Walking On Ice: Stabilicers, Yaktrax, etc...

**Quillfred** · 11-30-2006, 08:19 AM

For the most part, my use of the anti-slips would be flat and hilly ice for around home and in the mountains (parking lots). I will be spending a week in Juneau and Wrangell (Alaska) in December but I don't have illusions about walking on the glaciers. Time for XC skiing.

I found a few more links this morning (thanks coffee) that provide some debate. The recommendations do shift based on the steepness, frequency of use, altitude (climbing vs walking).

http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/arch...hp/t-3862.html

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/st...egory_rn=69710

divingbiker - I am leaning towards the Yaktrax for my applications. I won't be using them often enough to worry about durability. Glad to hear you like them.

DebW - I haven't hiked in the winter before but have had pretty good luck with my poles and Vibrams crossing the occasional ice field on Rainier trails during the Summer and Fall. However, if we continue to have snow and ice with any frequency, I will consider http://www.kahtoola.com/ Thanks for your well-considered answer.

EastHill - You're right there. I posted this after hearing a quick mention of Yaktrax and Shoe Claws mentioned on the news. I figured if I was thinking about it, others might be too.

Thanks!
Quill

**Aliva21** · 07-10-2009, 02:29 AM

Everyone I know who have used Yaktrax for hiking have had a negative experience with them. The seem best suited for flat, level terrain i.e. icy sidewalks. The Lee Valley icers seem to be the way to go for hiking slippery trails.

**lph** · 07-10-2009, 02:51 AM

Ok. So I can't help being very curious... exactly how did this thread come to be resurrected in July??

or am I being very Northern hemisphere-centric here...

**NoNo** · 07-10-2009, 04:03 AM

I got Yaktrax last winter to help in my walk over from the train station. I thought they were great. Without them, I had zero traction and nearly wiped out with every step. With them, I could practically jog on the ice. Granted, this was on flat terrain, so I can't comment on how they'd work for hiking, but overall I was very happy with them. One of the better $20 I've spent

**Biciclista** · 07-10-2009, 05:51 AM

I have yaktrax and they made life a lot easier when everything around here was covered with icy snow. It's not all flat here. But i've never tried the other product so i can't compare. Maybe they ARE lots better; but Yaktrax is what i have for now.

**Pedal Wench** · 07-10-2009, 05:53 AM

Originally Posted by lph

Ok. So I can't help being very curious... exactly how did this thread come to be resurrected in July??

or am I being very Northern hemisphere-centric here...

I was thinking the same thing - imagining my icewalker insteps with a pair of shorts and tank top.

**SadieKate** · 07-10-2009, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Aliva21

Everyone I know who have used Yaktrax for hiking have had a negative experience with them. The seem best suited for flat, level terrain i.e. icy sidewalks. The Lee Valley icers seem to be the way to go for hiking slippery trails.

Originally Posted by lph

Ok. So I can't help being very curious... exactly how did this thread come to be resurrected in July??

or am I being very Northern hemisphere-centric here...

Because we have a new member and one-time poster who hasn't got the hang of the date thang yet.

**Irulan** · 07-10-2009, 06:34 AM

I was looking into similar products for a disabled relative. There are lots of reviews online, there are definitely some products out there that get consistently crappy reviews.

**Zen** · 07-10-2009, 08:54 AM

Never too early to plan ahead

it gathered a lot of interest, didn't it? Walking in icy conditions terrifies me. I'm old, what if I break a hip?

I missed it the first time around but probably be investing in Yaktraks this winter.

**BleeckerSt_Girl** · 07-10-2009, 09:00 AM

I have bought and used both YakTrax and Get-a-grip pull on ice grippers....used both a LOT since I do fitness walking in the wintertime on the streets and roads.
I find the Yaktrax typically only last one season before the metal coils eat their way through the rubber and break. The Get a Grips have little titanium spikes instead of coils, and they grip better and last twice as long for me.

**lph** · 07-10-2009, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by Zen

I'm old, what if I brake a hip?

Hey, Zen, if you brake a hip you'll be fine

It's that sudden stop that's a problem...

sorry, jsut having one of those snotty days

Thread: Walking On Ice: Stabilicers, Yaktrax, etc...

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