Any opinions on microspikes?

REI has two kinds:
Kahtoola ($69)
Kako ($49)

The kahtoolas have actual spikes where the Kakos seem to be a more elaborate yaktrak type of setup. (from the photos on REI's site).

Looking at them for current whitney trail conditions.

Kahtoolas...

That is the kind of response I like.

Kahtoolas it is.

$69.? - Doug was selling them for $39.95

Long time follower of this forum, first time posting.

I just wanted to second that Doug had the Kahtoolas at the store for the cheapest price I've seen anywhere...like $35-$40. I bought mine on sale somewhere else for more.

I was shocked to see how low he was selling them.

I love the Kahtoolas. Quick and easy to take on and off. And unlike crampons they are still good for walking on dirt or rocks.

REI says 12.5 ounces but mine which are large weigh in at 15.1 ounces.

After using and abusing the Microspikes all over the place, I'd buy them if they were $100. They are extremely durable. I've stepped on ice and granite all over the place and they are still in great shape.

They're worthless for really steep slopes. You'll need the crampons for that, but they'll save you tons of time and energy for just about everything else. I feel comfortable doing a light jog in them on hard ice.

Used them for a C2C trip last weekend, and would never have made the summit without them.

now if only I could get Doug to open the WPS so I can buy some microspikes on the cheap!

I probably have it a little backwards, I bought my cramps first, but I figure that I need both microspikes and cramps if I attempt the summit.

I think you could buy them at his place in town.

well dang! I hadn't even thought of that! His place being the hostel?

Yes. But, keep in mind that if you're driving all the way from Tarzana to LP and back that it would be alot cheaper to simply buy them at REI.

well, yeah....but the plan is to actually use them up on the main trail next week.

Before you drive all that way, call the Hostel and make sure they have them now.

    760-876-0030

As of Jan 10, a sign on the hostel door said closed until Jan 25, rooms by reservation only. So do call ahead for anything you want there.

Dale B. Dalrymple

Ditto. Love the Katoolas for Sierra cement and ice/rock mostly level ground.

Amazon $55. Free 2-day shipping if you're a Prime member.

EMS has them for $47.96, includes shipping (no tax).

Also consider the Hillsound Pro Trail Crampon. They fit a niche between the microspikes and a "regular" 10-point crampon. They have built-in antibots.

Stopped at the Hostel yesterday and bought micros from Doug $43.00 tax included...

mark