#kahtoola

[heckaroniandcheese]

im trying to buy microspikes but im trying to not buy the Quintessential Ones which are $75 but unfortunately team it seems that the overwhelming advice from google and every expert i work with is to get the $75 ones

[ujjinatd]

Los picos de tracción ligeros y ultracompactos te salvan el pellejo en terrenos helados Kahtoola, especialista en dispositiv... https://ujjina.com/los-picos-de-traccion-ligeros-y-ultracompactos-te-salvan-el-pellejo-en-terrenos-helados/?feed_id=828081&_unique_id=67313cd93bb78

[tuulikki]

^To find them, investigate and compare microspikes, nanospikes, and Yaktrax

They’re all a bit different but that means you can buy whatever suits your exact situation best.

Full-on microspikes aren’t great to walk on in grocery stores or whatever, but they’re also the burliest. I used the Kahtoola microspikes to run up a city sidewalk hill covered with a whole sheet of ice last winter. It felt like using video game cheat codes. If your city is hilly, buy as if you’re hiking: a lot of reviewers seem to live in Kansas.

time of year i remind every cane user to get an ice pick so you dont fall and die

[itsmercypriscilla]

Ice and Snow Cleats

Ice and Snow cleats

Navigating Winter with Confidence: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Ice Cleats for Your Shoes

Introduction

Winter brings its own set of challenges, and icy sidewalks and slippery surfaces are among the most daunting. Whether you’re a seasoned winter warrior or a newcomer to the cold season, investing in the right gear can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll explore the world of ice cleats, discuss the importance of choosing the best ones for your shoes, and provide valuable insights into keeping you steady on your feet during icy conditions.

Understanding Ice Cleats

Ice cleats, also known as traction cleats or ice grippers, are specialized devices designed to enhance traction on slippery surfaces. They consist of durable materials like rubber, metal, or a combination of both, featuring spikes or studs strategically placed on the sole to grip onto ice and snow. These innovative accessories transform ordinary shoes into winter-ready footwear, reducing the risk of slips and falls.

Key Features to Look for

When selecting the best ice cleats for your shoes, several key features should be considered. Firstly, look for adjustable and secure fastening mechanisms to ensure a snug fit on various shoe sizes. The material of the cleats is crucial; durable rubber provides flexibility and longevity, while metal spikes offer excellent traction. Consider the ease of putting them on and taking them off, especially when transitioning between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Top Picks for Shoe Ice Cleats

Yaktrax Diamond Grip

Renowned for its durability and superior traction, Yaktrax Diamond Grip features a patented diamond-bead design that bites into icy surfaces effectively. The lightweight and easy-to-use design make them a popular choice for winter enthusiasts.

Kahtoola MICROspikes

Designed for extreme conditions, Kahtoola MICROspikes offer robust stainless-steel spikes and an elastomer harness for a secure fit. These shoe ice cleats are perfect for those who navigate icy terrains regularly and need reliable, long-lasting traction.

STABILicers Walk Traction Cleats

With a unique cleat-and-tread combination, STABILicers Walk Traction Cleats provide maximum stability on ice and snow. The easy-to-attach design ensures a hassle-free experience, making them an excellent choice for everyday winter use.

Tips for Maintaining and Using Ice Cleats

To ensure your ice cleats remain effective throughout the winter season, regularly inspect them for wear and tear. Clean them after each use to prevent ice and snow buildup. When walking on surfaces without ice, consider removing the cleats to avoid unnecessary wear. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for usage and care to maximize the lifespan of your ice cleats.

Conclusion

Investing in the right ice cleats can turn winter strolls into a secure and confident experience. By considering the key features and exploring top picks in the market, you can find the best ice cleats for your shoes and navigate icy terrains with ease and safety. Winter adventures await — step into the season prepared and worry-free.

[eazy-group]

A very cold solo mountain wild camp | Buying camping gear with YouTube money | Kahtoola MICROspikes

New Post has been published on https://eazycamping.net/a-very-cold-solo-mountain-wild-camp-buying-camping-gear-with-youtube-money-kahtoola-microspikes/

A very cold solo mountain wild camp | Buying camping gear with YouTube money | Kahtoola MICROspikes

[icegripper]

Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction Ultralight Low Profile Grip - How To from ICEGRIPPER on Vimeo.

