Rock Spikes: Repurposing Worn Traction Aids for Icy Trails


Rock Spikes are Kahtoola Microspikes, Hillsound Path Crampon Ultras, and every other light-weight (chain-based) winter traction aids with boring spikes which were worn down from heavy use. Moderately than throw them away, hikers and peakbaggers use them in the course of the early winter and in late spring when the paths are icy however there’s numerous naked rock and gravel nonetheless displaying. When you may use a pair of latest spikes in these circumstances, they’ll get worn down rapidly by the uncovered rocks, so that you would possibly as effectively use a pair that’s already crushed up, specifically your rock spikes.

Rock spikes are good for soulder season weather when there’s a mix of rock and ice.
Rock spikes are good for soulder season climate when there’s a mixture of rock and ice.

The spikes on a pair of Kahtoola Microspikes or Hillsound Path Crampons will get fairly boring after a season or two of frequent use. You’ll be able to attempt to sharpen them with a file, however the metallic fairly is low high quality, they usually gained’t keep sharp for lengthy. When boring, they’ll nonetheless present traction though you gained’t get the identical diploma of penetration into ice that you’d in the event that they have been new. I liken them to the tire chains used on automotive and truck tires, offering traction even when the tires’ tread or studs are worn down.

If need to try to sharpen the spikes, use a Mill Bastard File. Stroke the file alongside the lengthy aspect of every crampon level, from the bottom to the tip, and solely in that one path. That is simpler to do when the spikes are hooked up to a boot. Watch out to not sharpen the crampon tooth to a pointy level: they need to stay barely rounded on the tip like a ballpoint pen for optimum energy. As soon as sharpened they’ll get blunt once more extra rapidly although, since there’s now much less metallic in every tooth.

SectionHiker is reader-supported. We solely earn money if you are going to buy a product by means of our affiliate hyperlinks. Assist us proceed to check and write unsponsored and impartial gear critiques, newbie FAQs, and free climbing guides.

Related Stories

Discover

Management Expertise Missed by CEOs within the Journey and...

Many individuals exterior of the tourism business have a...

I’ve Lived in Tokyo For 20 Years and This...

The practice station closest to my home has a break up persona....

Aerial Images Reveal Disney Lakeshore Lodge Development Measurement &...

Development on Disney Lakeshore Lodge, the most recent mixed-use Magic Kingdom resort that’ll...

4 Seasons Punta Mita Overview + Most well-liked Companion...

4 Seasons Resort Punta Mita is one among Mexico’s premier luxurious resorts—providing a...

10 Finest Jersey Shore Cities to Go to This...

The Jersey Shore spans practically 130 miles of Atlantic shoreline. Alongside the...

Popular Categories

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here