Love my Kahtoola Microspikes 👍 Thank you for this great video not only going over a couple of different brands, but also the different types and purposes of traction devices 🥾
Great info in this video. We just had an ice storm in my city and I was looking for something to use on ice and for trails when snowshoes would be too much. This video is great. The Kahtoola MICROspikes are just what I was looking for.
Gosh, I’m looking around videos to understand crampons and now can research better. I don’t need to big spike ones. I’m more scared with slipping when walking in icy condition so thank you for explaining all these different crampons.
Great review. I was just at the flame yesterday with my Kahtoola Micro Spikes. I was cringing at how many people were doing the trail without any traction. Walked right up the creek and the hill no problem! Thanks.
Nice back drop of Chestnut Ridge Eternal Flame. One in between option to consider for rigid sole hiking boots are old school "instep" crampons. My kahtoola really came in handy on the south rim of Grand Canyon in Feb several years ago. Happy Adventuring
I have the Hillsound version you have on this video & they worked excellent on serious icy trail on the Devils Path in The Catskills. Highly recommend them. I think crampons would have worked better because of the 2 protruding spikes in the front. Some of the boulders were difficult to climb without those 2 spikes. Still managed but a little unnerving.
Excellent review! Well thought out and very thorough. My ice cleats finally packed it in today so this video has been most helpful with picking a new pair. My friends and I from Ontario sure love hiking in your beautiful state.
Thanks, I am in Western NY, just outside of Buffalo in Hamburg, NY. We just got 83” of snow. My go to microspikes are the Hillsounds. I was a Kahtoola fan for many years, but the Hillsounds are just a bit more aggressive. See you outside! I need to make it up to Algonquin for a paddle trip. Might be doing the Spanish River in June.
Thank you for sharing, used some of the cheaper brand in the passed, but, thanks to you now i know which one to get.loved the natural phenomenal in the background best wishes for 2023.
Thanks for the very informative comparison/review of the different traction options out there. I chose the Hillsound Trail Crampons over the Kahtoola Microspikes because they came with the instep strap, and the cleats or spikes are longer/more aggressive. I have seen people step out of Yak Trax, and Microspikes. Not something I would want to happen on a steep, off camber trail, under a 70# pack. They grip well, and even on bare rock ledge they are surprisingly comfortable and competent. And they really shine when the trail is basically an ice-glazed, steep, frozen stream. One thing you did not address is snow-balling. The phenomenon of snow packing under the ball of the foot, mitigating the grip of the cleats. The issue is common with every brand of microspike I've seen used when the snow is heavy and wet. Hillsound addressed this with the Trail Crampon Pro by adding plastic plates under the ball and heel of the foot. When I eventually need to replace my Trail Crampons, I'll go with the Pro version, as about half the time conditions lead to snow-balling. Very annoying, having to stop every 100 yards to knock the snow off the spikes with a trekking pole. I wonder if the plastic plates diminish the performance on rock/ledge? Does anybody with experience on the Hillsound Trail Crampon Pros want to chime in about their performance off camber on rock/ledge?
Good point on the snowballing. I have found that the design of the Hillsound Trail Crampon to be better than Kahtoola for that. I think it is a combination of the wider space between cleats and a little narrower cleat. I have been hesitant to go too the Hillsound Trail Pro's since I read the ratcheting strap can come undone. Have you had any experience with that? Had it stayed solid? The Grivel G10's have that similar anti-balling plate. Thanks for watching and the comment.
@@OutsideChronicles I have no experience with the Pros, or the Grivels. And I was not aware of the issue with the Pro's ratcheting strap coming undone. Food for thought, I'll look at the Grivel when the time comes to replace the Trail Crampon.
I have used Yaxtrax in the WNY area where trail terrain is flatter but a little more purchase helps in those ice/mud spots that can get slippy. I have a pair or Wirezoll "microspikes" I tested in the Adirondaks.
