How to Choose Between Microspikes and Crampons for Backpackers and Climbers

Choosing between Microspikes and crampons can be a difficult choice. There are many factors to consider. Aaron talks about the value of each, where they’re both best to use, and how you can more easily decide between the two. Crampons are for more hard-core mountaineering and Microspikes not as much, but you’ll be amazed to hear where he’s seen them used.
Get the items in this video available on Amazon:
Microspikes: amzn.to/2Myfr25
Grivel G12 crampons: amzn.to/32qzJjr
Black Diamond crampon bag: amzn.to/2CUpc51
Camp crampon point protectors: amzn.to/35lGX9h
Watch Aaron’s How To sharpen crampons video: • How to PROPERLY Sharpe...
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Aaron Linsdau is a polar explorer and motivational speaker. He is the second only American to ski alone from the coast of Antarctica to the South Pole, setting a world record for surviving the longest expedition ever for that trip. Aaron is an Amazon best-selling author, is an expert at overcoming adversity and minimizing risk, and loves improving the lives of others.
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[@arthuradjamoglian2418]

It's actually hilarious how perfect this video is for me. I have those microspikes and just bought some BD contact crampons and wanted to hike San Gorgonio on Feb 10th and couldn't decided which to pair with my Merrell Thermo Chill mid waterproof boots. I'll follow your advice on the microspikes. Thank you so much! Awesome content getting into the nitty gritty of those more nuanced choices. Very useful for people like me that are learning a lot of this on their own from online resources! Subscribed! Keep it up!

[@ALinsdau]

Be safe out there.

[@LoLo-ue5xe]

Very informative video. I had no idea I was using microspikes for the past 3 years and just referred to them as crampons

[@withpikachu2402]

Never believe anything you see on the internet

[@J0MBi]

Thanks for making and sharing this video, it answered my questions about these devices and then some. I appreciate the information.

[@ALinsdau]

Glad it was helpful!

[@celulaboom2687]

Love how you explained the differences. I'm attempting MT Baldy in California soon .... Thanks for your video!

[@ALinsdau]

Good luck and be safe!!

[@ALinsdau]

Get the items in this video available on Amazon: Microspikes: amzn.to/2Myfr25 Grivel G12 crampons: amzn.to/32qzJjr

[@hawkeye4469]

Big thanks brother. Hiked a mountain with some weight the other day and fell and almost slipped right off a cliff, a few times... Scary stuff. Buying some crampons. Great video.

[@ALinsdau]

Whoa - be safe out there.

[@lancewadethomas8709]

Thank you for this! Your method of explanation..comparison/contrast... progressing from obvious/simple hypothetical ones, "crossover areas", explaining what things "aren't" rather than merely what they "are", is the way everyone should explain subjects, but few do. Great video on the difference between mountaineering footwear and climbing aids👍🏻💯🇺🇲

[@ALinsdau]

Glad it was helpful!

[@korbynjasper807]

pro tip : watch movies on Flixzone. Me and my gf have been using them for watching lots of of movies these days.

[@alexisroman9359]

@Korbyn Jasper yea, I've been using flixzone} for years myself =)

[@hikingtrailheads1340]

Thank you for the advice!

[@ALinsdau]

No worries!

[@DontWonderExplore]

Really informative!! Thanks for the info.

[@ALinsdau]

No worries!

[@AuthorMelissaCook]

Great show! Thanks.

[@ALinsdau]

You bet!

[@maribelc1793]

You are funny! Loved the Microspike cheek test! My husband and I are headed to the Sequoias in a couple of weeks, snow might be a factor, not 100% sure. Watching your video I think we will stick with our microspikes.

[@ALinsdau]

There will be snow in Sequoia: www.nps.gov/seki/planyourvisit/conditions.htm Glad you enjoyed the cheek test - that's definitely a standard and at least it doesn't leave a mark. :) Enjoy the trip - I LOVE Sequoia NP. Share your videos/pix!

