“Step into Confidence: Kahtoola Microspikes – Grip Every Terrain.”
Rating: ★★★★★
Winter’s arrival brings forth both beauty and challenges, especially when it comes to navigating icy landscapes. Kahtoola Microspikes offer a solution. These traction devices provide unparalleled grip on icy surfaces, ensuring safety and confidence during winter adventures. Whether hiking snowy trails or traversing icy sidewalks, Microspikes elevate stability and minimize slips and falls. In this introduction, we explore the benefits of wearing Kahtoola Microspikes in winter, highlighting their durability, ease of use, and ability to enhance enjoyment in cold conditions.
Specifications:
- Twelve 3/8″ hardened stainless steel spikes
- Welded stainless steel chains for traction and packability
- Durable harness with patented reinforced stress points
- Ergonomically Shaped Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Harness – Features patented reinforced eyelets for increased durability, attaches securely to a variety of footwear and retains its elasticity down to -22°F (-30°C).
- Integrated Toe Bail – Keeps the toe from pushing through the front of the harness for added security while descending.
- Raised Heel Tab – Provides a secure grip point on the harness for easy on and off in frozen winter conditions with cold or gloved hands
- Weight (pair): (S) 11 oz / 312 g, (M) 11.9 oz / 338 g, (L) 13.1 oz / 372 g, (XL) 13.5 oz / 382 g
- Packed Size: 5 in x 3 in x 2 in, 30 in³ / 13 cm x 8 cm x 5 cm, 520 cm³
Traction:
First and foremost, let’s talk about traction. The Kahtoola Microspikes excel in all conditions. Whether I’m navigating frozen terrain, traversing icy patches, or ascending steep inclines, these crampons provide a level of grip and stability that instills confidence with every step. The combination of strategically placed spikes and durable elastomer harness ensures a secure hold on even the most treacherous surfaces, allowing me to maintain momentum and push my limits without fear of slipping or sliding.
Durability:
What truly sets the Microspikes apart, however, is their exceptional durability. Constructed with robust materials and engineered to withstand the rigors of rough terrain and harsh conditions, these crampons have proven time and time again to be built to last. From jagged rocks to abrasive ice, the Microspikes show no signs of wear or compromise, maintaining their performance and integrity even after extensive use.
Ease of Use:
Another standout feature of the Microspikes is their ease of use. Thanks to the innovative design and user-friendly construction, putting them on and taking them off is a breeze, requiring minimal effort and allowing for quick adjustments on the fly. Whether I’m gearing up at the trailhead or making adjustments mid-hike, I can always count on the Microspikes to deliver convenience without sacrificing performance. Even with gloves on, donning the Microspikes is feasible, avoiding having to remove them in cold temperatures. Removal is a cinch thanks to the removal tab and the elastic polymer.
Use Cases:
Kahtoola Microspikes are traction devices designed to provide stability and grip in icy or slippery conditions. Here are several potential use cases:
- Hiking and Backpacking: Microspikes are ideal for hiking on snowy or icy trails where extra traction is needed. Whether traversing steep terrain or navigating through icy patches, Microspikes offer enhanced stability, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
- Trail Running: For trail runners tackling snowy or icy trails, Microspikes can provide the necessary traction to maintain speed and stability. They allow runners to confidently navigate various terrains without compromising their pace or risking injury.
- Winter Walking: Whether walking the dog, running errands, or simply enjoying a winter stroll, Microspikes can make walking on icy sidewalks and streets safer and more secure. They provide added traction, reducing the likelihood of slipping and falling on slippery surfaces.
- Mountaineering and Alpine Climbing: Microspikes are valuable tools for mountaineers and alpine climbers tackling icy or mixed terrain. They offer enhanced traction on steep slopes, icy ridges, and frozen waterfalls, increasing safety and confidence in challenging environments.
- Emergency Preparedness: Microspikes are valuable additions to emergency kits and vehicle emergency supplies. In the event of inclement weather or emergencies requiring outdoor travel, such as car accidents or roadside assistance, Microspikes can enhance safety and mobility on icy roads and terrain.
Comfort:
Comfort is also a priority, and the Microspikes deliver in this aspect as well. The flexible elastomer harness conforms to the shape of my boots, providing a snug and secure fit without any uncomfortable pressure points or chafing. This ensures that I can wear them for extended periods without experiencing any discomfort or fatigue, allowing me to stay focused on the trail ahead. Even when walking over rock slabs, the minimalist yet effective spikes do not cause any pressure point on the underfoot of any winter boot.
Field Tested:
In February 2024, we headed to the Adirondacks in New York State. After a short 3 hour drive from Ottawa, we geared up and headed for the mountains. The plan was to summit 3 peaks, Algonquin (the 2nd highest in the park), Iroquois and Wright. The total planned trek was 18km with 1400m of climbing.
With the freeze/thaw weather of the past 2 weeks, there was going to be ice, and boy there was. From kilometre zero, we through the Kahtoola microspikes on and never looked back. The first 2 kilometres were pretty much pure ice, at a gentle 2-3% grade. With the spikes on, it felt like walking on sandpaper….pure traction. The next 4km is where things got interesting. The first peak pitched up to gradients of over 30%, and the ice was non-stop. Again, not once did it feel like we were walking on sheer ice, but grippy trails. Even in areas where most of our weight was on our toes, the perfectly positioned spikes dug into the ice and snow, and never let go.
Towards the peaks, most of the snow had been blown away or melted so we were treated to either pure ice or rock slabs. On either surface, the microspikes performed exceptionally well. Of course, the spikes did not penetrate the rock surfaces but being extra rigid, they still hung on to the rock surface extremely well.
One thing that really impressed me with this setup was that not once did the microspikes snag the back of my pants/legs. Since there are no protruding toe spikes, the risk of inadvertent injury or tearing of the pants is extremely low. Coming down the mountain with these spikes was also a game changer. They provided the ability to control descent speed minimizing risk of slipping and putting an end to an overall perfect day of hiking.
OVERALL RATING:
Grip/Traction: ★★★★★
Comfort: ★★★★★
Design: ★★★★★
Durability: ★★★★★
Cost: ★★★★★
Overall: ★★★★★
Final Thoughts:
Overall, I have to give these spikes a perfect score. They provided tons of traction that wasn’t there without them, on both snow and ice. They also performed well on harder surfaces such as rocks. The microspikes are light, very durable and very easy to fit over any winter boot (with proper sizing). I strongly recommend these to anybody considering winter hiking where ice could be present.
KAHTOOLA MICROSPIKES
WHERE TO BUY:
Our good friends over at Bushtukah have a massive variety of microspikes to fit all boot sizes, and incredible products for your next adventure. Bushtukah has 3 stores in Ottawa, or you can shop online and have just about anything shipped globally!
