Easy Peasy Microspikes

For many canyon hikers, hiking the Grand Canyon is over when the snow starts to fly in the skies. The snow stacks up high on the North rim and many times the road doesn't re-open until late April early May. At 7000 ft above sea level the South rim of the canyon gets its fair share of snow too. For months the snow on the S. Kaibab and Bright angel trails is packed down by the true beast of burden in the Grand Canyon, the mules. For many hikers just the thought of hiking a canyon trail that is covered with ice and snow is enough to to give them the shakes. After 90 years of watching the mules and the packers who ride them, brave the slippery slopes, did we realize that the mules have a trick up their sleeve. The farriers who shoe the mules have been using Tungsten carbide spikes on their shoes since the canyon became a national park.

In the past hikers have used all different kinds of methods to attempt the trails in that icy time of year. Some use full on mountaineering crampons that weigh to much to justify on the way back up the upside down mountain. Others go the light route using a type of bungee cord with wire wrapped around it in hopes to gain traction.Here at Around the Bend Adventures, we stumbled upon the best invention yet to date, the Kathoola Microspikes.

Kahtoola is a company that is based in our home town of Flagstaff, Az. Started by a local who grew up loving the canyon and the winter outdoors. Microspikes are an incredible tool for every hiker to have in their winter time quiver. The elastomer that stretches over the hiking boot will stretch even as the temp drops to 70 below 0 . The chain link system that unites the 10 --3/8 in spikes, feels like it is a part of your foot. The combonation of microspikes and trekking poles can make any hiker feel confident to tackle the trails this and every winter to come. Whether it is hiking the Grand Canyon or walking around your slick driveway at home, we highly recommend this great invention.

Kahtoola makes other equally great products, to find out more visit their website at www.kahtoola.com.

Get out this winter (what is left of it) and enjoy!