I am very impressed with the Hillsounds so far. I hope to get some good testing in the Adirondacks later this week, though it might be mostly snowshoes. Thanks for the comment.
The kahtoola microspikes are very small and very hard to get on. I bought the XL, largest size available and I wear a size 12 boot. They would fit if you are wearing a shoe, but with a size 12 boot, good luck!!
Thru-hikers often have to carry spikes for weeks without knowing whether they'll be needed at all. Weight is therefore a critical parameter. Any thoughts on reducing spike weight. The second issue is spikes rotating out from under the trail-runners on uneven ground. Especially the toes don't hold and slip off. Tried ExoSpikes, which were recommended for trail-runners, but they were horrible rotationally (but fine grip as they didn't collect snow). Any thoughts on maintaining spike position when using with somewhat-flexible trail-runners?
Yeah those are nice. I would also look at the BD Contacts and Camp Stalkers if you need to step it up. I picked up Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro for $25. They are in between like the K10. They are very grippy. I like the BD & Camp because they have the tried and true straps. The others have plastic buckles. See you outside!
Great video-very informative. I need a new pair of ice spikes asap, as the ones I have are terrible. We are into full on winter (east coast Canada). Currently -28C out. I am going to buy a pair of the Unigear traction cleats. I will be wearing them with a Zamberlan Trail Lite hiking boot size 10 men's US. Would 'large' be a good choice, or would you suggest an XL? I would to have them so that they are not too difficult to get on and off. Thanks for any help.
I would go with the L if you are between sizes. It is better to have them snug. The Unigear are a good value, but there is definitely a build difference between the Unigear and Kahtoola/Hillsound. The Hillsound Trail Crampons are my go to pair. See you outside!
@@OutsideChronicles Thanks for the sizing advice. One other question--I must now take an alternate route to one of my favorite trails which involves around 900 feet on pavement going out, and returning. Will the Unigear model stand up to this? Thanks.
Hi. I'm headed to Kauai for a lot of muddy hiking. Some have suggested some microspikes. Torn between Kahtoola Exos and Micros. Also, I'm between sizes--7.5, which is max for their extra small and min for their small size. Do you have any advice re: which device and how to do sizing? I'd appreciate it!
I would definitely go with the MicroSpikes over the Exospikes. The microspikes will be much more versatile. I do not think the exo's would do anything on the mud by way of traction, they are too short. As for the size, being right at the min and max, I would probably try out the smaller size first. They have a fair amount of stretch. Good luck.
What a comprehensive review! Don’t think I’ve ever seen one actually showing, and demonstrating all the variations. Very well done. Can’t imagine the Unigear holding up? Who knows, for that price may be a winner.
Thanks, there are some many options. If you are new to winter hiking it can be confusing. Time will tell on the Unigear. I know a few people that have had good success. Thanks for the comment!
Cool, good to know there is another success story with them. Several people in my hiking group have also had a good experience with them. I personally prefer the more aggressive Hillsounds in the mountains, but I do not think they are the best for trail running. The Kahtoola and Unigear are a better choice for running.
UPDATE: My wife wears size 9, so we bought the large based on the sizing chart. Large was too big, medium fits much better. There are so many options for winter traction devices. Let me know in the comments what traction device you use and where you use it!
The pegs works good around town use. but they wear out super fast. Might get 2 years out of them b4 the pegs wears out. the sharp cleats are better but not recommend for city use ~ WHY CAN'T THEY MAKE SOME THING FOR BOTH? So knowing that the pegs wears out faster ~ I got crampons. Sorry city floors! but they last longer and more dependable!
Great video Mike. Good info. I used the Unigear last season and I was disappointed because they failed multiple times in the same spot. The “weakest link” seems to be the connecting link shaped like a the letter eight that is not welded. Several bent each time I hiked and some came apart during hiking. I managed to bend some back but they eventually broke. Maybe there was a quality control issue but I only got about 4 hikes before they were useless. The Yaktrax seem to be constructed similar but the materials are more robust. Worth the extra money in my opinion.
