Stablicers or similar

[uphillklimber]

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[bvibert]

I've used Yak Trax, they weren't bad, but not super secure either. Mine weren't the kind that has additional strap though, not sure if those are any more secure.

 

[Beetlenut]

The crampons strap on pretty securely to most boots. They have small "tangs" that stick up that your boot seats against, front and rear. The securing straps attach to those "tangs" and push your boot down into the bed of the crampon. The securing straps on mine are rubberized, so they grip and hold well. I had no problems using them on some Sorels going up the headwall at Tuckermans in the early spring.

 

[skidmarks]

I've had great luck with Kahtoolas since they work on most types of common footwear — running shoes, hiking boots, snowboarding boots, and ski boots. Since they don't have long forward facing front points you can even run in them or at least walk in them with ease. They are not designed for Ice Climbing but are super for hikes and climbs in the whites (Tucks Headwall)


http://www.kahtoola.com/kts_aluminum.html

 

[ski_resort_observer]

The Stabilicers are big and bulky but they work great. We used to use Yak Tracs but they break after awhile especially if you use them on asphalt. We used to give all the Ambassadors Yak Tracs but after so many YT broke we started using the Stabilicers and they are very happy with them. You do get what you pay for. Not familar with Skid's Kahtoolas.

 

[skidmarks]

I also have Stabilicers the big rubber ones and they work well on pavement/rocks when you don't have deep snow and ice.

 

[Marc]

Stabilicers also work great on downed trees... I use mine almost exclusively for winter wood cutting.

As far as hiking downhill... Kahtoola makes those microspikes too, never tried them though. The lightweight crampons look nice, but the strap system looks pretty similar to the Stabilicers, and if it's the straps that are bothering you, it might be more of the same.

 

[tjf67]

Folks, what do you recommend? I have the stabilicers that strap on over your boots, much like a pair of Tevas. On level ground our uphill, they work fine. But down hill, they slip a bit and the repeated slipping is causing some ankle soreness and may lead to an injury.

How do the stablicers work that are rubber and stretch over the heel and toe of your boot? Are they good and stable, well attached to your boot? Do they slip at all?

What about Yak trax? Anyone have them? How is their traction, as compared to stabilicers? I'm thinking they may not have as much.

I know the ultimate is crampons, but I kinda don't want to invest that much coin. And besides, if my wife ever saw me strapping those on, she'd think that must be a steep slippery slope, no way would she come with me. But, for discussion sake, how securely do those strap on? I've never used them. I'm assuming they are securely attached to your boots.

Kahtoola MICROspikes I use them for hiking high peaks and jogging inn the woods in the winter. They blow every other traction devise I have had out of the water. I have about 20 hikes/runs on them and they are still going strong, very comfortable. Yak Trax are good for walking the dog in the park but get ripped apart on the trails. Those things that you have i googled and they look a lot heavier and from you say not as effective.

 

[skibum9995]

Microspikes are the way to go, I use them way more than my crampons. Yaktrax are useless. They work good for a few miles until they break, then become more junk you have to carry out.

 

[snowmonster]

I used Yaktrax to go up the Tuckerman Ravine Trail. It gave me better footing than my hiking boots but it would move around a lot and the snow would ball up underneath. Worst part was they slipped off once or twice on the way up. If it can be fastened more securely, then they should be fine. Otherwise, they can be a hassle. I second/third the recommendation on Katoolas.

 

[SkiDork]

I have Yaktrak Pro's - the ones with the velcro strap. They've been pretty reliable for me, but the ones without the strap slip off too much.

The microspikes look pretty interesting...

 

[tjf67]

Do the microspikes shift around as you walk in them, or are they really really stable and firmly in place? The shifting is what is causing me to prefer bare booting over slippery surfaces. My ankles came up pretty sore at Tuckermans last spring. If I slipped, I just rode it out in my boots.

Once they are on your feet you dont even realize they are there, Unless you walk on pavement. I was VERY surprise how well they stayed in place going up and down. they dont move at all.