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Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain
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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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain
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.
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain
Thank you, two lunches!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.
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain
Thank you, daway8!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.
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain
Good luck, ECF55! Keep us posted here if you give it a try!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.
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain
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.
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Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain
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.
Sean Nunn
Peculiar, MO
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.
Sean Nunn
Peculiar, MO
"Thy righteousness is like the great mountains."
--Psalm 36:6
--Psalm 36:6
Re: Microspikes for (summertime) traction in steep, loose terrain
Plus it helps aerate the alpine tundra.