Crampons?

[mudygmc]

Hello, just curious how many guys wear crampons hunting. I hunt solo mostly and am trying my best to avoid the slide to the bottom. I have a couple pairs of chain and cable models. One even has shaped carbide pieces over the cable. They have a rubber band that goes1-1.5in up the side of my boots. In really steep terrain they will roll off the side of my boot. They also don't really make a big difference in traction. Yes some but not like a guy would hope. Curious if you guys use crampons, which ones, and what you think of them. I'm not going to climb a glacier anytime soon but steep snow covered grass and rock are fairly common. Just looking for ideas to keep myself safe hunting solo.

Adam

 

[BadDogPSD]

I've never hunted in crampons, but I have used them mountain climbing. You'll need boots that are designed for crampons (mountaineering boots), and you'll need to be careful as it's fairly easy to tear/cut your pant leg with the sharp tips. Good gaiters help.
I've used black diamond & petzel. Both worked well.

 

[forester22]

I've only used real, heavy duty crampons for genuine mountaineering, and I don't enjoy wearing them. I like Kahtoola microspikes, but not everyone does. Something like a lightweight ten-point non-technical crampon could be right up your alley, and any heavy-ish hiking boots should work with them.

 

[mudygmc]

I've only used real, heavy duty crampons for genuine mountaineering, and I don't enjoy wearing them. I like Kahtoola microspikes, but not everyone does. Something like a lightweight ten-point non-technical crampon could be right up your alley, and any heavy-ish hiking boots should work with them.

Awesome I appreciate the info. I will see what I can find

Adam

 

[laker]

Walking sticks

 

[mudygmc]

I use trekking poles anytime I pack game and most of the time in steep terrain. They are Definetly worth their weight. Looking for foot traction ideas. Kahtoola microspikes are around 60. So not bad. I will probably pick up a set.

Adam

 

[dreamhunt]

I think crampons will cause serious problems in timber and maybe even injuries.
boot chains might help some but when you step on a branch pointing downhill in snow when traveling you're going to be on your butt no mater what. I have all my boots resoled to huge air bobs right after I get them and it has made a big difference for me. I hit the ground much less often now even when on really steep terrain.
Good Hunting.

 

[forester22]

Hillsound trail crampons are also a good choice IMO. They have an extra strap that looks like it helps keep things more secure on the feet.

 

[J man]

yaktrax are lighter weight and more packable than crampons. They also aren't as good but they're better than nothing.

 

[mudygmc]

I've got a couple pairs of yaktrax. They are fine for walking on a frozen lake. About useless in hills and snow.

Adam

 

[AkBirder300]

Kahtoola microspikes here too. Light weight and really help, I wear them with Lowa sheep hunters and they don't slip off in scree/snow

 

[sp6x6]

Ive used Grivel universal fit aluminum crampons last 15 years for high country muley hunting.Light easy to just lash to pack.When in that tougher country I do run a mountaineer type boot like a Aslos G5,or scarpa.But run them many times on my ankle high Crispis's.Always have a gaiter that ti of year.Great for getting up to tough spots,When I was younger I could pull straight up slide chutes which clear way to top.Buddy and I shot 2 bulls down in steep hole,just crampon up and straight to them,guy with us had to detour,to dangerous for him on chute. You can also detune them if you want with a grinder easy,I did a small amount.Or they wear in on rock. On those first snows with no base and bear grass etc is where they really shine,its just like having 4 wheel drive.

 

[flyguy1]

In all sincerity, if you are hunting solo in places where you need crampons more important than type is to find a hunting buddy.

 

[Rockchuck27]

I have a pair of the Kathoolas that are nice on ice, but I feel they dont add much for me in snow on steep slopes.