@@PappaMike-vc1qv Thanks for the feedback. Good info. I think that link to the elastomer is a weak part for all of them since it is not welded. I have had to crimp the same link on one of my Kahtoola sets a few times. I see where you mean with the "8". I will definitely have to watch for that.
I have an old pair of Microspikes and they are more like the Trail Cleat in that they have that little bar across the toes and don't have reinforced holes. I had one failure of the holes tearing through. I used a fine point soldering iron and melted a new hole. That was a couple years ago and they're holding up fine. Next pair would probably be the Trail Cleat.
Wish you showed the use of Unigear on these hills. I have Yaxtrax and tried them today in the city on the paved surface, but it is covered with ice. They are not that good. Do you have any updates or recommendations for the city when we have freezing rain/ice in the PNW?
The Unigear’s traction performance is on par with the a Kahtoola Microspikes. The biggest difference is build quality. Side by side, the Kahtoolas are heavier duty. If you want a step up for around town, I’d suggest the Kahtoola EXOspikes or NANOspikes. What did you not like about the YaxTrax around town?
I would go with the Hillsound Trail Crampons. That will get you up and down most if not all peaks. If you want a bit more aggressive, go with Black Diamond Contact.
I saw the Hillsound Trail Crampons are prone to rusting since they’re carbon steel. Has yours rusted more or less compared to a stainless steel MICROspike equivalent?
Love my Kahtoola Microspikes 👍 Thank you for this great video not only going over a couple of different brands, but also the different types and purposes of traction devices 🥾
Great info in this video. We just had an ice storm in my city and I was looking for something to use on ice and for trails when snowshoes would be too much. This video is great. The Kahtoola MICROspikes are just what I was looking for.
Kahtoola Microspikes are a great product. I have two pairs. Enjoy the winter!
Gosh, I’m looking around videos to understand crampons and now can research better. I don’t need to big spike ones. I’m more scared with slipping when walking in icy condition so thank you for explaining all these different crampons.
Thank you! I am glad the video helped clear up the options. Which type are you going with? What type of hiking are you doing?
Great review. I was just at the flame yesterday with my Kahtoola Micro Spikes. I was cringing at how many people were doing the trail without any traction. Walked right up the creek and the hill no problem! Thanks.
Nice, the Eternal Flame is so cool in winter. Love the sound of microspikes on ice! Thanks for watching and the comment.
Best solution when I lived in Colorado, was to drill #6 sheet metal screws into my boot soles. Cheap & effective.
Nice back drop of Chestnut Ridge Eternal Flame. One in between option to consider for rigid sole hiking boots are old school "instep" crampons. My kahtoola really came in handy on the south rim of Grand Canyon in Feb several years ago. Happy Adventuring
I have the Hillsound version you have on this video & they worked excellent on serious icy trail on the Devils Path in The Catskills. Highly recommend them. I think crampons would have worked better because of the 2 protruding spikes in the front. Some of the boulders were difficult to climb without those 2 spikes. Still managed but a little unnerving.
Excellent review! Well thought out and very thorough. My ice cleats finally packed it in today so this video has been most helpful with picking a new pair. My friends and I from Ontario sure love hiking in your beautiful state.
Thanks, I am in Western NY, just outside of Buffalo in Hamburg, NY. We just got 83” of snow. My go to microspikes are the Hillsounds. I was a Kahtoola fan for many years, but the Hillsounds are just a bit more aggressive. See you outside! I need to make it up to Algonquin for a paddle trip. Might be doing the Spanish River in June.
Thank you for sharing, used some of the cheaper brand in the passed, but, thanks to you now i know which one to get.loved the natural phenomenal in the background best wishes for 2023.
Thanks! It is call the Eternal Flame, it is a natural gas jet coming out of the shale. I have a video re-lighting it. See you outside!
