HILLSOUND Trail Pro Crampon

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

bought 2 sets 1 for me and my son and had used to climb Mt Cardigan in Orange NH. worked very well on the trails,brooks and streams (iced over). very easy to install to ANY shoe nothing special to buy like to more high end ones. place heal and toe, run the straps through and wratchet snug but not to tight and ur off and running. have yet to try ice climbing as for like water falls with them but as for brooks and streams these are awesome for the money. went back and bought 2 more to add a friend or 2 for the next hike. :)

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

excellent shoulder season traction choice when crampons would be overkill and microspikes aren't enough.

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

I was never a fan of Microspikes because they always balled up on me. I felt my 10 and 12 point crampons were overkill on some of my easy hikes. So these seem to be the ideal thing. The points are very mild and will be easy for most people. The buckles are quick and easy to use and seem to hold well. They barely fit my size 11 Koflach boots, but they do fit. The odd thing is with the length properly adjusted, the furthest rear points sit almost to the center of my heal. It has not caused me a problem though. The quality is not bad, but does not come close to a real crampon. I would never trust these things on a 4000 footer, but they are not made for that. They do work great on easy stuff and walking the dog. They have definitely replaced my microspikes.

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

Have used these hiking on several ice covered mountains. The mountain tops are granite slabs covered with an inch of ice, sometimes sloping. These crampons grip very well and have held up to a substantial amount of abuse. The steel points hold up well to stomping into the ice. The also work well on ice covered trails.

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

I stumbled on to these last minute before mountaineering on Mt Whitney, and I'm so glad I made the purchase. I've had no experience with Hillsound products in the past, but this is a very well made product and the carrying pack was a really nice addition. The strap-in system, much like snowboarding bindings, is really easy to use with gloves on; I found myself in and out of my crampons much faster than the other guys in my group. I have a size 11.5, soft-shell boot and the crampons fit well at full extension. Overall, I'm really happy with this product, the price is awesome ($50 less than the similar BD),[...]

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

Used the crampons on two Adirondack climbs last week and found them to work great, both ascending and descending on steep ice covered rock. No complaints at all.

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

I bought these over the other options because I liked the ratchet buckle design. Unfortunately the inside buckle of the right crampon broke 4 miles into a weekend long winter trip. EMS replaced them - no questions asked. The second pair held up better than the first, but ultimately the left-rear attachment between the strap and base broke. I can't take chances with this kind of thing and they won't be getting a third strike. Switching to CAMPs.

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

I've used these 3 times since purchase on packed icy snow and glare ice. They are extemely sure footed on ascent and descent of steep, icy and snow covered trails.
Descent, inparticular, is a pleasure due to the placement of heel spikes at the back edge of the heel. This prevents any slipping as you place your heel down. There is no rolling of the spikes as there can be with competing products.
The binding system is great, and very easy to use with gloves on.
The only reservation I have is that in the instructions that come with the crampons you are cautioned to only use stiff soled shoes as flexible ones may bend or break the metal bracket that connects the front spikes to the sliding adjustable bar. I never saw that warning on any web site or reviews while I was searching for crampons.

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

Put these to the test hiking around the upper and lower Kaaterskill falls in the Catskills NY.
40 degrees, Ice, packed snow and water everywhere. Started out Cautiously as with any new gear and after a mile of ups and downs I started trusting in these, even side stepping up some steep stuff they stayed in place. They are a step above yaks and spikes. Climbing Crampons They Are Not, But good on icy trails.

Comments about HILLSOUND Trail Crampon Pro:

I ultimately went with these for a hike up to Mt. Adams this past weekend (Feb 18). Snow in places was 5' with mixed ice. On steep inclines the spikes just weren't long enough to provide enough grip to move forward. My snowshoes had more grip than these. Anything that required toe-in climbing just didn't happen. If you are walking on very packed snow with ice on top or just below or just ice alone on a low grade you'll be fine. Otherwise go for the Diamondbacks.