Microspike Leashes

[iceNsnow]

Just thought I'd pass this idea along.

Since I have had my Microspikes fall off after getting stuck on a branch or stub, I decided to put 'safety' straps on them so they don't get left behind. I modified some leashes I had around the house from assorted college / business promotions.

These leashes use the same concept as the straps that are required by resorts for snowboards. (Which I think they are a take-off from the safety straps used on skis, but I can't see how they add any safety to snowboards since the snowboard bindings NEVER release from the board??!! but that is another issue..............)

Has anyone else tried this?

 

[Barbarossa]

Has anyone else tried this?

Last week, I had a problem with one of the tails falling off my MSR Denalis. This week, I had more problems, but I didn't have to backtrack to retrieve it. The tail was attached to the main part of the snowshoe with a length of string.

Great minds think alike; soft minds run together

 

[teejay]

Another solution

If you're wearing gators, fasten their instep straps over the Microspikes.

teejay

 

[RickB.]

Mine fit tightly enough (size L on size 11 boot) that it would be impossible to have one come off without knowing it. Once, one of mine, after catching on a root, snapped high in the air and landed at the feet of a fellow hiker behind me. She's still laughing...

 

[Jay H]

From hikiing with that that use them, sounds like a good idea. I need one for my map

Jay

 

[iceNsnow]

modification

Before I even got out to check my new leashes I found a simpler method. Attaching a caribeaner to my bootlace, I can quickly snap on to the Microspike when I don them! Lighter, simpler and always ready.

 

[pocahontas]

I like this caribeaner idea
it sounds quick & easy
since I prob'ly wouldn't take the time to fit mine w/ leashes

 

[erugs]

The carabiner idea is a fabulous one. Here's one my friends and I have used for the older Sherpa bindings that always seemed to come off at inopertune times: Cat collars. They are lightweight, inexpensive (unless you get the ones with jewels on them ) and I was getting ready to get a set for my microspikes -- only one has come off one time. I wouldn't have noticed right away but I somehow managed to kick it in front of myself and the red on the white snow was startling.

 

[beverly]

The carabiner idea is a fabulous one. Here's one my friends and I have used...: Cat collars.

Be sure to remove the cat first from the collar...

 

[erugs]

But, Beverly, the extra traction is important. The other thing is it gives you --right at hand -- a product that you can apply to your glasses so they don't fog up. Right, Cat Crap. And Ralph (pictured in the avatar) is better than a hot water bottle when it's cold.