Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

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Teresa Gergen
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by Teresa Gergen »

Aphelion wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2024 12:18 pm Microspikes are a crutch that holds you back from learning to be sure-footed.
So funny. Either you will eventually quit, or you will eventually end up NOT sure-footed. You're free to choose. Enjoy it while you can.
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nyker
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by nyker »

By accident I've found them helpful on descents on wet grassy slopes (basically when I had left them on after using them in mild but icy trails).
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ECF55
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by ECF55 »

I really wish i had tried on my microspikes on Sneffels South Slopes. It’s a horrible slope of dirt and scree at the angle of repose. I had them in my backpack, but was so mentally obliterated that I didn’t even remember to take them out. I think it would be helpful on those crappy, loose slopes where a little more grip would decrease chances of sliding.
dirtgrl
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by dirtgrl »

Thank you!
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by dirtgrl »

two lunches wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2024 10:57 am microspikes.

the exospikes, nanospikes and yaktrax are ideal for hardpack/ice and probably wouldn't be very useful in loose BS/kitty litter.
Thank you, two lunches!
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by dirtgrl »

daway8 wrote: Fri Dec 27, 2024 11:51 am Old Kahtoola microspikes are ideal for steep loose dirt in summer, like the 2,000ft of it you get on South Maroon. I did Princton with snow so can't speak to that specific route.

Once I beat up a pair of microspikes by extended use in winter, I keep that pair for summer loose dirt traction. You'll want a sharp pair for winter icy sections but they can be dull as dirt when going up/down steep dirt in summer.
Thank you, daway8!
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by dirtgrl »

ECF55 wrote: Sun Dec 29, 2024 6:39 am I really wish i had tried on my microspikes on Sneffels South Slopes. It’s a horrible slope of dirt and scree at the angle of repose. I had them in my backpack, but was so mentally obliterated that I didn’t even remember to take them out. I think it would be helpful on those crappy, loose slopes where a little more grip would decrease chances of sliding.
Good luck, ECF55! Keep us posted here if you give it a try!
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14ercooper
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by 14ercooper »

While I wouldn't personally say I'd use microspikes on Princeton's standard summer route, I can see the utility they'd have if you're a bit less confident on looser footing - given I'll regularly use microspikes (or even full crampons!) year-round depending on the conditions I find - they can help in a lot of different scenarios to help make it just a little bit safer/less likely to have an uncontrolled slip and I'll take any help I can get to push that safety needle in my favor.
- 14ercooper
"There are old climbers and there are bold climbers. There are no old, bold climbers." - and I fully intend to be climbing when I'm old
seannunn
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by seannunn »

I tried this on Maroon Peak. Didn't work well for me.
To each his own.
I would say it would be more likely to work on extended sections of very small scree.
Personally I don't remember Princeton being like that, but I climbed it a long time ago.
You can always try them. If they aren't working for you, take them off and stash them in your pack.

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"Thy righteousness is like the great mountains."

--Psalm 36:6
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SchralpTheGnar
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain

Post by SchralpTheGnar »

Plus it helps aerate the alpine tundra.