Thanks for the very informative comparison/review of the different traction options out there.
I chose the Hillsound Trail Crampons over the Kahtoola Microspikes because they came with the instep strap, and the cleats or spikes are longer/more aggressive. I have seen people step out of Yak Trax, and Microspikes. Not something I would want to happen on a steep, off camber trail, under a 70# pack. They grip well, and even on bare rock ledge they are surprisingly comfortable and competent. And they really shine when the trail is basically an ice-glazed, steep, frozen stream.
One thing you did not address is snow-balling. The phenomenon of snow packing under the ball of the foot, mitigating the grip of the cleats. The issue is common with every brand of microspike I've seen used when the snow is heavy and wet. Hillsound addressed this with the Trail Crampon Pro by adding plastic plates under the ball and heel of the foot. When I eventually need to replace my Trail Crampons, I'll go with the Pro version, as about half the time conditions lead to snow-balling. Very annoying, having to stop every 100 yards to knock the snow off the spikes with a trekking pole. I wonder if the plastic plates diminish the performance on rock/ledge? Does anybody with experience on the Hillsound Trail Crampon Pros want to chime in about their performance off camber on rock/ledge?
Good point on the snowballing. I have found that the design of the Hillsound Trail Crampon to be better than Kahtoola for that. I think it is a combination of the wider space between cleats and a little narrower cleat. I have been hesitant to go too the Hillsound Trail Pro's since I read the ratcheting strap can come undone. Have you had any experience with that? Had it stayed solid? The Grivel G10's have that similar anti-balling plate. Thanks for watching and the comment.
@@OutsideChronicles I have no experience with the Pros, or the Grivels. And I was not aware of the issue with the Pro's ratcheting strap coming undone. Food for thought, I'll look at the Grivel when the time comes to replace the Trail Crampon.
I have used Yaxtrax in the WNY area where trail terrain is flatter but a little more purchase helps in those ice/mud spots that can get slippy. I have a pair or Wirezoll "microspikes" I tested in the Adirondaks.
Nice! Looks like the Witezoll is similar to Unigear. Good to know they were tested in harsh conditions. Thanks for watching and the comment.
HillSound all the way. From a WNYer.
Agreed, since in WNY, be sure to check out our hiking challenges and events: outsidechronicles.com
Very informative for Novice. Thanks.
excellent video, with a lot of important information that helped me decide which ice grip I will buy this year. Thanks
Cool, glad it helped. What are you going with?
I need some good ones for ice fishing and work easy to fit over steel toe muck boots
I’d go with either the Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Trail Crampon, you will feel like Spider-Man.
Glad I found your video. Looking forward to using your videos as resources.
I hope they help you get outside. Be sure to check out my 4 part series on Basic Land Navigation.
Thank you very much for this really informative Video! Helped me a lot!
Glad it helped, do you know what kind of traction device you are gonna go with?
Great review Mike! Thank you very much!
Awesome, glad you liked it. What is your choice of winter traction?
Great review video 👍 the eternal flame is soooo cool.
Love my Hillsound, had them for 3 years now . They’re great
I am very impressed with the Hillsounds so far. I hope to get some good testing in the Adirondacks later this week, though it might be mostly snowshoes. Thanks for the comment.
Thanks for the terrific video review. As a result, I decided on the Kahtoolas. Used them in the White mountains last weekend and they worked great!
Thanks! The Whites in winter have to be awesome. I did the Presis one summer, but would love to hit those mountains in winter. What peaks did you do?
We hiked up Mount Liberty on the Liberty Spring Trail. Well packed snow and spectacular views.
Cool, still time for some winter summits. I got 10 Adirondack winters in this year, might get 3 more before March 21
That’s great. I’ve been enjoying those videos!
@@bobl634 thanks for watching and the support!
Great video! Learned a lot!
