ST. regiS SUnriSe

Nanospikes

Microspikes

By JUSTIN A. LEVINE Former Staff Writer

(Editor’s note: This story was first published in the February/March 2017 issue of Embark.)

Whether you want to walk on a slippery sidewalk, tread out to your ice shanty, go for a run in February or climb a High Peak, there are no shortage of options when it comes to gaining traction on slick surfaces.

There are a few brand names that most of you are probably aware of—like Yaktrax and Microspikes—but the diversity of traction devices for your feet has widened considerably in the past decade or so.

Although there is a wide range of devices, it pays to choose ones that will suit your needs. If you’re just going to the mailbox or walking in parking lots, you probably don’t need 12-point crampons, and if you’re climbing Mount Marcy, basic Yaktrax aren’t going to cut it.

So, where to start?

You will likely be best served by visiting a store like EMS in Lake Placid or The Mountaineer in Keene Valley, both of which stock a selection of traction devices for almost any use, from running to ice climbing. There are local gear stores around the Adirondacks that will likely have a selection to choose from since, you know, it’s a long winter in these parts.

One of the most basic and earliest mass-marketed devices was Yaktrax, with a rubber booty that slips over the outside of pretty much any shoe and has metal coiled along the sole to help you gain purchase on the ice.

Yaktrax are great for not-so-demanding excursions, but are unsuitable for extended hikes of more than a mile or two.

Kahtoola, the company behind the famous microspikes, has become synonymous with traction among hikers. Microspikes, whether they’re brand name or not, are practically required equipment for spring, fall and winter hiking.

Much like the Yaktrax, microspikes have a rubber part that slips over your boots. The difference is that microspikes are like a crampon-lite, with small chains holding a series of

Stabil Walk Yaktrax Run Hillsound Trail Crampons

Black Diamond Contact

metal spikes in place.

Microspikes offer fantastic traction in a wide variety of circumstances, and because the spikes are small, they are comfortable to walk in for extended periods of time.

In between microspikes and Yaktrax is another Kahtoola product called Nanospikes.

Again, the Nanospikes are probably not suitable for long hikes, but the small carbide tips protruding from the sole offer exceptional traction on very icy surfaces - like walking out to the ice shanty or taking a stroll around Mirror Lake.

Yaktrax has also come out with a product specifically for running, called the Yaktrax Run. The Run offers carbide tips under the ball of the foot and the metal coils under the heel. While obviously designed for runners, this could be an all-around good traction device for areas in the forecountry, but are unlikely to be of much use on any sort of serious slope.

Stepping up from the Microspikes are actual crampons. Although crampons are commonly known to be used for ice climbing, many people like to carry the heavier duty crampons on hikes in the High Peaks, on particularly steep trails and when the ice is expected to be thick and hard.

There are plenty of options for ice climbing crampons out there, but they probably shouldn’t be used for simple hikes. Many also require specialized boots to be attached to.

Luckily for us nonclimbers, several companies have developed trail crampons. While not intended for actual ice climbing, the 10- or 12-point crampons can literally be a lifesaver if conditions get bad enough.

Trail crampons have much larger spikes than the microspikes, often three-quarters of an inch to an inch long. The longer, thicker spikes offer better purchase on steep or hard ice, and most models have toe spikes that allow you to dig in while going up steep sections.

In addition to the added traction, trail crampons can be used with virtually any boot. While ice climbing crampons require specialized boots, products like the Black Diamond Contact have a strap system that will accommodate anything from a sneaker to a steel-toed work boot.

If you shop for traction online, it can easily become overwhelming with the number of options available, so your first stop should be to a store that has knowledgeable folks who can point you in the right direction.

Once you’ve figured out where and how vigorously you’ll be using your traction the most, you can narrow it down to a couple of products that will suit your needs, and hopefully your budget.

Are you ready to Embark on an adventure? Or have you just returned from one? Welcome to Nori’s! We are a natural food store and cafe, and we have a little bit of something for everyone. From being a full-service grocery store to having a cafe serving a wide array of beverages and quick grab and go meals we basically have you covered when it comes to food. Nori’s is located along the Riverwalk in Downtown Saranac Lake on Church Street, and we also offer a comfortable dining room and several restrooms.

When we say Recharge You Adventure, we mean that we have the stuff that provides energy and quality nutritious provisions for whatever it is you are doing. Nori’s has an extensive bulk foods section where you can buy items such as nuts, seeds, snacks, dried fruit, granola, grains, rice, spices, and a wide array of other foods. On the grocery side we carry a full selection of fresh organic produce, artisan cheese, meat, gluten free foods and so much more from near and far. From the cafe beverage menu, you can order a whole variety of espresso drinks, chai, hot cocoa, and fruit smoothies. Our grab and go foods include pastries, sandwiches, breakfast burritos, salads, soups, dinner specials and more.

Lots to check out, lots to explore at Nori’s. We hope you get out there and Embark on the adventure our region has to offer. Have Fun!