Great video! very informative. What a coincidence as well, we have jut posted a video yesterday putting the Hillsound Trail Crampons to the test on one of England's most dangerous winter routes. That's how we found your channel, and it's a sub from us for great content.
I'm not sure how well these would work in mud because they rely on biting into something like ice. But for mud the bigger the lugs the better usually (think 4WD truck tires!).
Morning very nice review good info. We have a pair of Kahtoola a pair of hillsound given to us and a pair of Miracol Amazon only used on our last trip in Zion. All of worked great but the Hillsound bented spikes and rock stuck between the spikes still very happy with all of them. Best gear to have in winter. Stay safe my friend.
I have a pair of the Cimkiz and they work well in ice, snow and mud. This is the second winter hiking season that I am using them. Why spend $70 when the Cimkiz do the job for just $25.
That was a very helpful and informative video. I am a new subscriber and am thankful I found you through the 12 days of Xmas! :) xx crow ar thru-hiker 2022
I saw the Hillsound Trail Crampons are prone to rusting since they’re carbon steel. Has yours rusted more or less compared to a stainless steel MICROspike equivalent?
I've scratched mine up pretty bad on ice and rock and I still feel confident in them. Will they rust if not properly cared for? yes (and so will stainless under certain conditions). I think some people overestimate the effects of a thin layer of rust - it's not going to eat through the gear anytime soon (think girders, engines, and chains). Further, rust is not the only factor to consider. Carbon steel knife blades, for example, are more durable than stainless steel and can be better sharpened. So, it's more of a trade off. I wouldn't want to eat off my spikes - but I am fine with having them on my feet! Thanks for watching!
There are a ton of knock offs out there. Just be careful going cheap when buying gear that your life could depend on! Like they say about cheap rock climbing gear: "It will last your lifetime." ;)
This was a very “gripping” review…sorry, couldn’t resist. Those hillsound cleats look pretty interesting. Admittedly I do use the microspikes, but I don’t pay full price for them.🤫
Good day. Sharing my support . Im a new friend here now . See you at my Home. wishing you success and more additional true friends to come. God Bless Us Always.
If you mean going from Kahtoola to Cimkiz, I don't think they are lighter. I was reading off the stats and I am pretty sure the Kahtoola are lighter as a pair (13oz. vz. 16oz.). My bad, sorry!
I agree that the $50 difference is hard to swallow, but the Kahtoola spikes are made in a country, Taiwan, where people have the democratic freedom to vote and are continually under pressure of take over by China. The $20 brand(s) are made mostly in China. Hard for me not to buy Kahtoola.
That's something I've become more aware of lately. You might want to check out Hillsound. Their's are superior to the Kahtoola style and are made in Canada. amzn.to/3C7ipSl
