Are Yaktrax any good?

Q. With the current lingering snow and ice, walking an be difficult. It has been suggested that I try Yaktrax.

Have you had any experience of them, or are there better ice cleats.

Andrew Taylor,

A. I disagree with the negatives. They are not designed for mountain hiking. They are clearly sold at the more urban user who just needs to get about without slipping on icy roads. I use them in London, which suffers in the winter from slippery pavements and they work very well on these kinds of surfaces.

I would recommend them for walking about buildup areas in bad conditions but would not even consider using them on rough or 'serious' terrain where clearly more durable alternatives exist.

Tim , London

A. Hi, Yes Mike's advice is spot on, shoe grips would not be enough for safety, ice grips and usual aids would be necessary too.

B Mcguigan, Dublin

A. We were sent some Yaktrax for review some years ago but found them to be utterly useless and a complete waste of money.

They gave no more grip in snow and ice than walking boots alone and the right one snapped and fell off after 15 minutes and I lost it. (It's on the upper slopes of Dove Crag somewhere!)

If you are going walking in the high mountains in snow and icy conditions, please make sure you have proper crampons, an ice-axe and winter skills - or don't go.

Hope this helps

Mike (Editor)

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