Thank you, glad it helped. We won’t see snow and ice for a few months in WNY, but I have used microspikes on slippery rocks with success
Well done. Thanks a lot..This was very helpful in making a decision..
My pleasure, I am glad it helped out.
Great video! Thanks for the details on each type.
Glad it was helpful!
The kahtoola microspikes are very small and very hard to get on. I bought the XL, largest size available and I wear a size 12 boot. They would fit if you are wearing a shoe, but with a size 12 boot, good luck!!
Received the Hillsound Trail Crampons as a Christmas gift this year. Haven't been able to use them yet
Great Xmas Gift! You will love them, they are super grippy. Thanks for the comment.
Good video! Thanks!
Thanks!
Thru-hikers often have to carry spikes for weeks without knowing whether they'll be needed at all. Weight is therefore a critical parameter. Any thoughts on reducing spike weight. The second issue is spikes rotating out from under the trail-runners on uneven ground. Especially the toes don't hold and slip off. Tried ExoSpikes, which were recommended for trail-runners, but they were horrible rotationally (but fine grip as they didn't collect snow). Any thoughts on maintaining spike position when using with somewhat-flexible trail-runners?
What camera are you using, Man...The footage is so sharp.
It’s the Sony ZV-1, I love it. I used the product showcase mode quite a bit in this video.
❤
What about katoolah k10 vs kts. I already have the hillsounds, but might need to step it up on a few hikes. Thanks for the video!
Yeah those are nice. I would also look at the BD Contacts and Camp Stalkers if you need to step it up. I picked up Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro for $25. They are in between like the K10. They are very grippy. I like the BD & Camp because they have the tried and true straps. The others have plastic buckles. See you outside!
and for dogs?
They have microspikes built in!
Great video-very informative. I need a new pair of ice spikes asap, as the ones I have are terrible. We are into full on winter (east coast Canada). Currently -28C out. I am going to buy a pair of the Unigear traction cleats. I will be wearing them with a Zamberlan Trail Lite hiking boot size 10 men's US. Would 'large' be a good choice, or would you suggest an XL? I would to have them so that they are not too difficult to get on and off. Thanks for any help.
I would go with the L if you are between sizes. It is better to have them snug. The Unigear are a good value, but there is definitely a build difference between the Unigear and Kahtoola/Hillsound. The Hillsound Trail Crampons are my go to pair. See you outside!
@@OutsideChronicles Thanks for the sizing advice. One other question--I must now take an alternate route to one of my favorite trails which involves around 900 feet on pavement going out, and returning. Will the Unigear model stand up to this? Thanks.
@@DiGiTaLdAzEDM that is not that far, but I always try to avoid pavement even with Hillsounds. I would say look for loose gravel or take them off.
Hi. I'm headed to Kauai for a lot of muddy hiking. Some have suggested some microspikes. Torn between Kahtoola Exos and Micros. Also, I'm between sizes--7.5, which is max for their extra small and min for their small size. Do you have any advice re: which device and how to do sizing? I'd appreciate it!
I would definitely go with the MicroSpikes over the Exospikes. The microspikes will be much more versatile. I do not think the exo's would do anything on the mud by way of traction, they are too short. As for the size, being right at the min and max, I would probably try out the smaller size first. They have a fair amount of stretch. Good luck.
I have the microspikes, and they've worked really well on a couple rooty, muddy, steep-ish trails, both up and down.
you're saying you're going over 5 different options of traction devices and then you mention only 4 names ಠ_ಠ
I count 5.
1. Yaxtrax
2. Kahtoola MICROspikes
3. Kahtoola EXOspikes
4. Hillsound Trail Crampon
5. Unigear Traction Cleats
@@OutsideChronicles ah I see, there's multiple Kahtoola. sorry, my bad!
What a comprehensive review! Don’t think I’ve ever seen one actually showing, and demonstrating all the variations.
Very well done.
Can’t imagine the Unigear holding up? Who knows, for that price may be a winner.
