Kahtoola microspikes - Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System

Hiking in the PNW often means snow and ice along the trail late into spring. Without these microspikes you may be forced to turn around or have your hike turn into a not so much fun fight for balance. We always bring them if there is a chance of snow or ice as they don't weigh much and take up little space. They are small enough to fit in a waist pack and come with a water tight pouch to keep the rest of your gear clean and dry when you store them away.
Very good for sections where there is snow / ice interrupted by stretches of dirt and rock. Due to the length of the spikes dirt / rock travel is no problem.
Despite the fact that the spikes look small, last year I left the crampons at home and used the microspikes to successfully summit Mt.Baker. Prue joy, lighter than crampons and much less likely to snag on your gaiters or pants.