The atypical winter weather this year has called for different gear than usual.
Since there hasn't been enough snow to warrant snowshoes, I've been using cleats on my boots for grip on patchy snow and ice. Moisture in the ground from rainy dampness has filled spaces and coated surfaces on leafy trails and sandy roadsides. Even driveways and sidewalks in the village are slippery although it's hard to see any ice.
The freeze-thaw cycle we've had has made conditions different from one end of a trail to the other. The cold temperatures have left mud puddles and drainages with icy borders. Wet twigs and branches that would ordinarily be well below the snow pack appear harmless, but they are extremely slippery. An uneven rock surface with an imperceptible layer of ice crystals caused a dangerous fall to a fellow hiker in December.
I have three different pairs of traction-wear.
For several years, I've used Yaktrax when walking on lightly covered sidewalks. Sidewalks that are shoveled can be uneven and can give a false sense of security. Even when the ground looks parched from the wind and intermittent snow, traction can help. I use the Yaktrax Pro model as light-duty insurance on relatively flat, short distances. I found the plastic harness of the Walker model to be flexible but flimsy — I went through two pairs one season before moving to the stronger Pro model.
The other end of the spectrum is a pair of Microspikes made by Katoohla. These are the only spikes I take when there's a chance of thick or uneven ice. The cleats are 3/8-inch and are comparable to chains on your car tires. I take my Microspikes when I'm hiking elevation and want definitive grip to hold me on sloped surfaces — both on the way up and the way down. If I don't need them, I clip them outside my pack so they don't poke through other gear.
The real workhorse of my traction-wear collection is a pair of the original style of Stabilicers. They have a thick rubber sole with embedded steel cleats — they are comparable to studded snow tires for your feet. These are the go-to pair for most outings on my local trails. I wear different boots depending on the temperature and terrain so I like the Velcro straps that are easy to get on and off and easy to adjust to multiple size boots. They are heavier in weight than Yaktrax or Microspikes but the sturdy soles seem more durable.
You can replace the cleats if they wear out. A bag of 50 replacement cleats costs only $4.95 and will last for years depending on the surfaces you travel. Stabilicers also provide good traction without ripping up trails that have open ground interspersed with ice or snow.
Adaptability is the name of the game when adjusting to atypical weather. There are numerous brands in addition to those I reviewed, all in a variety of price ranges. The price and style you select should be dictated by what conditions you face. The snow is coming and full-scale winter preparedness is in order, but when you are short hiking, ice fishing or cutting firewood, get some traction — both literally and figuratively — on those outdoor goals for 2012.
Elizabeth Lee is a licensed guide who lives in Westport. She leads recreational and educational programs focused in the Champlain Valley throughout the year. Contact her at lakeside5047@gmail.com.