Thanks, there are some many options. If you are new to winter hiking it can be confusing. Time will tell on the Unigear. I know a few people that have had good success. Thanks for the comment!
Unigear is cheaper than Kahtoolas. I use my Unigear spikes for trail running in deeper snow and hiking in the mountains in CO.
Cool, good to know there is another success story with them. Several people in my hiking group have also had a good experience with them. I personally prefer the more aggressive Hillsounds in the mountains, but I do not think they are the best for trail running. The Kahtoola and Unigear are a better choice for running.
UPDATE: My wife wears size 9, so we bought the large based on the sizing chart. Large was too big, medium fits much better.
There are so many options for winter traction devices. Let me know in the comments what traction device you use and where you use it!
We have the hillsound and they are great, easy on/off, not heavy.
The Hillsounds are great, they are now my go to microspikes
Excellent review. I think this answers all the questions people will have.
Thanks Don!
The pegs works good around town use. but they wear out super fast. Might get 2 years out of them b4 the pegs wears out. the sharp cleats are better but not recommend for city use ~ WHY CAN'T THEY MAKE SOME THING FOR BOTH? So knowing that the pegs wears out faster ~ I got crampons. Sorry city floors! but they last longer and more dependable!
I have both the Hillsound and Kahtoolas. I use the Hillsounds most often, no particular reason.
Same, the Hillsounds have just that little extra.
Great video Mike. Good info. I used the Unigear last season and I was disappointed because they failed multiple times in the same spot. The “weakest link” seems to be the connecting link shaped like a the letter eight that is not welded. Several bent each time I hiked and some came apart during hiking. I managed to bend some back but they eventually broke. Maybe there was a quality control issue but I only got about 4 hikes before they were useless. The Yaktrax seem to be constructed similar but the materials are more robust. Worth the extra money in my opinion.
BTW I hike at a moderate level and weigh 190 lbs, so maybe someone lighter who hikes less would get better results.
@@PappaMike-vc1qv Thanks for the feedback. Good info. I think that link to the elastomer is a weak part for all of them since it is not welded. I have had to crimp the same link on one of my Kahtoola sets a few times. I see where you mean with the "8". I will definitely have to watch for that.
Now there going to put signs and benches out in front! To make us that them off! Before entering a store
I have an old pair of Microspikes and they are more like the Trail Cleat in that they have that little bar across the toes and don't have reinforced holes. I had one failure of the holes tearing through. I used a fine point soldering iron and melted a new hole. That was a couple years ago and they're holding up fine. Next pair would probably be the Trail Cleat.
Nice DIY fix!
Wish you showed the use of Unigear on these hills. I have Yaxtrax and tried them today in the city on the paved surface, but it is covered with ice. They are not that good. Do you have any updates or recommendations for the city when we have freezing rain/ice in the PNW?
The Unigear’s traction performance is on par with the a Kahtoola Microspikes. The biggest difference is build quality. Side by side, the Kahtoolas are heavier duty. If you want a step up for around town, I’d suggest the Kahtoola EXOspikes or NANOspikes. What did you not like about the YaxTrax around town?
Hello what do you recommend for the Adarondacks like your favorite
I would go with the Hillsound Trail Crampons. That will get you up and down most if not all peaks. If you want a bit more aggressive, go with Black Diamond Contact.
Should have gotten your kids to demonstrate the steep up/down without any traction aid. ;-)
That definitely would have made it more dramatic.
I saw the Hillsound Trail Crampons are prone to rusting since they’re carbon steel. Has yours rusted more or less compared to a stainless steel MICROspike equivalent?
I have had mine for two years with use on mixed ice and rocks and are not rusted.
@@OutsideChronicles Thanks for the data point.
hillsound is the best......... ditch the rest !
I agree, I am very happy with the Hillsounds. Can't wait to dust them off this year.
Thanks for the review!
My pleasure, which traction device are you gonna go with?