Traction devices

Traction devices for winter hikes

While winter brings snow-capped landscapes and some pretty beautiful hiking experiences, it also presents some unique challenges, most notably icy and slippery surfaces. To fully enjoy your cold-weather adventures, having the right gear is essential. When the snow isn’t deep enough for snowshoes but ice makes standard winter boots insufficient, traction devices become a game-changer. These handy tools provide stability and confidence on icy trails, ensuring you can keep moving without worrying about slipping. MEC has a wide variety of traction devices from brands like Life-Sports, Yaktrax, Kahtoola and more.

Why you need traction devices

Traction devices are lightweight and easy to use, offering a quick upgrade to your existing footwear. Designed to slip over your boots or shoes, their spikes dig into icy terrain to provide a secure grip, making them a versatile and practical choice for winter hikes. Unlike bulky snowshoes, they’re compact and easy to carry, making them ideal for conditions where you might encounter intermittent patches of ice or hard-packed snow. With various designs available, you can choose a model suited to the terrain and intensity of your hike.

Choosing your own pair of traction devices

For casual walks or urban icy paths, shallow spikes offer just enough grip to keep you steady. If you’re venturing onto steeper, more rugged trails, look for devices with deeper spikes that provide better traction on challenging surfaces. The number of spikes also plays a role—more spikes generally mean greater stability, especially on uneven or heavily iced terrain. Choosing the right traction device depends on the type of hike you plan to tackle, so consider the conditions and demands of your route before you buy.

Other winter essentials

To ensure your hike is enjoyable, don’t stop at traction devices. Bundle up properly with snow clothing designed to keep you warm and dry, and consider investing in a good pair of snowshoes for days when the snow is too deep for standard boots. Layering your gear and choosing materials that wick moisture while retaining heat can make all the difference during winter adventures. Traction devices are an invaluable addition to any winter hiker’s toolkit, offering peace of mind and safety without the bulk of specialized snow equipment.