I already own crampons and an ice axe but was looking to add a pair of microspikes to my winter collection. Last year I spent a fair few weekends practicing walking on different gradients using crampons, self arresting and cutting steps. That was all great fun but............ getting to the hills/steeper parts of the hills - not so much.
On quite a few occasions when crampons would have been overkill (walking along a valley/up a gentle slope etc) I slipped/fell.
I'm assuming that microspikes are what is needed for the approach to the “steep bits”.
As I already own crampons, I won't be using the microspikes in particularly challenging/difficult situations. I'm looking to practice my ability to walk in crampons as much as I can, so I will be getting them on at the first opportunity!
So, is it necessary to shell out 40 quid plus for some khatoolas or will something cheaper do the job? Amazon throws up many options with good reviews for about half the price.
Please don't think I'm taking winter walking lightly, I'm certainly not. I've been caught out before and it was pretty scary!
Lesson learnt!
However, I'm always skint, don't care about name brands and always looking for a bargain – so if you have used and approved something cheaper, I'm all ears!
If the consensus is no, I'll wait it out and count the pennies a bit longer.
p.s – sorry for the long post. I just didn't want anyone to think I was planning on buying a £5 pair of spikes and heading up sharp edge in my shorts and t shirt! I'm just wondering if it's necessary to spend £40+ for the period of the walk before the crampons go on.
Thanks,
HS