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!

ReBoot!!! The Most Important Item to Think About on a Hike is Your Shoes

Sure... it seems like common sense that anyone with their wits about them would consider proper footwear when planning a big hike. As a guide however, I have seen uneducated choices in the shoe department literally ruin a hikers day. Though you may have put some miles on those old running shoes, they may not be entirely appropriate for the Grand Canyon. For one, the gradient pitch you are hiking at is probably steeper than most of the paths you have been walking on at home. For two, most people aren't used to going down first, and up last. Grand Canyon is also a place of extremes. In summer you deal with scorching heat and wet socks as you desperately attempt to cool down in creeks. In winter with sometimes bitter cold and wind, you deal with snow and ice. Considering all these factors I advise my clients to consider the following rules when choosing a pair of shoes to wear on my canyon day hikes:

1. NEVER break a pair of shoes in on a hike. You will blister and blister bad. Make sure you've worn the shoes you're going to hike in for atleast 2 weeks every day prior to a hike.
2. Choose shoes with ankle support - a twisted ankle is not the most heroic excuse to be flown out of the canyon. The trails are fairly well maintained but the ruggedness is part of the canyons charm and every rock or crevise is an opportunity for your foot to fold if your feet aren't well supported.
   
3. Consult the rep at the shoe store about your fit. Shoes that are slightly too big or too small will chafe (ouch!)
4. Buy expensive socks. You know... the techy ones that you swore you'd never spend your hard earned money on..? Yeah those... they are worth every dime. Oh yes... and DOUBLE UP! If your socks get wet you will run the risk of (you guessed it) blistering!
   
5. If you're prone to blistering, put bandaids and/or mole skin on ahead of time and bring plenty of extras so that you can switch
6. Buy a pair of inserts. They'll help your back, your legs and your feet. If you've been medically prescribed an insert - it's especially important that you wear these
7. If you're wearing a good old pair of worn in shoes, make sure that you still have decent tread. And if you're purchasing new shoes... take a gander at the soles - you want somewhere in the medium range.
8. Clip those toenails... it's not a real tip on choosing footwear but it'll compliment the subject. Walking downhill for hours means constant forward impact on your big toe nail. This can create ingrown toenails or you may even loose the thing entirely if it's not clipped short.
   
9. Last but not least, it's not the worst idea in the world to pack a pair of flipflops in your backpack to give your feet a break when you're at your destination.... the Grand Canyon can create some Grand foot pains! BUT PLEASE... don't make flip flops your ONLY pair of shoes.

Now that I've taken all the fun out of choosing your "tennies"... I will add if you're looking to buy a pair here is a great site for comparing brands http://www.consumersearch.com/hiking-boots. Merrills are an excellent choice... but really you'd have to go into a local store and try them on for yourself. No two (pairs of) feet are alike, so only you can decide what feels best.

Ofcourse this is all good ol' anecdotal advice. I've seen a lot of people walk these trails in good and bad shoes. 99% of people agreed that the canyon was spectacular... some just enjoyed the experience a little more comfortably!

We look forward to spending the day hiking or touring with you at Around the Bend Adventures