[alpinefitco]

How To Layer for Running and Hiking in Spring Weather

Spring is upon us, as they say, and it’s time to shift gears. Up here in Alaska the temperatures transition above freezing and we wait for ‘breakup’ when certain rivers and lakes will start to lose their ice. It’s a season of pairing down, but not too much. Arctic winds can still freeze fingers and a snowstorm in April is not unheard of. I often start a little cold but finish a little warm and sweaty, nailing the layers is difficult. But hey, at least we’re running in the daylight now…

Headwear

A thin hat is all you need and I am usually in a headband. Depending on your mood and comfort level with the temperature outside, a lined headband (fleece or merino) can be perfect. Later in spring, an unlined headband or nothing at all. If you hike or run with a backpack, these are easy to throw in the bottom or a chest pocket for use as needed. I’ll also wrap it around my wrist if I don't have a backpack. The morning darkness after daylight savings necessitates a headlight if running early in the morning but this quickly wanes.

Handwear

No more thick gloves for me. In our collection of gear at home we have some awesome La Sportiva gloves that have a mitten conversion. On a one-hour run, I’ll often start with mittens, transition to gloves after 20 minutes, and finish the last third with the gloves in my pocket. Recently I discovered WhitePaws RunMitts, a handy thumbless running mitten that flips open and can slide up your forearms as cuffs when not needed. Lately, these are my go-to for Spring runs. One-size-fits-all gloves are an easy option but are a bit thick and sweaty and do not pack well.

Tops

At around 30 degrees Fahrenheit there are 2 options that work well. One, a long sleeve with a vest or t-shirt over top or a long sleeve under a windbreaker. I recommend the latter if there is any wind from the North. Temperatures above this are comfortable in just your long sleeve, and below this keep the windbreaker. Lined jackets are rarely necessary and are a guaranteed sweat-fest; don’t rely on the breathability of your soft-shell, it isn’t enough. Conversely, a backpack is often enough to count as a second layer. Best to get comfortable starting just a little cold while anticipating delayering as core temperature increases. 

Bottoms

I’ll run in shorts in anything nearing 40F+ in the interest of staying cool. With colder temps I’ll wear either running tights, bushwhacking leggings, or thin cross-country ski pants. I do have a pair of longer shorts that cover more of the thigh that I enjoy before using my ‘fast’ side-slit shorts. Cold air will certainly cause cramping of the large muscles of the thigh if you are not careful. You can also pair shorts with tall socks for transition temps.

Footwear

This is trail dependent, and sometimes I’ll bring several options in the car, just in case conditions require adjustment. Warmth is rarely an issue so regular socks are fine. Shoe options include regular (running or hiking) shoes, studded shoes, or a combination with micro-spikes. If available, regular shoes should have big lugs to navigate snow or mud. The melt-freeze cycle on local well-used trails can often require studs if not spikes, depending on the ground cover. Early season on my local trails is often well-suited to micro-spikes. They can also be stored in a backpack just in case but be warned they tend to be heavy and bounce around a bit.

For unexpectedly cold days see also our Winter Layering blog

Gear Checklist:

Alpine Fit lightweight Merino Wool Hat

Alpine Fit Merino Wool Lined Headband

Alpine Fit unlined headband

La Sportiva gloves (with mitten conversion)

WhitePaws RunMitts

Alpine Fit long sleeve top (Rendezvous Ridge or Treeline)

Light and packable Windbreaker

Running tights

Alpine Fit Bushwhacking Leggings

Cross Country Ski Pants

Trail running shoes with big lugs/deep tread

Icebug studded trail running shoes

Kahtoola Micro Spikes

[sauerjim]

The Hot Dog Hike was an amazing experience. I signed up for it not sure that I could hike 5 consecutive 20 mile days over a challenging stretch of the Arizona Trail but knew I had to try. I fully supported the goal of raising money for the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona and figured I could accept the need for hot dog costumes as the cost of entry.

30 people signed up for the hike. 18 showed up the first day. Two of those had to drop out completely -- an old knee injury acting up for Eli and a few issues for Stephanie. Day One and Day Two featured a lot of rain.

