Best Ice Cleats?

[DoubleBrookMaple]

So, last year I was on snowshoes in 3+ feet of the stuff putting up tubing and tapping. This year I have put in 270 taps so far and no snowshoes needed.
Problem this year is snow covered ice. I have just a few inches, but my hillside in many areas has glare ice covered with 3-4 inches of snow. I wore my Yaktrax, but they do not cut it, or cut in I should say. They are fine on flat ground, but I need something more aggressive.
This ice is here to stay till spring, and after Wednesdays melt off it will probably be worse.

Tired of sliding down the hill on my back side....

Eric

[maplestudent]

My wife and I both use Microspikes for winter hiking. We're not ice climbing, we're hiking on trails that get icy due to freeze/thaw. They work great, easy to put on/take off, and are comfortable to walk in.

[J. hutchins]

http://www.hoffmanboots.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=16C%20NEW%202015

[madmapler]

Living and working in the same territory as you, I can tell you that you need crampons like the ones made by Grivel. They look like a lot of gear but they are easy to get on and off and are easy to get around in and you can't slip no matter what. They grip ice,rocks etc. and several inches of snow don't matter. Me and my guy have been using them all winter on steep slopes that are all ice. It's better than bare ground.http://www.ebay.com/itm/GRIVEL-MONT-BLANC-G12-CLASSIC-CRAMPONS-/252266900949?hash=item3abc476dd5:g:JvoAAOSwLnlWoPB I This is actually a pretty good deal. Make sure you get this type. These fit regular boots. There is another style with a frame around the outside that are made for special boots.

[bawplank]

http://sportsmensdirect.com/shop/ke-ice-chisel-boot-cleats/
work great and only 22. just bought a new pair and the first ones tubing lasted over 10 years was gonna get new straps for them but the bait shop had the whole thing for 22.

[adk1]

Ice cleats no matter what are a must this year that is for sure

[BAP]

Doublebrookmaple, when I was in Sam's Outdoor Outfitters in Brattleboro the other day, they had several kinds of ice cleats. One was a spiked kind that looked much more aggressive than the Yaktrax ones.

[CampHamp]

Same terrain issues here in s. NH. I went with these (http://www.ebay.com/itm/311229704254?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=610387364246&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT).

[pipewhiner]

12756
We have these for Catskill Mtn. Summit hiking

[DoubleBrookMaple]

THANKS everyone!

It has become imperative now after the rains yesterday. I have lots of ice/snow that will freeze up today for weeks with snow on top soon. I am going to order today... Cleats!

Eric

This is what it looks like off the deck looking up into my sugarbush!

12800

[BAP]

Eric looks just about like what my woods look like now.

[antelope76]

I use the yaktrak pro for ice fishing and like that coil style over studs.

[Daveg]

Katoolahs. All the NH 48'ers and ADK 46'ers wear them. Pull them on as easy as a pair of rubbers with the benefit of pyramidal spikes and they fit more than one boot size. Wear like granite, too.

[DoubleBrookMaple]

Thanks again for all the input...

I procrastinated for a while and clicked the button to get these 12-teeth Crampons delivered to my door for under $60...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PA6UNKQ?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00

13120

[CharlieVT]

I use these for tapping and getting around when things are icy or crusty. I find they are the best all round cleats for most work. Very good for woods work, logging when the snow is crusty:
13121

I bought these at Agway when I couldn't find my other ones, they're not so good. No spikes so walking on floors is kinder, but not so grippy on ice, and they don't stay on my boots very well. (I tried a couple different pairs of boots, none worked, the cleats worked their way off. That's why they still look new):
13122

I have these for climbing but don't have much use for them sugaring. They are best for really steep hills, but not so great for general walking. If you have a lot of really steep hillsides these are best. (The kind of hills that you have trouble walking up even when there is no snow):
13123

[DoubleBrookMaple]

I use these for tapping and getting around when things are icy or crusty. I find they are the best all round cleats for most work. Very good for woods work, logging when the snow is crusty:
13121

I bought these at Agway when I couldn't find my other ones, they're not so good. No spikes so walking on floors is kinder, but not so grippy on ice, and they don't stay on my boots very well. (I tried a couple different pairs of boots, none worked, the cleats worked their way off. That's why they still look new):
13122

I have these for climbing but don't have much use for them sugaring. They are best for really steep hills, but not so great for general walking. If you have a lot of really steep hillsides these are best. (The kind of hills that you have trouble walking up even when there is no snow):
13123

Thanks Charlie

I do live, and sugar on steep hillside, and it is a lot of work, a challenge all year with the rocks, and treacherous when icy...

Eric