now found in Non-Technical So which is better? The idea behind it is that you turn the knob at the heel to pull the cables tight. WebYaktrax Pro offers 10 times the gripping points as any spike-based traction device Natural rubber is used to hold the devices together, giving them durability and strength Removable performance straps cross over insteps to help keep them in place during use This pattern gives an even grip in all directions, making it a superior choice for icy surfaces. The base-level Yaktrax, with a series of heavy-duty coils on your sole, is intended for walking out to get your mail. They are particularly helpful for hiking up and down steep terrain. You will love them, and no doubt recommend them to your friends. Specs: Type of grip: Coil Spike material: Stainless steel Studs per foot: 12 coil sections Weight: 6.4 oz (181 g) for a size medium Construction: Natural rubber Ideal surface: Light/packed snow, ice The Yaktrax Pro is an upgraded version of the original Yaktrax Walk, the snow grips that first popularized the metal coil design now found in The Hillsound Trail Crampon spikes are also about inches each, so they provide excellent traction. Yaktrax vs. Microspikes (Whats the Best Best Winter Traction Devices of But, the win goes to Kahtoola for adventuring out in snow and ice. Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Cleats come in five sizes to fit most shoe and boot sizes. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Other options in this category (that we have not tested but are popular on our site): Hillsound Trail Crampons Similar to MICROspikes but with a top strap. The Kahtoola MICROspikes win for durability and ease of maintenance which we believe are critical for the casual user of snow traction devices. This many spikes might be too many. They use the patented Boa Closure System that is used in many high-performance gear. The Yaktrax Walk and Yaktrax Pro also have great versatility. These are usually affiliate links which means we could earn a small commission if you make a purchase. Neither option will help you when it comes to deep, powdery snow where youll want snowshoes, but they are both good solutions for packed stuff. WebThe Microspikes give better overall, almost crampon-like grip, but theyre heavier and more expensive plus less stable feeling on rocky sections. When it comes to keeping your hiney off the ground in packed snow and icy conditions, there are many choices. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. Mountaineers use crampons in more extreme deep snow conditions and climbing situations. We tested the best snow grips from Kahtoola, Yaktrax, Black Diamond, and more to keep you upright when the weather gets serious. The Yaktrax Walk is an incredible deal for folks that don't need the burliest spikes. And the Kahtoola MICROspikes are a subset of crampons, with smaller spikes for challenging hiking or work conditions. WebHome | Yaktrax Shop by Category Best Sellers Weather any terrain, shop our best selling traction devices and more. They also have a point layout that places three spikes right below the toes, which can sometimes get caught when stepping up stairs or stepping over roots on a hike. 2. Traction: 12 stainless steel spikes (0.38 in.) The plate system is ergonomic to provide traction while reducting muscle fatigue, which is much needed when winter hiking. Every material becomes more brittle in these conditions, and manufacturers have to make sure their elastics won't break when being manipulated. You will also need to make sure the spikes have durable material. Traction devices with spikes are for hiking over hard snow where they can dig in and hold. From crossing a frozen lake to hiking mountain trails, either would be an excellent choice to keep you safe. These will perform best on dirt trails and in shallow snow, but likely aren't the best bet for super heavy use. If they are wrapped too loosely around your footwear, they will fall off, which gets annoying. Even though our top choice for moderate winter activities with the Kahtoola Microspikes, let it be known that we use our Yaktrax Walk and the Yaktrax Pro more than any other traction device. Our team researched over 50 models before purchasing 10 of the best snow grips to test side-by-side. The Kahtoola NANOspikes are low-profile cleats that feature ten small metal points protruding less than ", providing enough traction to prevent sliding on packed snow and thinly iced surfaces. Best Winter Traction Devices (Microspikes Microspikes are best suited for Winter hikes where you will encounter snow or ice on the trails. This is what claws feel like. They are secure and ready for heavy duty work or hiking. Heres how it works. For walking, hiking and trekking in deeper packed snow and ice, and terrain where you might have to cross rocky sections, Microspikes are definitely more tenacious. The Yaktrax spikes for trail running have six spikes up front that are 3mm in length. They are built upon the same concept to provide traction while hiking or walking on ice and snow. MICROspikes vs YakTrax Both devices offer good traction in snow and ice, but there are distinct differences between the two. All trademarks property of their respective owners These are the top retailers that sell our top pick Kahtoola microspikes. Flexible plate for mobility and stability, Heavier than other microspikes because of the large spikes. Microspikes However, if you are ice fishing or hiking into your hunting spot where youll be sitting most of the day, a little extra weight is not a big deal. It features zinc-plated steel coils wrapped around rubber under the foot, and the coils dig into snow, ice, and even dirt and rock. Quick note, neither of these are designed for technical mountaineering or ice climbing; instead, they are for hiking challenging icy trails. The ICETRAX V3 are not much more than rubber soles with some extra material that covers the toe and heel of the user's shoe, so these pack small as well. It is a very strong metal, just not as strong as carbon steel. I have been using mine for five years. Julia Clarke is a staff writer for Advnture.com and the author of the bookRestorative Yoga for Beginners. No sponsored content. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. Winter Traction Devices | njHiking.com The spikes are also heat-treated for additional durability and wear resistance. It features zinc-plated steel coils wrapped around rubber under the foot, and the coils dig into snow, ice, and even dirt and rock. The Yaktrax spikes for trail running have six spikes up front that are 3mm in length. Strap into your when you encounter snow or ice. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore whats in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure! The Yaktrax Walk and Yaktrax Pro don't have much body material and are easily stuffed into a small pocket. This style of snow grip works decently well in deep snow but not nearly as well as crampon-style points. These are different than the microspikes listed above because they have aluminum step NANOspikes instead of the traditional spikes. Avoid the walk and pro versions from yatkrax. Microspikes There are not many options when it comes to getting kids microspikes. I like the brand, and these spikes look okay. Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, In contrast, the strong elastomer harness of the Kahtoola MICROspikes is incredibly durable and will last for many seasons of winter hiking and adventure. OK, so lets wrap up with some of the common questions people have about winter traction devices for traversing snow and ice. Its probably the most helpful chart on the whole page if you want the best traction device for your specific winter activities! They are very reasonably priced. I suspect the most significant factor in that cost difference is the Boa Closure System because there arent many other significant variances. If you tend to navigate many different surfaces and conditions, owning more than one pair of snow grips is recommended. They have a longer 3/4 inch spike and are designed to flex with your movement over rough trails. Both are designed for hiking and working in packed snow and icy conditions. There is no point in waiting because the number one choice and best brand are obvious. Winner: Kahtoola MICROspikes While I love the custom fit of the Summit, especially if you have wider or narrower feet than the average, there are quite a few complaints that the cables break under heavy use. WebThe Microspikes give better overall, almost crampon-like grip, but theyre heavier and more expensive plus less stable feeling on rocky sections. The layout behind the heel provides even stability when your heel strikes the ground, which is very helpful for walking on ice or for winter hiking. That depends on what youre planning to do with them, and on what your level of physical activity is. The most versatile snow grip in our test is the Kahtoola EXOspike. Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Cleats come in five sizes to fit most shoe and boot sizes. Yaktrax Traverse Heavy-Duty Traction Spikes for Walking on Snow and Ice (1 Pair) Visit the Yaktrax Store 86 ratings -29% $3580 Was: $50.70 FREE Returns Style: Large Large Medium X-large Xx-large About this item Pair of heavy-duty, yet lightweight, traction Cleats fit over shoes and boots for everyday safety on ice and snow Instead of spikes, Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip has steel aircraft cables with case-hardened steel alloy beads that provide excellent grip on icy trails. Without delay, I will reveal the best microspikes for hiking, running, and backpacking. They are also good if you are planning to spend most of your time road running or hiking on relatively flat trails. Copyright 2023 Walking The Parks | Brad and Ladona Stork, Boa Closure System, stainless steel cable with tightner, Elastomer Harness with integrated toe bail and raised heel tab. Grips The spike length you will need for your microspikes will depend on the terrain you will be hiking in. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing. As such, traction is the most important factor in choosing and assessing these products. They make hiking in Winter super fun. After all this testing was complete, we scored each product on how well it performed across a wide range of activities, and we searched for signs of wear and tear. They weigh 7.8 ounces. Microspikes with teeth use a small number of points to provide traction. WebHome | Yaktrax Shop by Category Best Sellers Weather any terrain, shop our best selling traction devices and more. Although we prefer the Kahtoola MICROspikes, both are excellent products to keep you safe during winter. Microspikes are lightweight and flexible ice and snow traction devices that you pull over your winter hiking boots, hiking shoes, hiking boots, trail running shoes, or ordinary winter boots. Yaktrax For grip in the back, these spikes have steel coils that allow your shoe to flex nicely. Amazon Most Versatile: Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction System The Exospikes fall in between Microspikes and Nanospikes. Join us hiking and camping our way through all 63 of the US National Parks. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. I do not know any hikers that use a Kahtoola alternative. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. MICROspikes vs YakTrax Both devices offer good traction in snow and ice, but there are distinct differences between the two. Winter hiking involves icy and snow-packed trails, which require traction to provide stability and keep you safe. The Kahtoola MICROspikes have the best traction in our review, placing crampon points in strategic areas all over the shoe sole. Toe bail prevents your shoe from sliding forwards and out of the harness. The Kahtoola MICROspikes are reinforced with eyelets to help increase durability and have stainless steel chains to prevent snowballing. Toe bales to hold the microspikes in place, Heavier than other microspikes listed because of the large spikes. WebMicrospikes are more expensive than Yaktrax, and many people feel that they are of higher quality as well. Microspikes are a must if you want to hike in the winter. Features Case-hardened steel alloy "beads" are strung on steel aircraft cable to offer hundreds of biting edges for exceptional grip in all directions underfoot A burly pair of snow grips like the Kahtoola MICROspikes can make all the difference when you have to navigate gnarly terrain. In general, the products on the market fall into one of three types: crampon, chain, and cleat. The Yaktrax Diamond Grip didnt grip as well as the others but still provided improved traction. Winter hiking presents unique challenges in planning your wardrobe for warmth and safety. Get ready for spring with the best deals from Patagonia's Web Specials, 9 outdoor brands that will repair your used gear, Dear marathoners, please don't poop in people's yards, Montane Protium Lite Pull On review: fleece meets base layer for lightweight warmth, Inside an Italian hiking boot factory: we explore Akus impressive HQ. Yaktrax vs MICROspikes, which one should you choose for walking on ice and snow in the winter? If you are hiking in the winter, its essential to have a traction device to attach to your boots. However, as we look deeper into the differences we see that they are some big differences. These are a specialty product that winter runners will cherish, but other users should check out different options. This design is familiar in many traction devices and is effective for a versatile fit. They're not quite as user-friendly, lightweight, or durable as the Kahtoola MICROspikes, but if you only need something for occasional use, they more than fit the bill. In contrast, the spikes in the Kahtoola MICROspikes are made of stainless steel, which we all know resists rust and corrosion. See the packaging for details, or check out this sizing chart if you buy Kahtoola microspikes. The Yaktrax Summit runs about $20 more than the Kahtoola MICROspikes . The other case where weight is important is if you are on the move all day, that extra weight each time you lift your foot can be tiring. Their designs feature solid attachment points between components and great elastic materials. Most brands will note the breaking-point temperature for the elastics on the microspikes, which is helpful to know. We wouldnt use them on pavements, but theyre so easy to take on and off that this may not be a big issue for many. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you are looking for lightweight microspikes for hiking, the Black Diamond Distance Spikes are some of the best! Once on, they stay in place securely and don't slide around or feel like they will come off. They are durable, easy to put on, and perfect for winter hiking. The Black Diamond Distance Spikes stand out from the rest with their soft-shell toe cover and heel retention elastomer, which provide excellent fit, stability, and snow protection. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. They are very inexpensive so its easy to have extra pairs for guests too. The spikes dig into ice and hard snow and will prevent you from slipping and sliding around on the trails. Theres a few obvious features to each product that might make it preferable to the other. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Microspikes are a great investment for serious hikers and climbers and are much more helpful when it comes to hiking hills and mountains in wintery conditions. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Conversely, if you are wearing lightweight running shoes and at the bottom of the size range, you should go down a size for a snug fit. Harness: Elastometer Yaktrax Winter conditions can be hazardous, but don't let that keep you from getting out to enjoy the snow. Kahtoola MICROspikes ($75) Category: Hiking/running Weight per pair: 11.9 oz. Durability Microspikes are also seen as more durable than Yaktrax are. These work very well on shallow snow or thin ice over firm surfaces like pavement. Gear that lasts and also doesn't break the bank is a win all around. The Black Diamond Access Spikes are similar to the Black Diamond Distance Spikes but have different harnesses. All of the options in our review feature some kind of rubbery, elastic body that is stretched over the sole of the user's shoe or boot. Since we need additional traction in winter, usually during or just after storms, it is vital that grips can be donned easily and quickly, with both bare and gloved hands. We then selected the top products for hands-on testing, which included trail running, wood splitting, shoveling, and walking on sheet ice. Yaktrax Traverse Heavy-Duty Traction Spikes for Walking on Snow and Ice (1 Pair) Visit the Yaktrax Store 86 ratings -29% $3580 Was: $50.70 FREE Returns Style: Large Large Medium X-large Xx-large About this item Pair of heavy-duty, yet lightweight, traction Cleats fit over shoes and boots for everyday safety on ice and snow They provide enough traction to keep you moving on the slippery sections but you wont have to pause and take them off each time you encounter tarmac. The three most popular brands that sell traction devices for winter hiking are Kahtoola Microspikes, Black Diamond Equipment, and Yaktrax. The Exospikes fall in between Microspikes and Nanospikes. Lets start with the