Tom Rankin
Well-known member
Ok, before we get a whole lot further into the 'snow' season, (I did not say Winter), let's discuss traction aids.
Snowshoes - A very handy piece of equipment! Bring them at least to the trailhead these days. Consult weather forecasts, rangers, other hikers, comments in the log book, and see if they are needed for your hike. Remember the ADKs have regulations for wearing them, for better or worse.
Crampons - NOT to be worn all day on hard packed trails! They chew up the snow, and contribute to postholing. Useful for hard/steep ice. Expensive, but essential for certain situations. VERY sharp and dangerous if not used properly.
Micro spikes - NOT a substitute for Crampons! NOT recommended for hard/steep ice. Best for low angle ice and extra traction on trails with small amounts of snow.
Stabilicers - See Micro spikes. Mostly the same comments apply. Generally cheaper and heavier. Let your budget decide.
Yak Trax - Best for getting the mail at the end of your short, flat driveway!

I know there are other gadgets out there, but this is the limit of my (mostly Catskill/ADK) experience.
Snowshoes - A very handy piece of equipment! Bring them at least to the trailhead these days. Consult weather forecasts, rangers, other hikers, comments in the log book, and see if they are needed for your hike. Remember the ADKs have regulations for wearing them, for better or worse.
Crampons - NOT to be worn all day on hard packed trails! They chew up the snow, and contribute to postholing. Useful for hard/steep ice. Expensive, but essential for certain situations. VERY sharp and dangerous if not used properly.
Micro spikes - NOT a substitute for Crampons! NOT recommended for hard/steep ice. Best for low angle ice and extra traction on trails with small amounts of snow.
Stabilicers - See Micro spikes. Mostly the same comments apply. Generally cheaper and heavier. Let your budget decide.
Yak Trax - Best for getting the mail at the end of your short, flat driveway!
I know there are other gadgets out there, but this is the limit of my (mostly Catskill/ADK) experience.