Crampon vs Micro Spike

[Retropnitsuj]

Hello everyone, I pulled a goat tag for Revillagigedo Island and I’ve started to do more research for my hunt. Some sort of traction device seems like a must. I hunted blacktails last year on POW and didn’t wear crampons or microspikes but was mostly on old logging roads. Which is everyone using? I’ve also seen some people talking about caulked/corked boots but would rather not go this route. Thanks in advance.

 

[Marbles]

I lived on and have hunted Revellagigedo. Traction devices could be nice, but are far from a must, I never used mine unless there was snow or ice.

 

[StopMakingSense]

If you've got snow, yeah you bet

 

[Marbles]

To add, microspike are for walking on icy sidewalks and trails. Alpine crampons are for snow in the mountains. Just don't step on your foot.

My Petzl Vasaks are 34 oz, my microspikes are 13 ounces. If carrying for just in case, but not expecting snow, then microspikes. If expecting snow, having an iceaxe is nice.

 

[Retropnitsuj]

I think I’m going to go in the beginning of October so snow is definitely a possibility.

 

[StopMakingSense]

Depends if you have a heel welt or not on your boots. Aluminum will wear quickly but if you aren't scrambling on rock 24/7 then the full aluminum light ones are nice. The middle ground is a steel front and aluminum rear.

Fully Automatic, welt on toe and heel, La Sportiva Nepal Cube ... super stiff, confidence-inspiring on anything
Semi-Automatic, welt on heel, Zamberlan 2092 ... middle ground
No welt, normal boot, any of the Kenetreks petzl calls this their Flexlock system ... a lot of flex in steep situations

I carry these in September at 11.5oz but they are fully automatic and need a true mountaineering boot https://www.petzl.com/CA/en/Sport/Crampons/LEOPARD-LLF

Honestly, we bring crampons anytime we're goat hunting. 50+ deg hard dirt slops don't leave a lot of room for error when carrying 110lbs. But we tend to eff around and find out too much so the crampons are great insurance.