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If you are looking for lightweight NANOspikes, the Kahtoola EXOspikes are some of the best microspikes for hiking! They are constructed of stretchy rubber harnesses, lightweight chains, and steel spikes on the bottom that provide mind-blowing traction. None of the companies above make microspikes for kids. I suspect the most significant factor in that cost difference is the Boa Closure System because there arent many other significant variances. The Exospikes fall in between Microspikes and Nanospikes. These trail running spikes are organized from lightest to heaviest. Ive found that Yaktrax Diamond Grips work well on mixed surfaces of rock, gravel, dirt, and pavement. The difference comes in how you personally use your traction devices and what you want in fit and durability. 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.. The ICETRAX V3 is fast and easy to put on. 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. The Yaktrax Walk and Yaktrax Pro don't have much body material and are easily stuffed into a small pocket. They will work in temperatures as cold as -22F. To make this an accurate comparison, we compared the hardier Yaktrax Summit designed for the same challenging conditions as the MICROspikes. Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Traction I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences. 2. With snow and ice on the way to our trails and running routes, you might be looking for extra traction so the cold weather doesnt slow you down. 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. They are built upon the same concept to provide traction while hiking or walking on ice and snow. Non-Technical Best Microspikes and Snow Grips These are different than the microspikes listed above because they have aluminum step NANOspikes instead of the traditional spikes. Both of these devices are constructed with thick rubber bands, lightweight chains, and steel spikes on the bottom. Yaktrax Grips If you are hiking in the winter, its essential to have a traction device to attach to your boots. The only thing they aren't great for is very deep snow, but even then, they perform decently. The Summit uses carbon steel for its spikes, while MICROspikes are made of stainless steel. The heel webbing loop helps you put on and take off the microspikes. Jeff lives, works, and plays in brutal winter climates worldwide and has spent years of his life in skiing, climbing, and winter boots. Durability Microspikes are also seen as more durable than Yaktrax are. Toe bail prevents your shoe from sliding forwards and out of the harness. Thumb holes: outdoor gear necessity or marketing gimmick? The Yaktrax Summit runs about $20 more than the Kahtoola MICROspikes . Each foot has 12 spikes that protrude ", making them perfect for winter hiking, chopping wood, and working on soft surfaces like dirt. The Distance spikes have fourteen 8mm spikes that will let you cruise through deep powder and across icy patches with ease. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. GearLab is reader-supported. Most of the best microspikes for hiking in this blog have heat-treated metal, which helps the spikes last longer. This style of snow grip works decently well in deep snow but not nearly as well as crampon-style points. Without delay, I will reveal the best microspikes for hiking, running, and backpacking. I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. The first step I took into ice and snow wearing my microspikes put a smile on my face. It is a very strong metal, just not as strong as carbon steel. Gear that lasts and also doesn't break the bank is a win all around. The Authors: Hey, we are Ladona and Brad, avid campers and hikers. MICROspikes vs YakTrax Both devices offer good traction in snow and ice, but there are distinct differences between the two. Chain-style grips perform decently in both kinds of conditions, but they aren't excellent for either. 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. The best microspikes for hiking will be able to withstand freezing temperatures. WebMicrospikes are more expensive than Yaktrax, and many people feel that they are of higher quality as well. Each type of snow grip excels in different terrain and surface conditions. We like the traction it provides with its 8-millimeter spikes, which are small enough to be convenient for various conditions but sharp enough to provide bite on loose surfaces. However, MICROspikes is a trademarked name by Kahtoola for that specific model. Ive found that Yaktrax Diamond Grips work well on mixed surfaces of rock, gravel, dirt, and pavement. The Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip minimizes the amount of snow buildup with their self-clearing design, which enhances traction as you hike. 