At the end of Day Two I think it was about a dozen of us who had hiked up to Manning Camp at nearly 8,000' of elevation in the Rincon Mountains. The others took an alternate route that kept them at lower elevations and avoided the snow. (One of these "low altitude hot dogs" -- Dan -- did a lot of extra hiking on Day Three when he went out with cookies and Gatorade to escort some slower hikers who didn't make it in to camp until well after sunset.)

Day Three ended with a regrouping at the Molino Basin Campground at the base of the Catalina Mountains. It was a party. Live music. Beer. Pizza. It was really fun.

Day Four saw the group split again. Most people opted for a shorter and lower-altitude hike across to Hutch's Pool just above Sabino Canyon. This kept them on a well-maintained trail and out of the snow.

Three hikers (Addison, Sarah, & Eric) hiked up to the Palisades Visitor's Center using the Palisades Trail on the south side of Mt Lemmon. This trail was rumored to be overgrown, but facing south, it was expected to be largely clear of snow.

[Here I'll mention "Non-Dog", also know as "Punisher". He hiked with the Hutch's Pool group and then continued up to Romero Pass, through the Wilderness of Rocks Trail and all the way to Summerhaven. "Non-Dog" got his trail name because he was not officially signed up for the hike and did not hike in costume. "Non-Dog" is an ultra-marathon runner who will be competing in the 200+ mile "Tahoe 200" in June. "Non-Dog" was great to hike with and we were all happy to have him around for our hike.]

On Day Four I decided to try my luck with the route as originally planned. I hiked up the Bug Spring Trail to the Green Mountain Trail, also ending up at the Palisades Visitor's Center. I wore Kahtoola Exospikes for traction in the snow and carried snowshoes but didn't need them.

I made it up the hill but stopped five miles short of my goal for the day because my pace was too slow. I met up with Monica (who drove up to meet me) and we stayed at a primative cabin (no running water, no heat) for the night. On the morning of Day Five Monica drove me to meet up with the other three hikers on Mt Lemmon at Summerhaven and we hiked together until we met up with the larger group at Romero Pools. From there we hiked as a group to the final party at Catalina State Park.

In the end I hiked 95 miles of the planned 100 miles. I feel good about that effort and will go up and hike those last 5 miles as soon as my sore legs and feet are fully recovered.

I feel even better about the money we raised for the Food Bank: as of 3/23/23 we raised over $25,000. More than $3,100 came from my friends and family. Thank you to all who supported this effort!

[chrisklug]

Thank you to our awesome @chrisklugfoundation #summitforlife volunteers. Debbie has been volunteering for us for 16 years! We couldn’t pull off tonight without you @aspensnowmass @aspensnowmasssir @kahtoola @aspenvalleyhospital @aspentimes @paradise_bakery_aspen @aspensquarecondominiumhotel @theduckco @deepriversnacks @utemountaineer @donatelifeco (at Aspen, Colorado) https://www.instagram.com/p/CluITpquaPe/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[pcttrailsidereader]

Take the Trail Seriously -- Advice from Two Parents Who Lost Everything

Hikers are heading out on the PCT to take advantage of Southern California's warm winter and to beat the potential for an arid spring. The PCTA just posted this essay from two parents whose children began the trail but never came home. It is an important reminder not to underestimate the challenges of the trail and to thoughtfully prepare for the PCT.

Doug Laher also contributed a very poignant story about his son, Trevor, to Crossing Paths: A Pacific Crest Trail. This cautionary tale draws up the experiences of Doug Laher and Sally Fowler, both of whom lost children to the trail.

Fuller Ridge (Jon King, www.sanjacjon.com)

The PCT is challenging and passes through more miles of designated Wilderness than any other National Scenic Trail. The trail, and wilderness itself, exists in part as a rare place to meet untamed nature and experience great physical challenge and accomplishment. Self-reliance is one of the key tenets of backcountry travel, and the PCT is a place to hone your primitive travel and survival skills.

While thousands of people set off to travel the entire PCT each year, the reality is that only some of them will finish. There are many more who won’t. Some will quit, some will be forced off-trail because of injury, some will quit because they weren’t emotionally prepared, and others may require evacuation by search and rescue. Most all will return home to friends and family and live another day to plan their next adventure.

