Kahtoola crampons/Microspikes?

[Eric Cantona]

Have any of you out there tried either of these bits of kit?

Have read lots of reviews about both.
Anybody tried these for running?

Like everything, both have their pros & cons.
I guess that the crampons would be better on the high fells/steeper/icy ground, last longer & have more use for general mountaineering.
However, the Microspikes look like they'd do the trick, just not 100% sure about rear grip, going down steep/icy ground?!

Would really appreciate any feedback from people who've tried either/both.

Cheers

[TurboTom]

How much are they???

[IanDarkpeak]

Have any of you out there tried either of these bits of kit?

Have read lots of reviews about both.
Anybody tried these for running?

Like everything, both have their pros & cons.
I guess that the crampons would be better on the high fells/steeper/icy ground, last longer & have more use for general mountaineering.
However, the Microspikes look like they'd do the trick, just not 100% sure about rear grip, going down steep/icy ground?!

Would really appreciate any feedback from people who've tried either/both.

Cheers

hi Craig
I've not tried the Micro spikes but they look good.

One comment on the Crampons though. they come in ali or steel. for the uk I would get steel as they will last longer, the Alis would wear very quickly overmixed ground. for alpine use and long days on glaciers the ali's would be ok.

Take the shoes you want to ft them to and try all the pairs on in the shop. one may fit better than the others

[Eric Cantona]

Cheers for the responses, appreciated.

Pricewise, have seen the crampons for just over the £100 mark at Up&Under (generally £110-ish elsewhere). Have seen the Microspikes as low as £41 (Outdoor Warehouse) seem to be around £45, but appear to be out of stock most places, (current conditions perhaps!)
Will get my thinking cap on (& start to justify the cost, to myself!)

[nikalas]

I got a pair of the micro-spikes last year and on ice/frozen snow they're the business. Descending is great and I've run down 1:4 sheet ice full bore without so much as a slip. Only problem is that they ball up very quickly in fresh snow.

[IWCharters]

Micro spikes are really good for running on ice & frozen turf, seem OK on rock although I try to avoid it. They are not a replacement for crampons and steep icy descents, depending on what you mean by steep and your skill level, may be beyond them or you.

[karen nash]

Had a great run on icy tow path, park, pavements etc today- just wore my metal studded O shoes!

[Eric Cantona]

Brilliant, thanks again to all.

Thinking about this practically, perhaps trying to decide between the two, when they are really for different uses, (although even I can't justify buying both!)
Microspikes look like they'd do the job well enough, except on steep stuff.
Cramponwise/pricewise, would have to think whether I'd get £100 use out of them for running, when I could get some (C2) crampons, for a similar price.
(Plus, fellshoes/crampons have their limitations, being flexible I guess).
Just got a wee bit caught out last winter one day on a winter BG recce!

Cheers

[slow'n'steady]

Bought pair of Microspikes as Christmas prezzie to self and have been out several times in them up and around Kinder - just carry them in bumbag - superb grip, easily fitted and removed - fit and forget - just run [or as was the case today, wade!].
Seem robust enough and hopefully should last a good few winters. Got mine from HitchnHike in Bamford [£40.49 after BMC discount] - although you might have some fun getting there at the moment!

[DaveB]

I've just bought the crampons (steel) from Likeys (www.likeys.com). £85 + P&P and they arrived next day