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Microspikes are a must-have piece of gear for winter hiking. Hiking in winter is more difficult than at other types of the year. Hiking trails are often covered in snow and ice, making them slippery and slowing you down.
But don't let that put you off. I often find that hiking in winter is more beautiful than hiking in summer. With the right winter hiking gear, including microspikes and snowshoes, if you plan to go in the backcountry, it's incredibly enjoyable. Plus, you'll run into fewer hikers than you would at other times of the year.
In this article, I share the best microspikes and how to use them on your next hike and my favourite pair that 've been using for the past five years and counting. I love gear that stands up and doesn't need to be replaced every year or two.
After experimenting with different types over the years, I discovered that some either didn't provide excellent traction, wouldn't stay on my feet in deeper snow, or had spikes that kept bending and breaking.
Kahtoola MICROspikes are a fan favourite and have a loyal following. They have three different models depending on the type of terrain you'll be tackling in winter.
Each pair of Kahtoola MICROspikes comes with a 2-year warranty. They're constructed with an elastomer harness from durable TPE that remains stretchy in cold temperatures, all the way down to -22°F (-30°C).
And let's be honest, when it's colder than that, you won't want to be outdoors. Or at least I don't. Even though I'm Canadian, I don't enjoy spending time outside when it's THAT cold, even if it's on a gorgeous winter hike in Banff.
Insider Winter Hiking Tip: Don't wear your microspikes on dry sections, even if it's a short section. Take them off, and put them on again if you need to. Otherwise, you risk dulling or breaking the spikes.