But there are a small number who won’t return home—either from a fatal accident, or they simply disappear into the landscape surrounding the trail—never to be seen again. The bottom line? The PCT is filled with danger. Hikers must acknowledge this, and plan for it—not only for themselves, but for their loved ones who stay behind.

Our names are Doug Laher and Sally Fowler. Here are our stories and our plea for proper safety planning as you prepare for your 2022 thru-hike of the PCT.

Trevor Laher

Trevor “Microsoft” Laher was an experienced hiker. Admittedly though, his mountaineering experience was limited. He was a talented computer coder and graduated college early with a job waiting for him at Microsoft. It was his dream to hike the PCT and he embarked on his journey of a lifetime on March 16, 2020.

On March 27—less than 200 miles into his journey—Trevor crawled out of his tent near the trail junction of Fobes Saddle and the PCT just south of Apache Peak in the San Jacinto Mountains. A dusting of freshly fallen snow covered his tent.

Trevor and his “tramily” headed north, leaving a trail of footprints in their wake. As they approached Apache Peak, they were unable to see the icy conditions ahead, hidden by the snow that had fallen the night before.

In a split second, Trevor lost his footing, and soon started cartwheeling out of control down the mountain into an ice chute—nothing to stop him but an occasional boulder or sapling growing out of the mountainside. By the time Trevor came to a stop, he had fallen nearly 600 feet. He succumbed to his injuries before a search and rescue team could get to him.

Since Trevor’s accident, I have committed my life to advocating for hiker safety. Last year I published a PCTA article begging hikers to use lessons from Trevor’s experience to stay alive. My family also partnered with the Fowler-O’Sullivan Foundation, Kahtoola and Nomad Ventures to from the Trevor Spikes program, offering a 20% discount on MICROspikes for northbound PCT thru-hikers.

As Trevor and I prepped for his trek of the PCT, he dismissed conversations about safety and felt they were unnecessary. Prophetically enough, those very same conversations I initiated with my son came from a “call for safety preparation” on the PCTA Class of 2020 Facebook page from my now dear friend, Sally Fowler.

Kris "Sherpa" Fowler

Kris ” Sherpa” Fowler is a missing PCT hiker from the class of 2016.  Kris started his hike on May 8 and planned on arriving at the Northern Terminus in September. Kris ended up loving the trail so much that he took more side trips and down days than he planned, just to see it “all” and photograph as much as he could.  Because of that, Kris did not reach Washington until October.

“Sherpa” was last officially seen on October 12, 2016, at the White Pass trailhead. None of Kris’s gear has ever been found. If Kris would have been in possession of a satellite messaging device, and we had known more about his gear and his trip agenda, the outcome may have been much different.

Sally’s Tips for Safety Preparation

Carry a SPOT, InReach or whatever satellite messaging device that fits your needs. If you do nothing else, please carry one and keep it charged.

Sign all the trail registers along the way. It’s a badge of honor to be in those books. It can also help narrow the search area based on the registers you have and have not signed.

Tell someone where you’ll be. Leave behind your itinerary. If you shipped supply packages, leave a list of addresses, the ETA and phone numbers to each location you shipped your packages to.

Leave behind a detailed list with pictures of your gear. Include colors, name brands, even the brand and color of your toothbrush. Include a photo of your boot/shoeprint, color, and type of phone you have, and your cell phone provider.

Tell someone how you are navigating (paper maps, Far Out, etc.). It will help search and rescue.

Tell your designated support person back home your trail name once you get one.

Decide on a contact frequency with your support person and loved ones.  Such as texting, posting online or calling every two weeks. Whatever plan works for you, stick to it. Make an “in case they do not hear from you” plan. Let your loved ones know what they need to do if you do go missing. Inform family when you are getting ready to go into areas that have poor cellphone coverage so they know they may not hear from you for an undetermined period of time.

In a sealed envelope, leave all your passwords to your phone, computers etc. especially your Google account. Law enforcement can often find someone from their Google account quicker than they can from a ping on your phone. Include bank accounts and passwords so that law enforcement may track where your last financial transaction took place.

