Author Topic: Yaxtrax  (Read 1611 times)

dinger

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Yaxtrax
« on: 06:31:46, 01/12/17 »

Can anyone recommend these for hillwalking, I don't want to pay daft prices for crampons which I might only use twice a year.
Is there enough grip to climb a few peaks or are they a waste of time?

kinkyboots

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Re: Yaxtrax
« Reply #1 on: 07:57:28, 01/12/17 »
This previous thread might be worth a read http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=16329.0

Personally I would avoid the YaxTrax like the plague - utter crap!

As possible alternatives have a look at the Kahtoola Microspikes, Hillsound Trail Crampons or Grivel Ran Antislip Ice Spikes. None of them are suitable for climbing but are very useful for walking on ice covered paths and trails.

The Grivel Ran Anti Slippery currently look to be the cheapest @ £26.50 with free delivery (about half the price of the competition). https://www.climbers-shop.com/10907563/products/grivel-ran-anti-slip.aspx

Also available here @  @ £21.45 plus £5.95 post https://www.trekkinn.com/outdoor-mountain/grivel-ran-anti-slippery/136287843/p Use Code ORDERM5 at checkout for 5% OFF

Previous thread showing more detail on the Grivel Ran http://www.walkingforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=33703.0

They're all very similar and have similar limitations as to what ground conditions they can be used on before the use of a proper crampon becomes necessary. That decision is down to the user.

Keep your eye on eBay and Gumtree for some used Grivel G10 flexible crampons as they can sometimes be had for as little £30 although now is definitely not the time to get the best prices. Look to buy in the summer when people are having a clearout and demand is very low.
« Last Edit: 09:23:15, 01/12/17 by kinkyboots »

Lakeland Lorry

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Re: Yaxtrax
« Reply #2 on: 09:00:26, 01/12/17 »
Both the Yaktrax Walk and the Yaktrax Pros are only suitable for flat level walking, such as pavements.

Whether you can get away using Microspikes, or you require crampons depends on whereabouts you'll be doing your winter hillwalking and the terrain you'll be walking on.   

Whilst Microspikes are great on icy paths on the fells, I wouldn't want to rely on them if I was decending steep ground in full winter conditions.   In conditions like that, I would always use crampons.

Have a read of what the BMC about it:

https://www.thebmc.co.uk/using-micro-crampons-and-mini-spikes-for-winter-hill-walking




April

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Re: Yaxtrax
« Reply #3 on: 10:59:36, 01/12/17 »
Dinger, we take both microspikes and crampons when walking in the hills in the Lakes. Sometimes microspikes are sufficient for the whole walk but sometimes we end up using both and change to crampons when the ground becomes too steep for the spikes to cope with. I agree with Lakeland Lorry regarding the Yaktrax use (not much use on hills) and use of spikes and their limitations. You can't rely on spikes on steep descents. They tend to ball up with snow or get frozen over with ice as they have no anti balling plates like crampons do. 
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Peter

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Re: Yaxtrax
« Reply #4 on: 11:27:57, 01/12/17 »
I've tried various microspikes, most are fine for urban use.
I also have the Kahtoola spikes. These are a sort of microspike for the serious walker. Very good indeed. They will cope with low levels of snow and ice.


None of them are crampons, and are no substitute.
I take the view that if I am out walking and need crampons that is natures way of suggesting I turn back.


I actually wonder why we don't seem to use snow shoes more? Spikes are fine for grip, but I find that winter on the Yorkshire fells is about struggling through deep snow.
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ninthace

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Re: Yaxtrax
« Reply #5 on: 15:24:32, 01/12/17 »
Peter, I’ve used snowshoes in the Lakes, North Pennines and the Dales. They are the ideal solution to snow, especially if a crust has formed across the tops of the vegetation. You can wander at will quite easily and there is nothing finer on a crisp winter’s day after a decent dump of snow. O0
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Owen

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Re: Yaxtrax
« Reply #6 on: 16:07:24, 01/12/17 »

I actually wonder why we don't seem to use snow shoes more? Spikes are fine for grip, but I find that winter on the Yorkshire fells is about struggling through deep snow.


Funnily enough I was just reading about snow shoes here http://www.christownsendoutdoors.com/2017/11/the-snows-here-skis-or-snowshoes.html

pauldawes

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Re: Yaxtrax
« Reply #7 on: 18:48:24, 01/12/17 »
For once, I disagree with kinky boots..I don't think Yaktrax (especially the "Pros") are utter crap..get them at right price, and they are good for right purpose...pavement bashing, getting to newsagents,etc when weather is icy. They make a real difference when used for that purpose.


In addition I have used them for country rambles without steep gradients in icy conditions, and again they make a fair difference. But don't use on "real" hillwalking, and if you do use them on low level rambles don't expect too much mileage before the rubber breaks.

jontea

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Re: Yaxtrax
« Reply #8 on: 06:34:30, 02/12/17 »
I would go for the Kahtoola microspikes, if you're Hill walking. Choosing the right size they will fit any shoe or boot.


I've not tried Yaxtrax, but as it's just a chain? Would be fine for urban use, but I think you need more grip on hills which the Kahtoola spikes give you  O0
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