Speaking of traction devices...

[elwood]

Has anyone tried using the Ice Walker hook-on cleats? I realize the best bet would be to get some crampons and some training, but I am looking for a quick and cheap solution that will not take a lot of practice to get the hang of...

[M@]

Couldn't find any info on Ice Walkers.

LLBean is selling these strap on anti skid soles, calling them "StableIcers":
http://www.llbean.com/products/mens/23338/images/23338.jpg

Looks like they Cost about $50 though. (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=23338&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=4341&shop_method=pp&feat=ln&sc1=&sc2=&sc3=&sc4=&sc5=Socks)

M@

[elwood]

Here's a link to the Ice Walkers (http://www.greatoutdoorsdepot.com/ice-walker-cleats.html)
Loos like they don't cover as much sole as the other traction devices, but I like the idea of a metal cleat (I guess it's the rugby player in me... :D ) and the fact that they cost $8.00. Probably junk for that price. Might be helpful on that section just above Hojo's...

[M@]

Dave: Looks like we need the Supplimental Footware Page:

Crampons (http://www.sportextreme.com/pz314x225yUSD/) $95.96
http://www.sportextreme.com/Se_Shop/Images/ProductImages/Grivel_G12-Newmatic_220.jpg

Ice Walker (http://www.greatoutdoorsdepot.com/ice-walker-cleats.html) $7.69
http://store2.yimg.com/I/greatoutdoorsdepot_1742_31151780

Yaktrax (http://www.yaktrax.com) $19.95
http://www.yaktrax.com/images/300_Walker-Home-Page.jpg

Stabilicers (http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?categoryId=23338&storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&parentCategory=4341&shop_method=pp&feat=ln&sc1=&sc2=&sc3=&sc4=&sc5=Socks) $49.00
http://www.llbean.com/products/mens/23338/images/23338.jpg

M@ :ducttape:

[BladeGirl]

M@:
Dave: Looks like we need the Supplimental Footware Page
putting these pictures together is really helpful. Thanks, :ma: . Now we just need to add a picture of :crampons: and all is complete. The ice walkers, though intriguing for their simplicity, safety and cheapness, concern me given their location. I feel like I'm on the balls of my feet a lot climbing up and I wonder how well they work, being located under the arch.

-BG

[DRPHIDDLEPHOS]

i hear you on that one! the ice walker looks like it would keep you on the ice but it doesn't look too comfortable.

[DMC]

BladeGirl:
I feel like I'm on the balls of my feet a lot climbing up and I wonder how well they work, being located under the arch.-BG I have almost the same thing.. But the straps go around the ankles as well..
For climbing - I never use them... Because I'm on my toes a lot in foot holds..

But for hiking around - they are great! Especially when I'm hiking back down with a heavy pack.. I go heel/toe so the traction in the middle works great... And when I have to scamper over a couple of rocks I go to my toes...

[elwood]

I definitely would not use these for safety when climbing up the bowl, especially because of the placement of them on the feet. However, for straight hiking, I could see a good benefit of using these in the slick spots on the Tuckerman Ravine trail.

[Skilasnow]

Going down I could see them being pretty helpful. For me though I would rather get the yaktrax for a little more $$, not for a true safety advantage just for some added traction.