It is important to make out a will and testament, even if your hiking gear is the only thing you own.  Be sure to include a beneficiary.  Appoint a medical power of attorney and an Advanced Directive. This may be tough to think about but be reminded that you are heading into some extremely dangerous terrain. Things happen. While this may not be a priority for you, please know you’re not doing this only for yourself but for those left behind in the event the unthinkable happens. Privacy laws prevent loved ones from serving as your medical proxy without the proper paperwork. Here’s a great online resource by which you can complete an Advance Directive based on your state of residence.

A few hours of planning are all it takes.

In closing, we’d like to think that if you are capable of planning a five-month, 2650 mile hike, you are capable of preparing for the unthinkable. A few hours of planning are all it will take.

We can only hope that the stories of “Microsoft” and “Sherpa”, along with missing PCT hikers Chris Sylvia and David O’Sullivan, help reinforce the need for proper safety preparation. Something good must come from these tragedies.

“Microsoft” chose not to engage in these conversations about safety. Instead, he tried to reassure his parents by rattling off statistics about deadly accidents on the PCT and how infrequently they occur.

Sally’s “invincible” son Sherpa wouldn’t have taken all of this advice, (maybe some, but not all). After all, as he reminded Sally, he was a “grown ass man.”

Our stories are proof that bad things do in fact happen to good people. When “Microsoft” and “Sherpa” left the Southern Terminus, neither had visions of the unthinkable.

We wish you an amazing journey. Be safe and have the greatest experience of your life.  Oh, and by the way, when you get to Apache Peak? Say a prayer for “Microsoft”. And once you make it to Washington, please keep an eye out for “Sherpa”. He would want to be found.

[sincitycolorado]

8:19/mile on these slick and snowy roads. @kahtoola made it possible. @salomonrunning made it comfortable. Also....snap snap snap snap snap snap snap snap snap 🐊 #runnerscommunity #runnersworld #mountain #ultrarunner #triathlon #trails #niketrail #marathontraining #saucony #workout #trailrunninglife #runningcommunity #trekking #adventure #runcommute #newbalance #outdoors #springenergy #pegasustrail #denverrunning #altra #pegasus36trail #nikerunning #skyrunning #niketrailrunning #getoutside #salomonrunning #ultramarathon (at Downtown Denver) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMcxLyUHN48/?igshid=8uhn21l7cd3m

[celestinaruns]

Training Log: November 18 to 24

Training Logs are back folks! It has been a slow and somewhat painful return to real life and winter running--especially when our winter is being so weird. No consistent snow, wild temperatures, it’s all making the trails very gross. I’m working my way back up in mileage, though, and the end of December will definitely be filled with LOTS of trail running.

Wow good god it’s already almost December.

Anyways.

Meal Prep for the Week:

Breakfast - overnight oats with plain greek yogurt, coconut milk, frozen raspberries, and peanut butter + coffee with wafers

Lunch - whole wheat sandwiches with turkey breast, cheddar, spinach, and horseradish mayonnaise + mandarin orange + piece of chocolate

Dinner - leftover penne rigate with homemade pork pasta sauce

Snacks - hot chocolate flavoured Clif bars + plain greek yogurt with honey and fruit + so many milka chocolate and cookies that i brought home from my parents’

Pre-Workout/During Snacks - some variation of caffeinated dark chocolate with oreos, banana, and cinnamon raisin bagel + gels and chews

Monday, November 18 - 7.1 km x 2 for a total of 14.2 km. Trail night!

Basically just run this twice, first to scout out the trails, second to lead the group. It’s reeeeal icy and that’s no fun. We really just need a hefty layer of snow and for the weather to stay below zero consistently. But it was still a fun night and I was glad I got to take the Kahtoolas for a test run. They work great, but they’re definitely a little uncomfortable. Still, falling on my ass versus slight discomfort...

Tuesday, November 19 - Rest Day

Part of my felt really anxious to take a rest day after a vacation of barely moving, but I know that’s a really unhealthy mentality, which was all the more reason to enjoy a day off from moving.

