Episode 118 | Traction Spikes

Wondering if there is a market for a really light spike optimized for glacier trekking, where the spike is just a little bit on the longer side but not “crampon-long” (15 mm?), light and flexible enough for trail running shoes, and sharp enough (carbon steel) for steep pass climbs. Think early season high route alpine travel in the N Cascades, Wind Rivers, etc.

kahtoola microspikes are 10mm?

those work pretty good

Kahtoola’s K-10 hiking crampons have 3/4-in (19mm) spikes and weigh about 24 oz (680 g) per pair.  How close/far is that from what you’re thinking?

Do you really want to be in technical glacier/ice conditions in trail running shoes?

maybe!! Not me, but my feet are weird.

I’m a huge fan of Kahtoola microspikes, that I wear with very light Keen boots. those Kahtoolah K10 crampons look very good indeed.

I’ve used the K10s and the Hillsound Trail Crampons for glaciers, both with trail running shoes, both are excellent for this purpose.

The Hillsounds are about 7 oz lighter than the K10s, and the harness does work better on trail running shoes.

I still think there is weight to be saved, though. The new Kahtoola Ghost harness with these types of spikes would be the bomb for glacier travel w/trail runners and weigh less than 12 oz…