Vargo V3 Pocket Cleats

Interesting and I like that they provide points under more of the foot than Ruta Locura’s instep crampons but I feel like the front strap could easily slide backwards or the middle plate could roll over sideways. I know these aren’t intended for ice climbing but I’m skeptical that I’d want to take these over several miles of suncups.

I hope to hear more opinions from people that have more experience than I do.

I don’t have the v3’s, but I used the v2 version this last year on the Sierra High Route. I did add some cordage to prevent them from sliding forward; I had that happen. They’re great for really hard icy snow early in the morning. As soon as the snow gets a bit softer, they become much less useful. It doesn’t take much snow until they are essentially balling up. So, if the snow is too soft for them and too hard to kick steps with trail runners for example — you may need to wait for the snow to soften. They’re (v2) a little slower to put on than micro spikes also. Best feature is that the pack so small, you can put them in a small packs side pocket, etc.

Any updates on these?

Just saw this item: Chainsen City cleats. Like the V2 Vargos there is no heel traction, and judging from the picture I also might be concerned about how well they adhere to the bottom of the shoe in vertical situations, but as minimalist just-in-case cleats at 2.5oz (one or a pair, not clear in specs), they might be appropriate for some situations:

For those that have used these….how would you compare to Kahtoola Micro Spikes?  The lighter weight looks interesting, but I have had really great performance out of the Micro Spikes, so wondering if they are worth saving a bit of weight.

Just got V3’s and used them in New Hampshire. He finally got these right!!

Will swear by them from now on. Ingenious fit system. Sits tight, suuuper light, 12 teeth per crampon, even more compact than originals. Love them. Vargo’s original Pocket Cleats were utterly unusable, IMO, because of sliding. V3 is a totally different story. Only things I would suggest:

– Add an option for bigger teeth for more pitched terrain. The teeth are significantly bigger than most mainstream things like Microspikes, but could still be taller.
– Coat the leather strips in liquid plastic. Will still be flexible, but more durable on ice.

Order safely.

Gary – very helpful….thanks!

These are currently available at a pretty good price on Massdrop.

Gary, Have you hiked with Microspikes? Do you miss the heel plate?

Robert, The MassDrop pricing is tempting to me at $42 for Titanium (4.8 ounces/pair) and $32 for Stainless (6 ounces/pair). I wonder if there is any compelling reason to go for the Stainless model over the Titanium model? I suspect durability would be better on the Stainless model but I would not expect to use these a lot.

Cameron, my Chainsen City Lites weigh 2.8 oz/pair, size XL.  The spikes are small, so I wouldn’t use them on a steep incline, probably 15 degrees max.

What type of terrain were you hiking on, Gary? I’d like to get your opinion on whether these would be sufficient for something like the Sierra for those passes that still have some snow. Or is the traction not sufficient for steeper angle or side hilling? Glad you seem to like them! @gosha007

Massdrop has these for $42 in Ti again. I’m still tempted to pick them up for hiking in the Sierra when there is just a little bit of snow left this summer. Has anyone else had tried these out yet?

Couldn’t resist the massdrop deal.  Now just waiting for them to drop.

Any updates?  Trying to figure out what I will use on the High Sierra Trail later this summer.

OK, I think I’ll be getting a pair of V3 cleats. I like the versatility and of course the low weight.

i have a Vargo alky stove and it is very well made so I expect the V3 cleats will be as well.