[@SuperRipper1234]

great channel. Very nice and descriptive vid.

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks for watching.

[@dallasdandigitalproduction393]

Very helpful. Thanks

[@ALinsdau]

No worries!

[@vickilinsdau8687]

Great review 👍🏻

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks for watching.

[@cheliospanama9786]

Thanks 👍

[@ALinsdau]

Welcome 👍

[@kentroklus]

Love the channel, and thank you! What I would love to see from you is, in addition to the reviews, also some skill videos. The reason I love your channel so much is I get the opinion of someone who has used the gear in real world situations, therefore I value your opinion much more than the product’s website or the 19 year old sales associate at REI. But I’d also LOVE to get the benefit of your experience out on the trail as well. For example, how best to cross an ice field from your expert opinion. How to carry an ice axe and properly use it when necessary. How to, I don’t know, read a map or read the weather or how to plan an expedition, stuff like that. Knowledge you have learned through hard experience that can benefit your viewers and that we probably cant find anywhere else. Also, I’d love to hear some anecdotes from your life as an explorer. Also also, though I suppose this isn’t necessary, I’d love to see your videos filmed out in nature rather than just a room (though I still love your vids, wherever they may be filmed. This is just an idea). Thank you again for your content, and keep it comin’!

[@ALinsdau]

Sure can do. The tough part is I'm on the Oregon coast, so it's rainy often, making outdoor filming tough. I'll see what I can do if the weather and the filming schedule cooperates. Thank you! I'd rather film in the field - as it's much more effective, I'm just not near convenient snow.

[@ALinsdau]

Skill videos on the way this week!

[@ALinsdau]

Skill video - Cut paracord without a knife: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rYOYcpKZfMSordU

[@KCCgoKartMAN]

@@ALinsdau I had no clue that you’re local, that’s awesome! Question for ya, I’m planning on St. Helens in April. is that still going to be iced up enough to want crampons or could I do micro spikes?

[@tankhistoryfordummies]

Should I use crampons or microspikes for a peak involving 2km of glacier travel (40 degrees steep) and a some ridge climbing (50 degrees steep)? The ridge is usually covered with snow even in August. There is also another route involving 2.5km of glacier travel with the same steepness and couloir climbing that is really steep (so steep that most people need a pair of ice tools such as the Petzl Quarks). The peak is 10000 ft tall and is in BC Canada.

[@ALinsdau]

Crampons for sure. That’s way too steep for micro spikes. Bring a ice axe, climbing partner, rope etc. That much glacier travel is risky w/o correct gear. Be safe.

[@tankhistoryfordummies]

@@ALinsdau Thanks, I just purchased Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip crampons and B2 mountaineering boots ( with a heel bail ). I already have a Petzl Summit EVO ice axe. I will buy ropes and harness next.

[@bobbyd6499]

Although, I’m just a city boy from the near west suburbs of Chitcago, I do NOT do any mountain climbing (for which I would use the 1” cleat Crampons) but I chose what you call the “micro spikes” which, ironically are ALSO made by Crampon, for my needs as a truck driver. I am 57 years old, have walked on ALOT of snow & ice in my day, and I simply MUST say, that the 1/2” cleats of the so-called “ micro spikes” are MORE than adequate to handle the winter blasts that we encounter here. Our snow thaws, refreezes, thaws, and refreezes, numerous times during our winters, and ultimately becomes a SHEET OF SOLID ICE. The trick to using the “micro spike” cleats is to simply STOMP your feet into the frozen surface that you are intending to walk on.

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks for the info.

[@KV_Aventuras]

Thank you. Great insights for me to consider. I have the Kahtoola micro spikes and use them with trail runners. I also have the Kahtoola KTS crampons. They are a hybrid crampon with a flexible shank. They’d work well with the Merrell boots you showed in your video. You can even wear them with trail runners. Are you familiar with the KTS? Wondered if you thought they’d be a viable third option. They’re also safer to carry than full sized crampons. Thanks again. Your videos are very useful.

