Microspikes or Crampon recommendations for chukar country

[Sawtooth]

So after a couple of days this week side hilling in frozen chukar country, I have decide to look into getting some micro-spikes/crampons to make my late season hunts a bit safer. Nothing like finding yourself slipping on frozen ground covered with cheat grass and a lava rock outcropping one hundred feet below, to make you question your recreational choices. I had a cheap pair of YakTracks that really helped for the first half hour of use, before breaking. I realize that they are made for walking around on flat ground and I was asking more of them than they were designed for. I am looking for suggestions from those of you who have used micro-spikes while hunting. They will need to be able to handle a lot of side hilling on frozen sand/shale mix with snow and occasional lava rock outcroppings. @Bambistew or others out there with experience have any recommendations on brand suggestions?

 

[MTLabrador]

I’ve worn Hillsound trail crampons for steep snow covered country. They’re just slightly longer than the Kahtoola micro-spikes with a strap over the top of your boot to help hold them in place. They’ve worked well for me.

 

[Salmonchaser]

I was on the snake a week ago and came home thinking the same equipment would be handy. Been hunting the damn things for over 50 years, pretty damn certain I don’t have the agility I had at 18. Thanks for the reminder I need to order the micro spikes.

 

[Sawtooth]

I was on the snake a week ago and came home thinking the same equipment would be handy. Been hunting the damn things for over 50 years, pretty damn certain I don’t have the agility I had at 18. Thanks for the reminder I need to order the micro spikes.

Twice yesterday I had my dog locked up on point 50 yards down hill from me and there was no way to get down to him without risking my life. Frozen chukar country is no joke. To his credit, he held point long enough for me to back out of my situation and drop down to him for a shot. And I definitely don't have the agility I had at 18. But at 18, I would have just went for it and hoped I was able to stop the slide sometime before going off the cliff just beyond where the dog was located. I like to think that in all these years I have gained a little wisdom to make up for my loss of athletic fitness.

 

[Salmonchaser]

Sounds like you are like me, long past hunting them for the challenge, this is about revenge.

 

[Bigjay73]

I use kahtoola spikes, and have had good results from them but yeah, those Hillsounds have some big spikes.

 

[Bambistew]

I have a set of Micro-spikes,Stubi 4 point instep and a set of Petzle 6 point Crabs I think they are called. Micro spikes are the most versitle.

 

[mtmiller]

I have both Hillsound and Kahtoola microspikes. I don't know if I prefer one over the other and like them both for the most part. That is until conditions warm and snow builds up on both. I am currently researching spikes/crampons that will not built up but also allow me to walk on snow, ice and frozen ground. Yet to find the perfect traction device.

 

[DanWyo]

The Grivel G10s have worked for me. The bottom is shaped to prevent snow and ice buildup.