ball of the foot. Microspikes v Yaktrax Reviewed Reproduction without permission is prohibited. Lets deep dive into Yaktrax vs MICROspikes now! Theres a few obvious features to each product that might make it preferable to the other. If you are hiking on flat trails, you can use smaller spikes. Traction devices are designed to be adjustable to accommodate a range of boot sizes and styles. The best microspikes that you can buy are the original Kahtoola Microspikes. Our only gripe is that they are uncomfortable for winter running, but that's a niche use that won't apply to everyone. Youll find tips for your adventures, for camping and for hiking to help you. But aside from these niche uses, the Walk are great for most everyday winter uses on slippery urban surfaces. The Yaktrax Summit has a fit system completely different from other traction devices. Harness: Elastometer The Yaktrax Summit and the Kahtoola MICROspikes are designed for hiking, working and walking in some of the most challenging winter conditions. Grips Neither takes up much space in your backpack so once youve made your decision, keep them as part of your kit for late autumn through early spring and youll be prepared for any slick conditions you encounter on the trail. These spikes will work in temperatures as cold as -41F. Just get them. Instead of spikes, Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip has steel aircraft cables with case-hardened steel alloy beads that provide excellent grip on icy trails. They are so much fun to wear. If you are hiking on more technical trails, you will need larger spikes to provide additional traction. Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Traction Cleats are built to last with aircraft-grade steel cables, case-hardened steel alloy Diamond Beads, Zinc coated steel grommets, and durable rubber sling bands. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated programs. Yaktrax are lightweight grips made from elastic rubber and steel coils that you pull on and fasten tight over your boots or best trail running shoes when moving upright on packed snow and ice. Both of these devices are constructed with thick rubber bands, lightweight chains, and steel spikes on the bottom. Stainless steel is considered to be stronger than steel alloy. The Yaktrax Summit runs about $20 more than the Kahtoola MICROspikes . 2. Yaktrax vs Microspikes Shop All Previous (24) Diamond Grip Traction Device $54.99 (14) Pro Traction Device $34.99 (14) Walk Traction Device $24.99 (3) Chains Traction Device $39.99 (4) Spikes Traction Device $29.99 1 2 3 All of the crampon-style grips look like this when put on correctly. They simply dig down deeper into snow and ice which prevents you from sliding and gives you the traction you need to push off and keep your momentum on the uphill. Technical vs. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Features Case-hardened steel alloy "beads" are strung on steel aircraft cable to offer hundreds of biting edges for exceptional grip in all directions underfoot Now lets look at the heel, where both cleats have 4 spikes in a circle. Both companies advertise this product as lightweight, easy to put on, and be used for everyday activities. The Kahtoola NANOspikes are a secure and low-profile option, perfect for winter runners. Best Winter Traction Devices (Microspikes The most famous traction device is the Crampon, which is used mainly for ice climbing. We use affiliate links in our content andmay receive a small commission on your purchases. Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Traction Chain-style grips perform decently in both kinds of conditions, but they aren't excellent for either. They are also easy to put on, lightweight, and pack down to a very small size. The Yaktrax Walk was one of the first snow grips on the market, and its design has changed very little over the years. Thumb holes: outdoor gear necessity or marketing gimmick? Among outdoor enthusiasts, the most talked-about brands are Yaktrax and Kahtoola MICROspikes. MICROspikes vs Crampons is a bit complicated. We put each product on and took them off countless times, both with bare hands and gloved hands, to score ease of use. The layout of the spikes is different between the two winter traction devices, with the spikes providing somewhat different advantages. Yes. WebYaktrax Pro offers 10 times the gripping points as any spike-based traction device Natural rubber is used to hold the devices together, giving them durability and strength Removable performance straps cross over insteps to help keep them in place during use Trail Running Shoes vs Hiking Shoes: How To Choose? Yaktrax It has 14 total spikes at 8mm in length. Generally, the bigger the spikes, the more they will weigh. One of the most important things to consider is the durability of the microspikes. The only thing they aren't great for is very deep snow, but even then, they perform decently. The Kahtoola MICROspikes are some of the best microspikes for hiking, so you will not be disappointed! Yaktrax Diamond Grip All-Surface Traction Cleats The Hillsound Trail Crampons take the cake in this metric. Let us know! The price, weight, durability, grip, and longevity differ considerably between the two products. They work in icy conditions and packed snow as well as rocky terrain, and the rubber retains its stretch in temperatures as low as 22F/30C. That doesnt mean stainless steel spikes are not durable. When you are looking at the fit of a traction device, you need 3 things: So lets take a look at each of these systems and see which works better for you. Best Microspikes and Snow Grips You can unsubscribe anytime. Microspikes and micro-cleats are lower profile, providing more traction than rubber soles, and are ideal for walking around an ice-covered town or jogging in the snow.