Crampon alternative

“I don't have crampons and I rarely have a need for them but I've been thinking of home building a set of strap on creepers for times like next week when I expect to be hiking in ice.

I did a little looking online and saw this idea.

Screw shoes
http://www.skyrunner.com/screwshoe.htm

Seems like a great idea but I don't want to ruin the soles of my boots.

Anyone ever try this? Thoughts?”

“Look at golf shoes with screw in spikes.”

“Thought about it (and cleats) but I'd rather not buy a pair a shoes.”

“I remember this product that came out a few years ago that was sorta like instep crampons, but not as bulky. It looked like it was just a brass bar with a couple of spikes on it that snapped into the insole of your boot. I remember one thru-hiker who started in January using them through the Smokies and reporting good stuff about them, but I can't recall what they were called, or the thru-hiker's name or journal location. Oh well. I'll be over here.”

“I've got steel and all kinda tools to build a set of creepers but I'm too short on time to get a set ready by Friday night.

I was wondering specificly about the screws ruining viabram soles.”

“while I hiked LeConte that one time I saw a couple guys wearing home made looking crampons, they looked like part of a metal chain and rope. I guess they worked better then no crampons.

I doubt I would want to ruin some boots for the screw crampons. I rather buy some cheap crampons then.
i found this:
http://www.geocities.com/aliingi/china/chinaphotos/webchina32.jpg

but I doubt it will work.”

“I have a pair of Yak Traks, but never have had occasion to use them since I got them.”

“From what I've heard, YakTraks are no good on the trail. But, as always, YMMV.”

“Wow, I had forgotten about the old rope trick.
That's what climbers many many years ago used.”

“I think I'm just going to go bend up some steel and make insteps.

Well, if I can make the time.”

“Another alternative to crampons is to simply let the rocks at the bottom of the slope arrest your slide.”

“Painful but effective.”

“Posted a YakTrak thread not long ago. They seem like a good thing. I am going to get some and try them out (I hope).”

“i used Yak Traks coming down Mt. Mitchell in January. They worked fine as long as you could find a fairly level place to step. They weren't good on sloping ice.”

“I'm assuming you had some contusions to show for it.”

“They attach to your own boots

STABILicers

Serious, heavy duty traction,
34 cleats and Vibram soles
Buy Now >>
Regular Price: $59.95
Sale Price: $44.95”

“You can buy crampons at the Happy Hiker for $10.”

“I like the Stabilicers, but you have to keep replacing the screws.... They're kinda weighty, too.

The 'Screw Shoes' cracked me up.... I remember my brother used to call his Wallabys 'Brothel Creepers' -- LOL”

“I figured the Happy Hiker would have something but I won't be able to get there before we start.

No biggie, I'll just be careful.

Thanks.”

“I had a pair of these for years. I could have beaten up any perv on the trail with them ;-)
http://www.walksafely.com/
American made too!”