[@ALinsdau]

They are useful yes.

[@cerberus0413]

I was curious about this exact question. A group went out last weekend and were slipping in micro spikes, so most transitioned to snowshoes. Presumably because they have "crampon esque" traction, at least my set does, and I used them as such earlier this week. I was thinking the K10s would be a better option on a packed trail that needs more engagement than spikes, but snowshoes would be to much.

[@wolfeadventures]

What do you think of the Hillsound Trail crampon? It seems like a beefier Microspike, but not yet before crampon.

[@ALinsdau]

The Hillsounds look neat - just a bit more aggressive than Microspikes but not much more. Consider these: PETZL Leopard FlexLock Crampon: amzn.to/3lL2I0m

[@ytutoriallearning6251]

The Black Diamond crampons in the video seem to have tape in the bottom, is that to stop snow from getting packed and stuck underneath the crampons ? If so, it would be interesting to see a video how it can be done. I have crampons which dont have this flat plastic underneath as some crampons seem to have. Also what kind of snow to be wary of in this respect. Btw I think your channel is great, learning from your experience has been very helpful, especially how to stay warm in varius circumstances in winter time and with more confidence throwing stuff into the backpack as contingency if weather suddenly gets really bad here in Iceland as the winter weather here is notorios for.

[@ALinsdau]

Yes, I added duct tape to the bottom of the crampons as a poor-mans anit-bot plate. Most all crampons now come with the rubber/plastic on the bottom to help reduce the ice ball problem. You live in Iceland? I'd love to visit some time.

[@ytutoriallearning6251]

@@ALinsdau Yes I live in Iceland and I can definitely give you some good suggestions for hiking if you visit :)

[@vlord47]

Hi ALinsdau. Are there any microspikes out there without silicone and plastic maybe?

[@ALinsdau]

It'd have to be stretchable plastic. Check out these options for lighter duty crampons: Kahtoola K 10 Hiking Crampon: amzn.to/3eW1c4t CAMP XLC 490 Universal Crampons: amzn.to/3HB1gCW CAMP Stalker Universal Crampons: amzn.to/3G2oVfa

[@cory8242]

I think hybrid petzl crampons will work on a flex shoe?

[@ALinsdau]

These certainly would: PETZL Leopard FlexLock Crampon: amzn.to/3xR994x Petzl Irvis Hybrid Crampons: amzn.to/3lKrk9c

[@andrewazorian2786]

Hey Aaron, did you happen to put the link for the spike protectors in the description?

[@ALinsdau]

Black Diamond crampon bag: amzn.to/2CUpc51 Here's the option for point protectors I found on Amazon: Camp crampon point protectors: amzn.to/35lGX9h

[@merrittlaytour735]

Here are some options: Black Diamond crampon bag: amzn.to/2CUpc51 Camp crampon point protectors: amzn.to/35lGX9h

[@andrewazorian2786]

Thank you for putting those in there Aaron. Would you recommend one over the other or do you think either one would suffice?

[@ALinsdau]

Either would suffice. The rubber ones I have are 20% split along the connections, so they'll eventually die. I'll have to do a video about crampon protectors. Thanks!

[@andrewazorian2786]

Of course! Thank you for your input, I appreciate it!

[@amonster8mymother]

I use winter hiking boots.

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks for watching!

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

👍🏻

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks for watching.

[@AmanSharma-ox7xj]

🙏🙏

[@ALinsdau]

Thanks!

[@iwantcartonsofchocolatemil6999]

I I climbed gorgonio when I was 12 with nothing in my shoes

[@JoeZUGOOLA]

Not even your feet?

[@ALinsdau]

In the right season, it's tennis shoe compatible.

[@LinusWilson]

Only use microspikes if u are broke

[@ALinsdau]

Too true.

[@Elperroviejo1]

it seeings to me that you getting $$ for sailing the micro spikes hahahahah

[@ALinsdau]

I wish but no, sadly.