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Kahtoola micro spikes

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Kahtoola micro spikes

Postby Jhg » 12 10, 2022 •  [Post 1]

I used these this late rifle elk.

They come with a nice little stash bag and usually I ditch stuff like that but its handy.
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Stainless steel and the rubber in my opinion is very good quality/robust. I have read a review saying the rubber is not as good as prior but unless you get a cut I don't see a failure happening with this version.
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Installed on Mountain Extremes. You will not be putting these on your boots while they are on your feet. Trust me on this. Removal yes, install no.
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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: Kahtoola micro spikes

Postby Jhg » 12 10, 2022 •  [Post 2]

The spikes add a good amount of bite to your boot and I really liked the security they gave me walking wet logs and bald rock, not to mention ice.
Very secure.
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I ran these in snow up to 20" deep, bald rock, ice and wet logs. Never once did they slip, slide or otherwise not anchor me. On ice it was a revelation. On creek crossings when you broke through rime or thin ice there was also way less frogging around. Excellent.
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There are two issues you need to be aware of using theses traction devices.

1) where I hunt there is substatial deadfall. That means I am stepping over logs various sizes and heights off ground many many times each day. I caught the rubber on branch nubs/stubs enough that it was not a unusual occurrence. It is going to happen. One face plant was enough to get my attention.
As it turns out, one way I unconsciously kept the logs position in mind stepping over is I lightly drag my boot toe or side on the log. It tells me when I clear the log or where it is without me looking. Obviously, an additional ridge on a boot will change the boots outside smoothness.
So keep that in mind.

2) Dip just your spikes in a good liquid floor wax but not the rubber. Let dry and repeat. It will help you avoid what you see in this next photo. I had to remove my spikes when hunting S slopes where the snow and leaves warmed up enough to get wet.
No bueno...
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Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: Kahtoola micro spikes

Postby Jhg » 12 10, 2022 •  [Post 3]

Summery.
1) I feel the cost of these spikes was worth the money. They obviously will last a long time and are amazing on ice or any slick surface (except tile).
I never felt like there was something uncomfortable under my boots while running these unless there was build up as shown. There was snow where I hunted and foot noise was not an issue.

2) If you use gators you can either put the spikes on first (easiest way) and gator strap over them, or put the spikes on over the gator strap. If you do that your gators will be part of the boot "package" that you put your foot into. In other words, the gator is strapped to the boot, but unzipped. So there is that.
If you decide to go with gator strap under you will save having to remove that strap if you are in field and want to remove the spikes. Something to consider and test yourself to decide which is best for you.
Jhg
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
Posts: 864
Joined: 07 18, 2018
Location: Colorado

Re: Kahtoola micro spikes

Postby 7mmfan » 12 10, 2022 •  [Post 4]

Great review. I have been using these for about 5 years now. I do a fair amount of alpine hunting in WA and those super steep heather and blueberry choked hillsides will send you sliding no matter how careful you are. I have used them more on dry ground than snowy.

I can echo much of what you said, except I've had no issues putting them on while wearing my boots.
I hunt therefore I am. I fish therefore I lie.
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7mmfan
Rank: An Elk Nut
 
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