Gear Review: Kahtoola K·10 Hiking Crampons

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear, Winter Hiking |

Why Buy? I have found myself in situations where I wanted more traction than my MICROspikes could provide, but using mountaineering crampons (ie Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons) was overkill. Kahtoola K•10 Hiking Crampons seemed to be a good solution. First Impressions An interesting feature of the K•10s is that they will work with many types of footwear. Step-in crampons require mountaineering boots … Read More

Gear Review: Tenacious Tape

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear |

I’ve started to repair some of my gear with Tenacious Tape. I will add details once I’ve tested it’s durability more. This is what I’ve repaired so far: Outdoor Research M’s Verglas Gaiters I tore a hole in these gaiters with my crampons The gallery includes photos before the repair and immediately afterwards. I will add some current pics soon – the tape … Read More

Charlton Peak Snowshoe, Jan 31 2015

posted in: Hiking Gear, Photos, Trip Report, Winter Hiking |

I finally participated in my first meetup hike. I joined meetup in 2012, but since most of my hikes were summer hikes on established trails with a group of friends, I didn’t see the need for meetup. Thinking back, I think it’s been three years since I went on a hike that I did not plan. This year I am going on … Read More

Hillsound Equipment’s Winter Traction Devices

posted in: Hiking Gear, Winter Hiking |

_____________ Over the last few weeks, I’ve seen some confusion regarding the ‘winter traction devices’ that Hillsound Equipment produces. Here is a table showing the 4 models I’ve seen hikers mention and their distinguishing features.   FreeStep6 Crampons  Trail Crampon Trail Crampon Ultra Trail Crampon PRO # of Points 21 11 18 10 Point Length 1.2 cm 1.6 cm 1.5 cm 2.0 cm … Read More

Gear: Packing Lists

posted in: Geek Files, Hiking Gear |

Over the last couple of years, I’ve developed several ‘packing lists’ that I use when preparing for a hike. I don’t ever bring everything that is on any of the lists, I just use the lists as a reminder of anything I may want/need to bring. What I usually do is print out the most appropriate list for my hike, … Read More

Gear Repair: Winter Traction Devices

posted in: Hiking Gear |

Question: Have any of you needed to repair Kahtoola Microspikes, Hillsound Trail Crampons or a similar product while you’ve been out on the trail? What’s the most effective way to repair them? Is it worthwhile to carry a backup set if you have them available to you? I am in the process of putting together a repair kit to carry on … Read More

Gear Review: Hillsound Trail Crampons

posted in: Gear Reviews, Hiking Gear, Winter Hiking |

Why Buy? I purchased a set of Hillsound FreeSteps6 Traction Devices for my father-in-law earlier this year in preparation for our Mt. Whitney. Looking at their construction and materials, I thought they were very similar to my more expensive Kahtoola Microspikes. I began to wonder why I had not seen FreeSteps recommended on the several hiking forums and facebook hiking groups I belong to. … Read More

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