What are the best/ cheapest crampons to use for for just casual hiking in hilly icy areas?

Answer 1

You don't really need full on crampons for casual hiking in hilly areas. In fact, the metal prongs could trip you up and cause some problems.

There are three alternatives short of full crampons. I think the first two are the best.

1) Stabilicers and similar products. Stabilicers list around 40 dollars - sale prices will get you something cheaper. Stabilicer sports are lighter and cost a little more - I don't think you need them given the kind of hiking you describe. Stabilicers are what people who have to traverse icy terrain in their jobs often use. An alternative like the Get-A-Grip Xtreme is cheaper, but has fewer "teeth" to dig into the ice. While these are the most expensive option, you can keep them longer because you can buy replacement cleats.

2) Yak trax are pretty good on and off ice but not as stable and durable as stabilicers. However, do not go with the original Yaktrax - go with the Yaktrax pro. The original, now called "walkers" go for as little as 14 dollars, but for 20 you can find a pair of the pros. (In sources, I've left a link for comparing the two).

3) In step crampons cost are in between Yaktrax and stabilicers in cost and fit into the instep of your boot. They are less awkward than full crampons when you get to hard terrain off ice, but not as versatile as stabilicers or yak trax. Hikers I know used these at first and began switching over to stabilicers. Now that Yaktrax pro is out - I see some debate between Yaktrax pro and stabilicers fans.

Answer 2

I would suggest that you look into getting a pair of YakTrax. YakTraks are rubber webbing that you stretch over the bottom of your regular boots or shoes. The webbing has little metal rings built into it. The combined webbing and rings cut into snow and ice sort of like tire chains around a tire.

I have used by instep crampons and YakTraks while hiking and backpacking. For extreme conditions, where the ice is really hard packed, than you really need crampons. But in most cases, I find the YakTrax work just as well and in some cases they are better.

For example, walking across normal hard ground or rock where there is no ice/snow is difficult in crampons (like being on high heels), but there is no problem in YakTrax. So if you are likely to go over alternating patches of snow/ice and clear, YakTrax are the way to go. They are also easier to take on/off and store in your pack.

I think they are one of the best recent inventions for hiker/backpackers