Which Traction Devices should I Use?

With snow coming or leaving the mountains the terrain changes drastically. Conditions vary daily and challenge us even on simpler trails. But that’s where traction devices come in - they provide us with a much needed tool to navigate these varying conditions in a safer way. But how do you know which traction devices are right for you? Let’s break it down.

Traction devices are simply a device that straps onto a normal shoe or boot and adds more traction via spikes, studs or chains.

The best questions to ask yourself when choosing a traction device are…

•    What kind of trails will I be using?

•    What type of shoes do I have?

•    Will the terrain conditions vary throughout the day?

Traction devices are categorized based on the aggressiveness of the terrain you’ll be using them on. Different terrains and trails call for simpler or more intense crampons.

1.       Studded

Studded traction devices are usually a piece of rubber that folds over the bottom of your shoe and has a few metal studs on it. There are a variety of companies that make these and they are usually pretty inexpensive.

Best for:

-     urban settings like slippery pathways or patchy concrete paths

Not Great for:

-     Hiking

-     Deeper snow

Because these only have small spikes they don’t give a lot of positive traction on softer snow. They are at their best on icy pathways.

2. Trail Running Traction

Traction for trail runners is specifically designed to fit a softer shoe (running or trail running shoes) without collapsing it and causing significant discomfort whilst running. They offer lots of traction at the front and less traction in the back to compliment a running stride. Usually not particularly aggressive and best on frozen pathways rather than hiking trails.

Pro Tip: If you run a lot in winter then a dedicated pair of studded running shoes would often be a better investment.

3. Chain Style Traction

Chain style devices fit around your boot edges and provide a chain pattern with some spikes and edges along the bottom of your shoe. They are particularly valuable for use on mixed and soft surfaces. They allow the use of the boot’s rubber as well as the edges of the chain making the transfer from rock to snow, mud, and ice surfaces much safer.

Best for:

-     Shoulder season mixed conditions

-     hiking high passes where there could still be snow (or significant mud)

-     urban use in heavier conditions

Not Great for:

-     hard packed ice surfaces, or sloped ice

4. Trail Crampons or Microspikes:

Microspikes are a brand name of toothed strap on crampons that have become the catch-all name for these kind of hiking crampon, but there are a number of good devices available under this category. They are distinguished from chain style crampons by the longer teeth attached firmly to the chain base. These traction devices are significantly more aggressive in their ability to dig into ice than other chain styles, making them the go-to for most hikers. Traction on hard ice, snow and mud is exceptional, though their limitation is that they offer little to no traction on rock.

Best for:

-     shoulder season conditions

-     Walking on hard ice or gently sloping ice

Not great for:

-     walking on rock surfaces or pavement (no traction at all and will often slip; can potentially break off the metal teeth)

6. Full Hiking Crampon

Hiking crampons (such as, but not limited to, the Kahtoola K-10 or KTS) are designed for more aggressive icy or snow covered terrain where you will still be using a fexible hiking boot rather than a full on mountaineering boot. They have a fixed, reinforced frame and are much stronger and more robust than any of the chain based solutions.

These crampons are particularly good for light glacier work, or more aggressive angled hiking.

Best for:

-     steeper snow slopes, or sharply angled ice using sturdy hiking boots

Not Great for:

-     rock or pavement surfaces

-     true mountaineering where you will need front points on your crampons, or using true mountaineering boots

6. Mountaineering Crampon

Mountaineering crampons are designed to be used with mountaineering boots (with non flexible soles) and work well in varied terrain at high altitudes when absolute safety and traction is required and slipping is not an option. These are particularly robust and will take an enormous beating but tend to be more expensive. They do not work well with hiking boots (though some may be made to if necessary, but they will never work well).

Best for:

-     true mountaineering

-     high altitude and moderate (or more) risk terrain

Not Great for:

-     hiking on flatter surfaces

-     any urban use at all

7. Climbing Crampon

Climbing crampons are designed to be used for ice climbing with tools and ropes. Some can double as mountaineering crampons as well, but most are very specifically designed for climbing, and nothing else as such.

Best for:

-     ice climbing objectives using climbing tools

-     limited mountaineering (depending on the crampon design)

Not great for:

-     most other uses (these are very specifically designed with a primary purpose)

Traction devices are moderately specific to the activity you are doing. A lot of people own several different devices so they can strategically choose what’s best for the conditions and trail each time they plan to go out.

If you’d like to explore some of the different options or have more questions about what’s right for you, don’t hesitate to give the Norseman a call or chat with our team next time you’re in.