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. These work very well on shallow snow or thin ice over firm surfaces like pavement. MICROspikes vs Crampons is a bit complicated. Yaktrax and Microspikes are similar because they are both traction devices that attach to your hiking boots and allow you to navigate icy terrain with relative ease. Microspikes are highly recommended to help prevent serious injury in Winter conditions. Over the last couple of years, Ive tried a variety of options, so Id like to give my review on both the Yaktrax and Microspike and when to consider each one. The points are durable to last multiple winter seasons, and the stretchy rubber provides a snug and secure fit that won't accidentally come off. Crampons originally came about for scaling icy sections of mountains and climbing waterfalls and had long 1-2 inch spikes.As you can see, technical crampons are long and a bit scary spikes. These will perform best on dirt trails and in shallow snow, but likely aren't the best bet for super heavy use. 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. Thats because they are the best for light winter activities, which is what we do most! Instead of spikes, Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip has steel aircraft cables with case-hardened steel alloy beads that provide excellent grip on icy trails. We made notes and recorded our findings every step of the way, getting to know each product intimately. Non-Technical The spike length you will need for your microspikes will depend on the terrain you will be hiking in. I like the brand, and these spikes look okay. For example, Yaktrax are much more affordable and work better for road running in slushy conditions whereas Microspikes would dig into the tarmac and slow you down. We are crazy about getting outdoors at every possible moment and have decades of experience exploring nature. Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Traction Well share everything you need to plan the perfect National Park Vacation for you and your family! Reproduction without permission is prohibited. In comparison, MICROspikes are just one of the 5 types of traction devices made by Kahtoola. These are a specialty product that winter runners will cherish, but other users should check out different options. Weve been avid campers and hikers for decades and are here to inspire you to step out beyond the scenic drives and explore the heart of our National Parks. Even relatively small mountain systems, such as the White Mountains of New Hampshire, are infamous for their inhospitable conditions.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'hikingsoul_com-leader-2','ezslot_7',150,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-hikingsoul_com-leader-2-0'); Both the Microspikes and Yaktrax have their place among hikers, it just depends on the terrain and intensity that youll be using them! The Exospikes have twelve spikes that are 7.4mm in length. The Yaktrax spikes for trail running have six spikes up front that are 3mm in length. There are not many options when it comes to getting kids microspikes. The Yaktrax Summit and the Kahtoola MICROspikes are designed for hiking, working and walking in some of the most challenging winter conditions. MICROspikes vs YakTrax Both devices offer good traction in snow and ice, but there are distinct differences between the two. Crampons Let us know! However, they can also be used for crossing glaciers, snowfields, and icefields, ascending hard-packed and deep snow slopes, or scaling ice-covered rock. Allow Necessary Cookies & Continue First is if you are carrying the spikes in your backpack, a lighter traction device is always better. Overall, the MICROspikes will fit snug with minimal front-to-back slippage. Amazon Most Versatile: Kahtoola EXOspikes Traction System The Exospikes fall in between Microspikes and Nanospikes. If you are hiking on more technical trails, you will need larger spikes to provide additional traction. Once the storm is over, and the streets dry out, or when you enter a building and don't want to damage the floor, it's important that your traction devices pack into a small and light package that you can easily stash in a pocket or a compartment in a vehicle. They are durable, easy to put on, and perfect for winter hiking. The 0.29-inch spikes have three levels of traction on icy trails. They are easy to use, durable, and provide traction on icy trails. These spikes will work in temperatures as cold as -41F. If youre walking, hiking or running on thinner packed snow, slush, or variable terrain where you might be crossing sections of pavement, then Yaktrax are the way to go. Yaktrax Consumer Reports For grip in the back, these spikes have steel coils that allow your shoe to flex nicely. The best microspikes that you can buy are the original Kahtoola Microspikes. They are super light for a crampon-type grip, and they pack up small for easy stuffing into a pocket. Yaktrax are meant to be worn on snow that is packed down, and they become increasingly useless when youre not traveling on packed snow. Microspikes When you are hiking in the winter, the trails are icy and filled with snow, so you need traction to help keep you safe and prevent you from slipping. Best Winter Traction Devices