6 Best Traction Devices For Winter Hikes

This post is a recommendation of my top 6 best traction devices for winter hikes. The right traction will give you the confidence to explore areas that were once out of reach. We recently did a Grotto Ice walk with our new Kahtoola Micro Spikes and were able to walk up the waterfall with ease, down was a bit trickier. (Shown Below)

Tired of slip-sliding your way through a winter hike?

What is a traction device for hiking?

There is some confusion as to what to call traction devices and their uses. Crampons, Micro Spikes, Cleats are names you often hear when hiking, but what are the differences?

• Crampons: Crampons are mostley used for Ice Climbers or mountaineering technical terrain. The spikes are much larger than of micro spikes with 6 to 12 teeth that can be 1/2 – 1″ long. They are made to fit mountaineering boots much like a ski boot.
• Micro Spikes: Fit over hiking shoe or boot made from a stretch rubber with 6-12 1/4-1/2″ stainless steel spikes. (Shown Below)
• Nano Spikes/Cleats: Another name for spikes however can acount for any traction device for or on an athletic shoe. Often refered to the Mini or Exo spikes. A stretch rubber that pulls over any athletic footwear. The traction is usually 24 tiny sharp stainless steel directional placed spikes throughout the bottom of the rubber traction. Best used for easy walk on pathways or easy trails. Depending on the brand bought more often than not these tend to slip off at the most unopertune time.

What do traction devices cost?

With anything, you get what you pay for. Think of how much use the product will get? How much can you afford?

As for the Traction Devices For Winter hikes, we normally used the nano cleat pull-on ones which quite literally are a pain in the butt. They seem to be best for groomed or icy walking trails where you may need more traction. We invested in Kahtoola microspikes and was the best decision ever. Having the security walking on ice and snow is comforting especially at my age.

The prices do vary from $25 – $90. However, nano spikes can be a little as $10. The cheaper brands tend to rip from the eye holes that connect the chains or the rubber will crack in extreme temperatures, the spikes wear down, and the chains break far easier than a higher-priced brand.

No matter what brand one buys there is always a chance you get a lemon. Check for manufacturing warranties, sizing, and read reviews before purchasing online.

What Brand is best?

In my opinion, Kahtoola, Hillsound, and Yatta have the best reviews along with a 2-yr manufacturer’s warranty.

#1 Kahtoola Micro Spikes

Best used for hiking, Ice walks, Ice fishing, all ice surfaces, and packed snow. 12 heat-treated stainless steel corrosion resistance spikes and chains. Solid construction, 2-year manufacturer’s warranty. Won backpackers hall of fame award as well as editors choice gold award.

#2 Kahtoola EXOspikes

 Strong and durable with 12 nano spikes, flexibility to -30. A 2-year manufacturer warranty in place.

#3 Hillsound Trail

11 Carbon steel spikes. 2-year manufacturer warranty

#4 ZUXNZUX Cleats

Flexible past -45, 11 directional spikes. These cleats have a better grip, as well as the ankle strap keeps the traction from slipping off.

#5 Outdoor 360

360-degree traction, 19 stainless steel spikes. Extra foot strap which gives extra security from slipping off or losing

them.

#6 Yatta Life 

Yatta with 14 spikes is up there in quality although not able to hold up to Kahtools for long-lasting. I don’t believe that yatta has a manufacturer’s warranty.

Enjoying a hike comes with the security of having the proper gear. The Benefits of Trekking poles are a great added asset for any hike.

Happy Trails!!