Traction Devices

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CAMP XLC 490 Crampons
Gear Swap

CAMP crampons. Limited use over 2 days of hiking. $90 shipped. Add 3% for pay pal. XLC 490 Universal Aluminum Crampons

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Cottage Gear Guide: Ultralight Hiking & Backpacking Gear from Small, Startup, and Cottage Brands
Article

Discover the most unique, innovative, and ultralight backpacking gear from small, startup, and cottage brands in our Cottage Gear Guide.

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Kahtoola KTS Hiking Crampons – Brand New
Gear Swap

Sale Includes the following to complete the system: Crampons ($169 retail) Skins ($19.95 retail) Crampon Carry Bag ($19.99 retail) These are lightweight and equally important easy on/off hiking crampons Price…

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Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Device, size Large
Gear Swap

Looking for the best possible condition pair of Black Diamond Distance Spike Traction Devices, in size large.

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Traction Spikes
Article

An in-depth guide to traction spikes for hiking, backpacking and running in all seasons. Compare models, materials, and performance attributes with insights from field testing to find performant options for different use cases.

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Episode 118 | Traction Spikes
Article

In episode 118 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn about traction systems for snow travel.

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Episode 117 | Snowshoe Sizing
Article

In episode 117 of the Backpacking Light podcast we’re going to learn how to size snowshoes, minimize sinkage, and save energy for your next winter adventure in deep snow.

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Want to buy (WTB): Vargo Pocket Cleats V3 Titanium
Gear Swap

Title says is all. I’m not interested in previous V1 or V2 versions of their pocket cleats. Also not interested in the stainless steel version. Need to have a lightweight…

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WTB: Kahtoola Microspikes, size M
Gear Swap

Looking for a pair of lightly used Kahtoola microspikes, size M.  Anyone have a pair?   Thanks!   Andrew

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Publisher’s Gear Guide Update (Nov ’23)
Article

The Publisher’s Gear Guide has been updated. This gear guide contains recommendations in various categories by Backpacking Light Publisher and Founder Ryan Jordan. This is the gear he actually chooses to use on his own trips.

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Vargo Vtrac Pocket Cleats (or V3)
Gear Swap

Title says is all. I’m not interested in previous V1 or V2 versions of their pocket cleats. However, I would consider the V3 (3-cleat design) and their current Solo Cleat…

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2022 Backpacking Light Members Choice Awards
Article

First annual Members Choice Awards – what gear do our members use and love as we near the end of 2022?

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Sold: Brand New Chainsen City Spikes – Small (men’s shoe size 5-8) – Free
Gear Swap

Brand New Chanson City Spikes – Small. They’re called Medium but they’re the smallest of their 3 sizes, fits Men’s shoe size 5-8. These are extremely minimalist, short spikes (75…

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Vargo Titanium V3 Pocket Cleats
Gear Swap

These are great devices for times when you need a bit of traction to get through.  I have used them exclusively on trail runners.  On my scale, they weigh 4.3…

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WTS Brand New Petzl Leopard FL FlexLock Strap On Crampons
Gear Swap

https://imgur.com/a/OVjztP9 $120 shipped CONUS. PayPal F&F, Venmo, Zelle. Brand New with Tags and Original Box. Bought after dreaming up an adventure that never happened. My scale says 14.3 oz but…

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Vargo Titanium Pocket Cleats
Gear Swap

This is an unused earlier version of the Vargo Pocket Cleats.  I carried them for a few years in my winter pack and never needed them.  Size 11-13. The cleats…

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Kahtoola Microspikes
Gear

The lightest microspikes are either fragile (lack durability), or don’t offer aggressive traction (not enough spikes, or the spikes aren’t long enough). You certainly don’t want your microspikes to fail…

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Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra
Gear

Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultras are mid-weight, mid-traction crampons designed for improving traction on unstable footing due to rain, mud, snow, and ice. Trail Crampon Ultras feature largest-in-class traction teeth, an…

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Vargo Pocket Cleats Solo
Gear

This is not an all-purpose traction device. It’s a minimalist instep crampon designed for incidental use on hard snow, and should be used on steep terrain only by hikers with…

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Black Diamond Blitz Traction Spikes
Gear

When the lightest and most compact traction device is required for the incidental snow patch here and there, consider the Black Diamond Blitz. These aren’t appropriate for icy winter conditions,…

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