Hillsound Crampon & Gaiter Review
Picture for a moment having no teeth. Not pretty. Then imagine trying to eat a bucket of ice. Awkward. This my friends is an analogy for what I see on the trail in winter. When snow on steep pathways becomes hard-packed from use, and people attempt to summit a local hill or mountain with just hiking boots, or God forbid court shoes – it’s awkward and it’s not pretty. When rubber soles turn rock solid and loose any sense of grip in freezing temperatures, it’s time to put some teeth in those boots with a set of crampons.
Worth every penny, and one less trip to the ER for a turned ankle, crampons are metal spikes that easily slip on any pair of shoes or hiking boots, turning you into something virtually superhuman on ice and snow. Hillsound is the brand I’ve trusted for years and see all over the trail. With that, I wanted to review their Crampon Ultra that I was lucky enough to get a hold of this season for a field test.
The Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra
As I clip along over icy trails, the Crampon Ultra feels nearly weightless. As a performance crampon, the fit is equally impressive, feeling natural and like an extension of my own foot. The double-sided chains easily resit torque and shifting while a large heal plate provides traction on descents that instills the confidence to charge forward. Being easy to put on, and take off, is important when making frequent transitions to snowshoes. The Crampon Ultra’s design really shines through in this case with a flexible halter that’s paired with a single top Velcro strap making application a snap. Who would have thought you could become superhuman for just $69.99.
The Hillsound Armadillo LT Gaiter
Paired with a set of Armadillo LT Gaiters, you’re ready for a full day of winter hiking. A high-density Nylon lower section provides high protections against moisture while I kick up fluffy white flakes that adorn the trail. The gaiter’s upper section is made of Flexia three-layer fabric, that along with it’s reinforced zipper, provide enough rigidity to maintain shape while feeling perfectly fit on the leg. A metal hook at the base secures to boot laces, ensuring they stay fitted. Working well with either crampons or snowshoes, Armadillo LT Gaiters retail for $49.99. I’ll surely be wearing these in spring conditions as well, when trails are full of melt water and lined by slushy grade snow.
