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(Any reference to a specific dealer is not an endorsement, but only a suggested source.)
A selection of links that help you decide what type of gear needed for winter activities.
Here are some rules and practices that are best followed to decrease your chances of becoming injured, lost or frozen (in part or whole.)
Get Ready for Icy Winter Hiking - In order to safely navigate our local trails in the winter, you need more than just good hiking boots. You need some kind of traction platform. It is treacherous to be on the icy trails without such equipment. All the following products are linked to vendors to show you what they are like. This does not mean that we are recommending any particular vendor. Starting with the least aggressive system.
The Yaktrax is about $20.00 and they will do a fair job on slippery trails that might be a little icy, but they do not grip hard ice as well. REI and EMS (pro version) carry them, as does Dicks Sporting Goods and Sierra Trading Post (reduced price). (Mine pulled apart while shoveling show in my driveway, which probably put more twisting stress on them than designed for.) As of Nov. 2012, available at the local Ocean State Job Lot stores, is a much less aggressive and cheaper ($6) alternative, seen in these photographs.
More aggressive and recommended for snow or icy hiking, are Stabilicers about $59+. There are various versions with different aggressiveness and price. Since these do not involve a stretching over your hiking boot, they are easier to put on and more comfortable walking, but some models do raise your boots about 1/2 inch, which may be noticeable.
Similar and even more aggressive because of short spikes on the bottom (review link) are the Katoola Micro Spikes, $59, available via direct order, and also at REI. These are more suitable for snow and icy hiking where you might encounter hard ice on a moderately steep trail. The spikes will take a beating if you encounter a rocky trail that is only partially iced over. Because stretching the rubber attachment over your hiking boots may be difficult, they are not as easy to put on or take off as the Stabilicers.
Traditionally in-step crampons have been used for years and are still available. They are very aggressive on hard ice. If you have access to older gear, you might find a pair in the attic or garage. Modern non-technical lightweight crampons are available such as the K•10 Hiking Crampon and the Hillsound Trail Crampon PRO. Here are Backpacker Gear Reviews for some of the traditional traction devices.
(new 2014) Another option is the ICEtrekkers Diamond Grip Traction System priced about $42. Traction for these units are provided by little diamond pattern rollers on the bottom. These appear to be less aggressive than the Katoola Micro Spikes and more suitable where rock AND ice are involved. The company also sells a version with just chains underfoot which are similar in price as the Yaktrax but with no rubber to break underfoot. Without checking for other sources, they are sold by REI at the Cranston Store. For reviews of the ICEtrekkers and other tractions devices see this review. With so many choices, slipping on ice should never be a problem.
Winter Hiking Equipment and Clothing
The Northern Hiking committee presented a Seminar on winter gear and clothing at REI Cranston on Dec. 2, 2010. The linked article is derived from the handouts provided by the AMC leaders. Information is provided on clothing, boots, gear, and etiquette. Click here to read more.
The AMC outdoors also has information in Matt Heid's equipment Blog on "How to Choose the Best Winter Gear"
Winter Hiking Leave No Trace Techniques
As a growing number of skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, telemarkers venture out in winter for day or overnight trips, the need to practice Leave No Trace winter techniques is now greater than ever. Click here to read more.
Websites that promote, support and provide information on winter snowsports.
Cross-country ski areas within reasonable driving distance:
Cross-country ski equipment packages and snowshoes - Retailers that provide sales and rentals of these items:
rev.3-10-2017