microspikes
Boot-mounted ice grippers
Microspikes are traction devices that strap onto hiking boots or shoes, featuring small metal spikes or chains on the sole for grip on icy or packed snow surfaces.
Unlike crampons, which are designed for technical mountaineering, microspikes are lightweight and suited for winter trail hiking: I threw my microspikes in my pack in case the trail was icy.
Spiked boot attachments
- cleatsSpiked sports shoes
- gripSecure manual hold
- treadSurface that grips ground
- frictionResistance between touching surfaces
ice · snow · packed snow · slippery · footing · purchase · stability · bite
Path through wilderness
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
- mountaineeringSport of climbing peaks
- scramblingMoving clumsily in haste
summit · ridge · ascent · descent · terrain · approach · alpine · backcountry
Water's solid form
- snowFrozen crystalline precipitation
- glaciersSlow-moving ice masses
- frostThin ice coating
- frozenSolidified by extreme cold
slush · compacted · refrozen · shoulder season · early season · late season · thaw · freeze
Guarding against harm
- secureProtected from harm
- stabilityResistance to displacement
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- precautionPreventive safety measure
fall prevention · injury prevention · confidence · sure-footed · accident prevention · peace of mind · self-arrest · control
Garments for feet
- bootsAnkle-covering footwear
- attachmentConnection or fondness
- strapsNarrow securing bands
- elastomerStretchable polymer substance
harness · removable · lightweight · packable · compact · adjustable · durable · sizing
crampons
Spiked boot attachments
friction · ice · snow · packed snow · slippery · footing · purchase · stability · bite · studs
trail
Path through wilderness
- backpackingSelf-supported wilderness travel
- trekkingLong-distance foot travel
- mountaineeringSport of climbing peaks
scrambling · summit · ridge · ascent · descent · terrain · approach · alpine · backcountry · fourteeners
ice
Water's solid form
frozen · slush · compacted · refrozen · shoulder season · early season · late season · thaw · freeze · north-facing
protection
Guarding against harm
precaution · fall prevention · injury prevention · confidence · sure-footed · accident prevention · peace of mind · self-arrest · control · balance
footwear
Garments for feet
- bootsAnkle-covering footwear
- attachmentConnection or fondness
- strapsNarrow securing bands
elastomer · harness · removable · lightweight · packable · compact · adjustable · durable · sizing · fit
microspikessmooth soles
Unworn shoe bottoms
street shoes · sneakers · dress shoes · flip-flops · bare feet