How to choose the right traction for your PNW Adventure
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Hiking and scrambling through the snow is a unique experience that you can experience in a variety of places year-round in the Pacific Northwest. However, with snow and ice come a whole set of challenges that require specialized gear to safely traverse the terrain. One of those challenges is that snow and ice are slippery—and the primary way we mitigate this risk is through the use of traction devices. Three popular traction options are microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes. Each has its pros and cons, and it’s essential to understand the differences to choose the best gear for your needs.
What Are Microspikes?
Microspikes are compact, lightweight traction devices designed to grip ice and packed snow. They consist of a rubberized elastomer harness that fits over your boot and stainless steel chains and spikes that provide traction. Microspikes are best for light to moderate snow and ice conditions, such as hiking on packed snow, icy trails, or snow-covered roads.
Pros of Microspikes:
- Easy to Use: Microspikes are easy to put on and take off, and they don’t require any special tools or adjustments.
- Lightweight and Compact: Microspikes are small and lightweight, making them easy to carry in your backpack or attach to the outside of your pack.
- Affordable: Microspikes are relatively inexpensive compared to other traction devices. At the time of this article (2023), microspikes range from $40-80.
- Usable Year-round: While best known for their utility on snow, microspikes work very well to provide additional traction while descending steeper trails with packed dirt, making them truly useful year-round.
Cons of Microspikes:
- Limited Use: Microspikes are best for light to moderate snow and ice conditions and are not suitable for deep, unconsolidated snow or steep terrain.
- Durability: The spikes on microspikes can wear down over time, especially if used on rough or rocky terrain. Additionally, the small metal links they are constructed from can bend or break.
- No Flotation: Microspikes only provide traction underfoot and do not offer any kind of flotation.
What Are Crampons?
Crampons are more heavy-duty traction devices designed for use on steep, icy terrain. They consist of metal spikes or teeth that attach to the sole of your boot and provide grip on the ice. Crampons are considered a staple for mountaineering, ice climbing, and other technical winter activities.
Pros of Crampons:
- Maximum Traction: Crampon spikes are much longer than those on microspikes, offering the most secure placements and traction. This makes them the superior choice on steep, icy terrain found in activities such as mountaineering, glacier and ice climbing.
- Durable: Crampons are designed to withstand rough terrain and are made of high-quality materials that can withstand harsh conditions.
- Secure: Automatic and semi-automatic crampons offer more secure binding to the boot than microspikes and thus are less likely to slip or come loose.
Cons of Crampons:
- Expensive: Crampons are significantly more expensive than microspikes. At this time of this article (2023), crampons range from $150-250.
- Heavy: Crampons are heavy and bulky, making them less suitable for backpacking or long-distance hikes.
- Difficult to Use: Crampons require more skill and experience to use effectively, and they often require adjustments or modifications to fit properly.
- No Flotation: Crampons offer only traction and do not offer any flotation in unconsolidated snow.
- Risk of Injury: The sharp, longer spikes on crampons will happily bite into ice… or your leg. Careless use of crampons can result in puncture injuries.
What Are Snowshoes?
Snowshoes are a type of footwear designed to distribute your weight evenly over a larger surface area, preventing you from sinking into the snow. They consist of a frame with a mesh or webbing material stretched across it, creating a platform for your feet. Snowshoes are best for deep snow and flat or rolling terrain.
Pros of Snowshoes:
- Flotation: Snowshoes are designed to distribute your weight evenly over a larger surface area, preventing you from sinking into deep snow.
- Versatile: Snowshoes are suitable for use in a variety of winter conditions and can be used for hiking, backpacking, and other outdoor activities.
- Traction: Higher end snowshoes, such as those suitable for mountaineering, have aggressive teeth and serrated side rails that offer traction super to microspikes but usually not as secure as crampons.
- Heel-lifts: Higher end snowshoes, such as those suitable for mountaineering, often have a metal bar below the heel which can be raised to provide a small platform under your heels, making climbing more efficient and comfortable by reducing strain on your calf muscles.
Cons of Snowshoes:
- Bulky: Snowshoes are bulky and heavy, making them less suitable for technical terrain or steep slopes, not to mention inconvenient to carry.
- Expensive: Snowshoes suitable for mountaineering are more expensive than even a quality pair of crampons. At the time of this article (2023), snowshoes range from $200-300.
- Limited Maneuverability: Snowshoes can be cumbersome and may limit your ability to move quickly or navigate tight spaces, though this is also a function of the fact that snowshoes are mostly used in deeper, unconsolidated snow.
Choosing the Traction for Your Snow Adventures?
Conclusion?
In summary, microspikes, crampons, and snowshoes are all essential pieces of gear for winter hiking and mountaineering. Each has its pros and cons and is designed for specific conditions and terrain. Choosing the right gear for your needs is essential for a safe and enjoyable winter adventure. When selecting gear, consider the conditions and terrain you’ll be facing, as well as your level of skill and experience. Invest in high-quality gear from reputable brands and ensure it fits properly to minimize the risk of injury or discomfort. With the right gear and preparation, winter hiking and mountaineering can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience.