of Yaktrax vs Microspikes: which is better? WebMicrospikes are more expensive than Yaktrax, and many people feel that they are of higher quality as well. Both are designed for hiking and working in packed snow and icy conditions. Trail Running Shoes vs Hiking Shoes: How To Choose? The traction devices attach to most footwear options you normally wear in the Winter. Every material becomes more brittle in these conditions, and manufacturers have to make sure their elastics won't break when being manipulated. The Kahtoola MICROspikes are crampon-style snow grips that provide excellent traction for deep snow and thick ice. The spikes are also heat-treated for additional durability and wear resistance. MICROspikes vs YakTrax Both devices offer good traction in snow and ice, but there are distinct differences between the two. The Yaktrax Walk can be used on both sneakers and winter boots, and provides enough traction to be useful in both deep snow and frozen, firm surfaces. The Yaktrax Walk was one of the first snow grips on the market, and its design has changed very little over the years. The Yaktrax spikes for trail running have six spikes up front that are 3mm in length. 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 Microspikes also slip on over your footwear, but are comprised of thermoplastic rubber, stainless steel spikes that bite into ice and welded stainless steel chains to provide traction in snow, a bit like a crampon. Watch this video by Kahtoola for a quick demonstration. You can unsubscribe anytime. The Yaktrax Diamond Grip didnt grip as well as the others but still provided improved traction. These snow grips feature 18 large crampon-style points that dig into soft material with ease, making them a great choice for users who spend a lot of time in deep snow, on dirt trails, or who work outside. P.S. Yaktrax vs. Microspikes (Whats the Best Winter Traction Devices | njHiking.com For grip in the back, these spikes have steel coils that allow your shoe to flex nicely. On soft snow, you would just sink right in. 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 Shackleton Rothera Hooded Down Jacket review: a premium puffer that lives up to its name and price tag, Man spotted stamping frantically on car roof to flush out curious bear, Ergobaby Omni 360 Cotton review: an excellent soft structured carrier for newborns and up. Since this style is most at home in deep snow and on dirt and other soft surfaces, proper use will elongate the lifespans of these products. Instead of spikes, Yaktrax ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip has steel aircraft cables with case-hardened steel alloy beads that provide excellent grip on icy trails. All it takes is putting the toe in the front cup and stretching the rubber over the back of the shoe. I agree that the diamond grips do work well though. Winner: Yaktrax Summit coming in at 1/4 pound lighter is a pretty significant difference. They weigh 7.8 ounces. Grips Consumer Reports Harness: Elastometer Stainless steel is considered to be stronger than steel alloy. The Unigear Traction Cleats provide excellent grip in deep snow and on thick ice and they do it for a low price. WooHoo! No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. The most versatile snow grip in our test is the Kahtoola EXOspike. Youll also notice that the MICROspikes have a generous pull tab at the heel to make it easy to stretch the spike frame over your foot. These will work in temperatures as cold as -22F. 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. 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 For snowy and icy foot pursuits, there are two main contenders when it comes to traction under foot: Yaktrax and Microspikes. They have a strap that can be worn over the top of the foot to keep the crampon in place even when trudging through super deep snow. Yaktrax vs. Microspikes However, Yaktrax break more easily and dont stay on the foot quite as well as Microspikes. 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 The Yaktrax spikes for trail running have six spikes up front that are 3mm in length. The front of the microspikes divides into two sections, which helps with mobility while hiking. Their prominent spikes will wear down relatively quickly if worn on firm rock or paved surfaces. A good pair of snow grips can give you more security and peace of mind in those icy winter months, and we hope our in-depth review will help make your purchasing decision easier. Overkill for most hikes. Yaktrax vs MICROspikes: Which 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 When you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission. Mountaineers use crampons in more extreme deep snow conditions and climbing situations. The Kahtoola NANOspikes have the most traction among the cleat-style grips and are our pick for winter running. They do not appear as durable as my Kahtoola microspikes; however, they work just as well. They are also made of heat-treated stainless steel to provide the ultimate durability and wear resistance.