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I need more traction on the ice. Anyone have any experience with ice cleat type thingys? Found here and here. A couple example pics below. I've read a bunch of reviews and none sound perfect. Either too hard to get on or not durable enough or don't stay in place. Anyone have any personal experience?

Dunno if you know this site(but I suspect you do), but it also has other models of the things you are looking for: http://www.expe.fr

Scott McCrea wrote:I need more traction on the ice. Anyone have any experience with ice cleat type thingys?

hey Scott, what is your specific need? Just walking around town or on the rock, or..??? I've tried a bunch of these things and their performance varies depending on the terrain. The ones you have pictured are basically for mild outdoor use on even terrain. An instep crampon might suit your need.

Scott,
It seems counterintuitive for someone not a mountain hiker, but the instep cleats with about a 1/2" cleat are just wonderful on uneven terrain. We bought some really neat looking full foot creepers for use in the winter Grand Canyon, and they turned into skates in just a 1/4 mile or so. One of the canyon angels (folks who cruise the upper canyon looking for clueless newbies like me) gave me a used pair of Ice Walkers, and suddenly it was like I could actually walk without slipping. I bought a new pair when I reached the top.

Apparently that brand is no more, but I found something very similar from CMI corporation online:
http://www.cmi-gear.com/catalog/essentials/icecleat.asp

I just want them for casual hiking use. I saw those instep cleats, but wasn't sure how well they would work with not traction on the toe, but y'all seem to like them. Maybe I'll give them a shot. The price is right. Thanks!

Not cheap, but the Kahtoola® Traction System are great! Berta and I each have a pair that we have used both here in the mountains of the south and out west in "real" mountains when we did not need true crampons.

http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.php

Disclaimer: Berta is a PMI Sponsored Athlete. PMI carries and sales Kahtoola products. My post is not intended to advertise this product, but to inform interested readers.

I HAD a pair just like the kind on the left. They worked pretty good when I gave them a test run...I felt like i could walk up a wall...But, I let a buddy use them when we went on a little hike because he didnt have any boots. They lasted an hour or so before the rubber broke. If you were only using them for snow/ice they would probly last longer though.

Bobby

I use crampons quite often.

One medium hike and the rubberize crampon with studs would not last long even with light use.

Nice on Tim's running/light hiking crampons. Mainly because I have never trusted the instep crampons and that one time that you need good footing they will pay for themselves.

FYI-Don't step on your toes, it hurts.

I've used those instep cleats on a winter Grand Canyon trip. The main problem was that they filled with packed snow and ice and really didn't work very well at that point. You had to clear them out alot. And the arch of my feet got sore after long use. I will use full strap-on crampons next time.

Has anyone used crampons in steep slippery mud inside caves? Seems like they might work well.

I agree with you Tom on using full crampons. It seems that with long usage that if you don't have a 3/4 or full shank in your boot that it would just kill your feet.

Has anyone used crampons in steep slippery mud inside caves? Seems like they might work well.

I have use them in AK in and out of caves, but they didn't work that well. Mainly because they "gunked" up fast, but I would think it depends on the texture of the mud.

Kathoola micro spikes are the way to go for snowy icy hiking.
Anything really icy and steep I would use light crampons and An axe.
Those traction aids (yAktrax) can help in light snow but don't bite into the ice at all

My three cents

Caver John wrote:Kathoola micro spikes are the way to go for snowy icy hiking.

I certainly think the ones I got are great, and quick to fit/remove item for mixed walking, with grip generally excellent on anything but flat, smooth sloping rock.
It took me a little while to get used to the relative lack of edge, and advantages of placing feet flat even on much sloping ground.

For winter walks to UK caves over frozen/snowy moorland, having something that can be quickly pulled on over a pair of wellies is fantastic.