Hiking Tips: Yaktraxs vs Microspikes vs Crampons vs Snowshoes

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

All the gear I use can be found in the description of the video above!

[@cullenluka6899]

pro tip : watch series at InstaFlixxer. I've been using it for watching loads of movies lately.

[@malcolmalexis1471]

@Cullen Luka definitely, I've been watching on InstaFlixxer for since november myself :D

[@nicksangetta8874]

Microspikes are one of the most valuable pieces of equipment a hiker can own from October through June in Colorado in my opinion. They get me through just about everything. I would highly recommend spending the few extra dollars on the Kahtoolas. I think they are lighter and more durable. I actually broke the Hillsounds.

[@b1_ferg]

Thanks so much, man. I'm new to winter hiking so this was awesome!

[@tt-designs124]

Thanks for the information! As I move into more technical terrain I have enjoyed watching your videos. This was a great breakdown on the strap-on versus step-in Crampons. Cheers hombre!

[@pw2883]

Hi Sherpa! This is my first winter in Colorado. I’ve used microspikes numerous times already with excellent results. Only $25 on Amazon - great deal.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Agree, for the price point - they are impossible to beat

[@MrSomeofthem]

Dude your channel just rocks. So much useful information!! thanks for the clarification. Cheers

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

MrSomeofthem awesome glad you found it helpful 🤘🏽

[@rommelnavarrette2831]

Very good information. I learned plenty. Thank you

[@mountaintrailventures]

Thank You for the information!

[@already_not_yet]

Thanks man, this helped me as I prepare to climb Mt. Adams.

[@Rick_Schott]

The groups I’m in seem to go on about the differences between recreational, rolling hills, and backcountry snowshoes. We always have someone asking “can I buy these cheap ones from Amazon?” and the answer is always a resounding “no!” As for me, I have Microspikes and I’m getting snowshoes but I have trouble understanding how crampons fit in.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Richard Schott completely agree with you, when it comes to most outdoor gear it pays to invest in quality vs cheaper price. For snowshoes it’s essentially the length and whether or not the shoes have that bar I showed in the video that changes where they can be taken. Spikes are great but once you start getting to very steep or icy terrain, they won’t cut it and crampons will be needed.

[@Rick_Schott]

On the snowshoes they talk about the traction rails, which your Cabela’s shoes do have but my cheap rec set does not. Here in the Adirondacks it is often a beaten but slippery path. I’m no ice climber but some of the scrambles can be sketchy, I’ll keep an open mind about crampons for sure.

[@rommelnavarrette2831]

I started hiking 1 year ago and didn't know anything about these things until I fell my ass bruising my arm hiking Thunder mountain on mt baldy. Know I'm all micro spikes

[@Wigglythegreat2]

Nice video! Your Microspikes look well worn. I like Microspikes, but I'm not a fan of this style yaktrax with the coiled wire. This year I am going to try the Hillsound Flexsteps for snow blowing and activities that don't require an aggressive spike. We'll see if they hold up. I have some Microspikes already but they are too aggressive for snow blowing, but I like them for hiking.

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Agree - for stuff around the house yaktraxs would def be the way to go. Hillsound makes great products, let me know what you think!

[@michaelroche1987]

Nice deck

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Thanks man - just got it redone so it looks much better now.

[@vernonwilson2068]

Have you looked into the katoola k10 and its and what they’re good for?

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Have heard of them yeah but never tried a pair. To me, they look like a solid replacement for a microspike and provide some more grip on a trail runner in softer snow (aka Spring time). I would never use them a full on crampon replacement.

[@vernonwilson2068]

@ I would use the, as a replacement for microspikes on softer snow where microspikes can have problems. I have no desire to go where I need real crampons but it’s fun watching other people do it lol.

[@X_explorer]

Good channel!

[@itdidnotworkmichael]

Really love your channel man! Been watching your stuff for a while. What do you use generally for winter mountain hiking (boot)? Something that’s Not a mountaineering boot but can take strap on crampons well. Any info would be appreciated 👍🏻

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Thanks, really appreciate the support. Boots are a tough one and I always recommend trying them on. The biggest issue for me has been finding a boot to deal with Colorado's rugged terrain and varied conditions. After trying a few, I am currently wearing the La Sportiva TRK GTX which have held up great and are crampon compatible. www.rei.com/product/895632/la-sportiva-trango-trk-gtx-hiking-boots-mens For mountaineering boots, I use the La Sportiva EVO GTX which have been great as well: www.rei.com/product/147183/la-sportiva-nepal-evo-gtx-mountaineering-boots-mens

[@thomasmontoya7279]

could cheap tennis rackets suffice as snow shoe?

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Probably? But I would just spend the extra for a sure fire guarantee that will likely be much more reliable, last way longer and probably weigh less

[@peanut_buddah]

Hi there from germany, Virtual Sherpa - and thanks for the tips! I am looking for a completely plastic- and silicone-free pair of spikes. Do you, by chance, have any recommendations?

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Hey Vince, don’t think that type of spikes exist unfortunately. All the ones I know of use some sort of silicone.

[@peanut_buddah]

@@TheVirtualsherpa Hey Virtual Sherpa, thanks for answering. That's what I thought :/ to me it's kinda sad, because rank 7 in terms of microplastic abrasion are shoes and I wanted to avoid putting even more plastic onto them

[@iwantcartonsofchocolatemil6999]

What if one of his shoes fall down

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Reminds me of an office quote: Jim: How many shoes do you need? Dwight: I don’t know. Two, maybe three if one wears out. How many shoes do you need?

[@jamesdorsheimer2124]

Powdertails? Crampons forsteeper angles?

[@TheVirtualsherpa]

Correct - typically microspikes will not cut it for anything that is over 25ish degrees in slope or ice covered. Of course, conditions dictate anything, so that angle is just a general starting point.

[@Sirskibumsalot]

Well they do make full on crampons for hiking boots and trail runners ....I have some . And others for just my ski boots too ...maybe you did not know but one brand is ( Kahtoola )....for hiking boots etc.

[@maxverley5290]

My grandma uses micro spikes when she walks around the block in the winter. Micro spikes are for grandmas

[@Tsumami__]

Well then I'm a Gmilf

[@linoosprey3906]

Kitana Kojima gilf 🤣😂

[@keithquinn5624]

@@Tsumami__ you’re woke