YakTraxs vs Microspikes vs Crampons vs Snowshoes
When it comes to hiking foot accessories, you have a lot of choices. This post will give a quick rundown of YakTraxs vs Microspikes vs Crampons vs Snowshoes. Before heading out and buying all 4, its important to know the pros and cons of each item. Let’s get into it! To watch this blog instead of reading it, check out my video here.
YakTraxs
YakTraxs are a lightweight metal wrapping that goes underneath the sole of your hiking boot or shoe. YakTraxs are universal IE they fit on any pair of shoes or boots, so long as you order the right size. YakTraxs are helpful if you are on flat ground or walking/running on packed snow. They are usually about $20 a pair and are made my several companies. In my opinion, YakTraxs are pretty useless. Sure, they provide extra grip, but the amount of extra traction they provide is pretty minimal, especially in snow that is not already packed down.
Microspikes
Microspikes are very similar to YakTraxs in their make-up. They are universally fitting to any boot or shoe and consist of metal chains/spikes on the bottom to help gain traction in snow. Unlike YakTraxs, microspikes are great in deeper snow (although they do not provide any flotation) since their teeth are much bigger than anything on YakTraxs. I have hiked many mountains in snowy conditions and have felt safe almost 100% of the time. Microspikes generally range in the $50-$60 range and are made by a handful of companies. In my opinion, microspikes are a great cheap, lightweight and easily portable piece of gear every hiker should own. The only negative about microspikes is that snow can sometimes ball up in them once it warms up and the amount of traction they provide does limit itself to certain slope angles and snow conditions (they will not work well on packed, steep snow/ice). I do highly recommend using microspikes with a mountain ax to help with traction and support in the snow.
Crampons
If you want to get into some more serious winter or spring hiking/climbing, crampons quickly become a must have in your bag. Crampons come in a few different types (strap-on, step-in and hybrid.) Crampons all do the same thing: give you the best possible traction that you can provide for your hiking boots. Speaking of hiking boots, crampons do require a special boot to wear. Since the crampon is not flexible like a pair of YakTraxs or microspikes would be, the sole of your boot must be firm in order to support the crampon. In some cases, crampons must be equipped with mountaineering boots, which can add a huge expense to this piece of gear. Crampons range from $100-$200+ and are made by 4-5 different companies. Crampons are best used on steep couloir climbs, mixed climbing (aka mixing between ice, snow and rock) and ice climbing. Crampons can be helpful in snow, but are typically not necessary unless the snow is firm or the snow angle is above 35 degrees or so. Some crampons do not come with a carrying bag, which can be an extra expense. Crampons are almost always used with additional traction in the form of an ice or mountain ax.
Snowshoes
Finally, we have snowshoes. Snowshoes are the only piece of gear that I have covered today that help you stay on top of the snow. Snowshoes fit with any pair of shoes or boots, but I do recommend wearing a high hiking boot or pair of gaiters to keep your feet dry. Although snowshoes do provide some traction in snow or ice, that is not their specialty. Snowshoes are best used in fresh snow or warming snow to keep you from sinking into it. The biggest cons with snowshoes are their weight and how they effect your walking stride. Similar to wearing a flipper in the water, snowshoes force you to be extra careful when walking backwards, sideways or over any obstacle. Snowshoes are also the heaviest and most difficult to transport piece of footwear accessory. Price-wise, Snowshoes range from $75-$250+ depending on the pair. The main differences in price are the features you get: type of metal used, binding system, length of the shoe etc. Snowshoes come in various sizes and all you need to know – the longer the shoe, the deeper the snow you can “float” in. Snowshoes are a great piece of gear to have, but I often find myself carrying them on hikes and not using them. Unlike YakTraxs, spikes or crampons, they are not something you can just easily carry in your bag which can be a pain – especially if you do not need/use them on your hike.
There you have it, that covers the main differences between YakTraxs vs Microspikes vs Crampons vs Snowshoes. Have any questions or gear recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!
2 thoughts on “YakTraxs vs Microspikes vs Crampons vs Snowshoes”
I snowboard. Sometimes we hike to get fresh untouched powder and when we hike Galaxy Ridge some parts are sketchy like packed snow and a dangerous angle you don’t want to fall down. The foot path is important and depending on conditions and I wish I had micro spikes for my snowboard boots.
Which ones do you suggest? I was thinking of getting a very large microspikes?
Depending on the terrain, you may need crampons which can be a bit tricky to find ones compatible with snowboard boots. If you go Microspikes, there are two main brands: Kahtoola and Hillsound – both are quality.