Introduction to Traction Equipment:
Winter brings all sorts of new adventures and challenges to our hiking experiences. One of these challenges is traversing ice and snow-covered trails. My first experience without any traction equipment left me with a numb bottom and a bruised ego. Now I am wiser and thankfully less sore after learning from the hard way. Here I have three of my top picks for traction equipment that will keep you off the ground and on the trail during those slippery winter hikes.
The 3 Traction Equipment:
Well ever since my first winter hike I decided to invest in some traction equipment and the three types I think are highly beneficial to a winter hiker are:
- Micro spikes
- Snowshoes
- Trekking Poles
Traction Equipment #1: Micro spikes
Micro spikes are a type of traction device that fit over your shoes to provide extra grip on those slippery surfaces. They are perfect for icy conditions on the trails.
What are they?
Also called Snow cleats, Micro spikes are metal teeth like spikes that attach to the bottom of your boots and provide traction on ice and snow. They can be attached to footwear in a number of ways, including straps, elastic bands, or built-in clips. The spikes tend to be about a ¼ inch to ½ inch in size and also sometimes have a wrapped chain on the sole that provides extra traction when hiking on ice or packed snow.
Traction Equipment #2: Snowshoes
Snowshoes are shoes with a large, flat surface that provide added stability and flotation in deep snow. They are great for hiking through fresh snow and can also be used with crampons for added traction. The crampon feature adds the benefit of spikes to the snowshoe creating a more stable hike on slippery trails.
How do they Work?
Snowshoes distribute the person’s weight over a larger area called the “deck.” The “deck” is typically made out of plastic, metal, or wood. The deck comes in various sizes depending on the person’s weight, usually the heavier the person the larger the snowshoe size.
Traction Equipment #3: Trekking Poles
Trekking poles are poles with metal tips that provide stability and balance on snow and ice. They are great for your uphill and downhill traction needs.
Why Trekking Poles?
Trekking poles add the benefit of balance to the climb. When hiking on ice or snow and using micro spikes or snowshoes, trekking poles help move the strain of trekking to your upper body and distribute the task, so you don’t tire as quickly. Trekking poles have a point at the bottom, usually covered by a removable rubber guard. In the winter, this point comes in handy to pull as you hike or keep your body upright when going downhill on icy trails.
Conclusion:
These 3-traction equipment for winter hikes are part of some of the basic equipment I think everyone should have for the snow- and ice-covered trails. Some people may think the winter season ends when the calendar says so, but as I found out hiking the Catskill High Peaks last year, it can sometimes go a little further than you think. It’s best to have these types of gear in your car or bag just in case, even a month or so after they say winter is over. And if you need some ideas on what to wear to stay warm and dry, check out my post 9 Wonderful Things to Wear Hiking in the Winter.
Some Last Points:
- Always check Weather Forecasts and condition reports before heading on the trail.
- If the gear is too expensive, some outdoor stores and visitor centers offer rentals.
- Know yourself- hike within your own abilities and when you can with another person, especially in winter conditions.
- Don’t forget to have fun and experiment with the trails you know in all types of seasons!