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If you spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter, especially in the mountains you appreciate a pair of icers. You don’t have to be climbing some gnarly icefall to put a pair of Hillsound Trail crampons to use. Walking on a hard-packed, snow covered trail or on one with patches of ice can be tough going without some help.
On several occasions since the fall either my husband, myself or a friend have tested the Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro. It’s made for walking on snow, hard-packed snow and ice but it’s not what you’d use for a serious ice-climb. The manufacturers suggest backcountry hiking, winter hiking and glacier travel.
Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro – best features
These crampons are a snap to put on and take off using the ratchet buckle bindings.
What I love most about them is feeling solid on my feet. When I’ve been in slippery conditions, they have grabbed the snow and ice and provided a high degree of comfort. My friend Ted – who isn’t always so sure what he’s getting into when he goes out with us – literally loved everything about them.
Technical specs of the Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro
The Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro weighs 667 g for a regular sized pair and 704 g for an oversized pair. I didn’t notice the extra weight.
A regular sized pair fit boots from a women’s size 5 to a men’s size 12. The extra large crampons will fit men’s size 12 -15.
There are a total of 10 spikes made of heat treated carbon steel ranging from 2 – 2.6 cm in length.
They are meant to be worn with a stiff-soled or full shank hiking boot. With a malleable sole it’s possible that the metal base plate will bend or even break.
The company has tested the product in conditions up to -50°C. When it’s colder than that (really – who’s going outside in these conditions??) the buckles and metal become brittle and can break.
Each set of crampons comes with an “alpine stopper” to prevent the buckles from opening in deep snow – but I have yet to use them. A wrench is also included to adjust the length.
The length can be adjusted with a wrench
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I think anyone who tries these will be pleased with their performance.
The only thing I wouldn’t recommend doing is running down a hill with baggy pants. John did that while on Fairview Mountain and ripped a pair of pants so badly they were garbage. Live and learn.
For more information on the Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro, visit their website.
You can purchase a pair here – and honestly this is one product anyone who walks on ice in the mountains could use. They also make a pair of icers that are perfect for around town when you’re walking your dog.
Further reading on things to do in winter in the mountains
- Johnston Canyon Ice Walk in Banff National Park
- 5 Easy Winter Walks Within 40 Minutes of Calgary
- Things to do in Canmore on a 2 Day Winter Visit