Wednesday, November 20 - Bouldering Sesh

It was all fun and games until I ripped open a huge callous trying to finish a level 2 problem... hoping that heals up before Wall Brawl at the end of the month! I brought the boyfriend along for his first time bouldering though, so that was fun.

Thursday, November 21 - 5 x Walterdale Loop (Hill Training)

The beloved, dreadful Walterdale hill... conquered it five times! That was the most hill repeats I’ve ever done for this hill, and boy did they feel great. Not my fastest on the hill by far, but I was consistent and didn’t walk any part of it, so I’m proud of how this one went!

Friday, November 22 - Strength Conditioning

I know, I skimped out on swimming. Just felt like I needed a good gym session as I hadn’t done core-focused work in a while. Plus, my knees and ankles were starting to feel a bit finicky, so it was definitely time for some focused cross-training.

Saturday, November 23 - Semi unplanned rest day

Soooo I did have climbing class, but I also had a weekend of hanging out with friends and playing recreational dodgeball. Sometimes you gotta just the thing that makes your figurative heart happy.

Sunday, November 24 - Steady 10 mi

Stuck mostly to road for this one, I missed speeding along without a care in the world. Hit the double tracks in the last half, though, and they were so much icier than expected. Ugh. Next time I’ll stuff my Kahtoolas in a pocket or something for just-in-case situations. Still a great run, averaged a 5:16/km despite taking 15 minutes to get through that one icy km and running Walterdale hill near the end!

[halfwayanywhere]

Kahtoola INSTAgaiter (Low) Review

Kahtoola INSTAgaiter (Low) Review

The Kahtoola INSTAgaiter is a lightweight trail running (or backpacking) gaiter that uses an under-the-shoe band, hook, and zipper) instead of the more typical velcro), to secure to your shoe (or low-profile boot).

I’ve been wearing gaiters when backpacking for a long time now – they’re lightweight, keep debris out of your shoes, keep your feet cleaner, and help extend the life of your…

[icegripper]

Kahtoola NANOspikes Footwear Traction Ultralight Low Profile Grip from ICEGRIPPER on Vimeo.

NEW for WINTER 2023 NANOspikes 2nd Generation, REDESIGNED TO EMPOWER

[livinglaveganloca]

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Living La Vegan Loca (@living.la.vegan.loca)

The Kahtoola Uphill is a fun, family friendly mountain🏔️ race that takes place in Flagstaff Az every year and raises money for Friends of Camp Colton. There are 3 different courses to choose from and each become progressively more difficult. Having young children we opted for the easiest of the three, the 1.5 mile fun climb. Temps were in the high 20's🥶. The kids hated😠 every minute of the uphill but were having a blast going down.🙌🤗 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ .Kahtoola Uphill es una carrera de montaña🏔️ divertida y familiar que se realiza en Flagstaff Az cada año y recauda dinero para Friends of Camp Colton. Hay 3 cursos diferentes para elegir y cada uno se vuelve cada vez más difícil. Teniendo niños pequeños, optamos por la más fácil de las tres, la subida de 1.5 millas de diversión. Temps estaban en los altos 20's🥶. Los niños odiaban 😠cada minuto de la subida, pero lo pasaban de maravilla en la bajada!🙌🤗 . #Kahtoola #KahtoolaUphill #ArizonaSnowBowl #Flagstaff #AzHiking #VeganTravel #Travel #Explore #VeganFamily #Veganism #Vegan #VeganForLife #LivingLaVeganLoca #VegansOfIG #Outdoors #ChooseCompassion #PlantPowered #Plantbased #InstaVegan #Veganlifestyle #StopAnimalCruelty #GoVegan #Hispanic #Latino #Vegano #Aventureros #VeganVida #FamilaVegana #Compasión #VeganosDeInstagram (at Arizona Snowbowl) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtyeK3TADcv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1nfvvhi6q6xg4

[sonic-rust]

The OBS Scavenger Hunt through the trails of the Crystal Bridges Museum property was fun and a great way to experience a new place with a tightcommunity of outdoor content makers. Indoor learning + outdoor experience + food/drink makes me happy! #bikerackbrewery #visitbentonville #2017obs #nobsatobs #altrarunning #kahtoola #mongoosebikes #backcountryhuntersandanglers