Comments about Kahtoola KTS Steel Crampons:

Well I'm going to be the odd ball, I live in lower Nevada... That's right NEVADA!!! I hike in Mt Charleston and needed some extra grip for going up 60% inclines at times and occasional ice patches. Didn't want the microspikes do to the rubber top, if that broke I might be stranded (or laying down to get back down) so I went with these. The chromoly steel doesn't even ding when walking on rocks and dirt, and the transition to ice is pretty much unnoticeable. Yes this might be a bit over kill for my application but one time on a trail I hit an ice patch while walking near a canyon edge and right there I stopped dead in my tracks. Now I hook them to the outside of my pack with the tote sack and any questionable terrain pull em out and good to go. Only cons is yes pain to adjust but do it at home so they fit on the trail. Also the back has plastic that I don't know why they didn't make it metal all though not a huge issue. Awesome for any hiking application and doesn't even have to be snow!!!