The Intro Being a four-seasoned hiker comes with enjoying the outdoors from the best of sun shiny days to days where wind, fog, rain and yes snow and ice join in on the adventure.
I remember a winter hike where I learned the lesson of stability. It was on old rag mountain (elevation: 3,284 ft. ) where a few inches of fresh powder coated the front side of the mountain. It was just enough powder to make the rock scramble playground summit a true test of balance and coordination. However, while the frontside was a test I found bigger problems on the back side of the mountain. The back side had little to no sun and created a single-track luge track than trail. The cause and effect of my lack of preparedness for the winter weather was a lack of footing, constant spills, bumps, bruises served with humble pie. What's even worse was being passed by two trail runners trotting down the mountain with little concern for the icy conditions. From that point I was on the look out to find suitable support for my hiking footwear in wintry conditions. The Criteria
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What's to like:
A cost effective, light weight durable micro spike that is easy to add to your existing hiking shoe or boot and transport within your backpack for your winter outdoor adventures. Why use this: You are ready to explore your local trails and summits in the winter season but need traction support when ice and snow are present. 
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The Review
Kahtoola means "directly" in Tibetan, and by all means this product is direct. When I purchased the product the first thing I thought was how quickly I could return it. Honestly, I figured this contraption was going to be a hassle to put on, lack flexibility on different terrains and accumulate snow and dirt to a chunky mess under me.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The Exo-spike system comes in a small pouch (size of a soda can), making it super easy to transport as they can be rolled and compacted without damaging the product ( plus easily slid into your backpack ). There are 12 spikes to a foot providing maximum stability and traction. The shell (more like a harness) is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that crisscrosses the bottom of the foot to provide adaptability to different terrain and surfaces. The Exo spike is attractive in muted black with a red logo at the front of the harness. First impression out of the box is a well groomed product, light and elastic.
FIRST TRY ON:
The traction system is targeted for hikers and trail runners, in so much that the product is exceptionally lightweight and barely a noticeable add-on to your hiking shoe. I would say to put one on is like putting on a flipper. Once your hiking shoe is on, you will then slide your front foot in first, pushing your toes towards the red logo until the two front metal clamps rise to align with your shoe toe plate. From here you will pull the exo spike heal area back and slowly bringing the harness from under your shoe up and over your heal. The traction system is now fully engaged on your hiking shoe. I did order my shoe size (13) in the exo spike and it fit exactly! Speaking of the fit, its snug but not tight and conforms with your hiking shoe. I wore them over my standard day hiking merrell shoes and an important note here, wear the exo spikes with your hiking shoes as the grip from your shoes helps keep the exo spikes stable. lastly, A bit of comedy; I first tried these on in my house, immediately noticing the exo spikes while not sharp to the touch do leave marks and imprints on your floor.
Signal Knob Trail:
Let's get on with it, I took the exo spikes up to snowy Signal Knob in Front Royal. The sell of the exo spikes from Kahtoola was their adaptability to different surfaces. Signal Knob started out as a rocky , dirt single-track for the first mile with remnants of the snowfall from earlier in the week. To my feet there was no difference in wearing the exo spike over dirt and rock to wearing my hiking shoe and my only gripe is the noise of the metal coursing the rock. (Have no fear Kahtoola says the exo spikes last longer than the steel spikes of yesteryear). As I continued my trek up this 9.8 mile hike, the dirt and rock single-track gave way to inches deep snow and ice covering the rocks. I quickly noticed the grip and stability of the exo spike, I was not limited to delicate walking in these conditions but rather I was able to continue my normal stride. as the snow got denser and the rocks slowly faded away from sight, I put full trust into my exo spikes to take my up to the top. The cross hatch design limits snow and ice from build up under your shoe, thus your stability is not compromised and better your not sitting there using a stick to clean out your spikes. My first impression on the trail was supreme flexibility over different surfaces, noticeable improved grip on snow and ice and no build up.
Manassas Battlefield Trail:
The second hike was at Manassas battlefield , post ice storm. I took my kids sledding at the old stone house (note: this is an amazing hill for sledding). In the parking lot, i slid on my exo spikes and took them for a real world day to day spin . After a 9.8 mile tear just a few days ago, there was no change in the firmness of the exo spikes around my hiking shoe, the grip in this overly icy surface was steadfast ( I even ran up the hill to show off). I came away from this experience noting how well rounded this product is, good and practical for your local sledding hill or shoveling the driveway to hiking up a mountain on snow-covered rocks.
Veach Gap Trail:
This last hike to Veach Gap was the biggest test of them all. I roped in my fiancé to buy a pair and join me on the snow covered Veach Gap trail. a seven miler that would combine snow, ice, waterlogged areas , rock and loose material on the trail. she is more of a trail runner so i was interested to get her take. Together we tackled icy stream crossings, snow covered embankments and a snow filled summit. From my perspective , the exo spikes continued to shine bright, the ever changing surface had no bearing on performance and the ice and snow again could not form under my shoes. My fiancé noted how well they performed throughout but her biggest takeaway was the lightweight feel. To her surprise the exo spike was not cumbersome, and most importantly not a deterrent to her performance.
Final Thought:
Yes! a product that can meet and exceed expectations. The exo spikes are a perfect compliment to the four season hiker and deliver on performance, stability, adaptability and comfort.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The Exo-spike system comes in a small pouch (size of a soda can), making it super easy to transport as they can be rolled and compacted without damaging the product ( plus easily slid into your backpack ). There are 12 spikes to a foot providing maximum stability and traction. The shell (more like a harness) is thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that crisscrosses the bottom of the foot to provide adaptability to different terrain and surfaces. The Exo spike is attractive in muted black with a red logo at the front of the harness. First impression out of the box is a well groomed product, light and elastic.
FIRST TRY ON:
The traction system is targeted for hikers and trail runners, in so much that the product is exceptionally lightweight and barely a noticeable add-on to your hiking shoe. I would say to put one on is like putting on a flipper. Once your hiking shoe is on, you will then slide your front foot in first, pushing your toes towards the red logo until the two front metal clamps rise to align with your shoe toe plate. From here you will pull the exo spike heal area back and slowly bringing the harness from under your shoe up and over your heal. The traction system is now fully engaged on your hiking shoe. I did order my shoe size (13) in the exo spike and it fit exactly! Speaking of the fit, its snug but not tight and conforms with your hiking shoe. I wore them over my standard day hiking merrell shoes and an important note here, wear the exo spikes with your hiking shoes as the grip from your shoes helps keep the exo spikes stable. lastly, A bit of comedy; I first tried these on in my house, immediately noticing the exo spikes while not sharp to the touch do leave marks and imprints on your floor.
Signal Knob Trail:
Let's get on with it, I took the exo spikes up to snowy Signal Knob in Front Royal. The sell of the exo spikes from Kahtoola was their adaptability to different surfaces. Signal Knob started out as a rocky , dirt single-track for the first mile with remnants of the snowfall from earlier in the week. To my feet there was no difference in wearing the exo spike over dirt and rock to wearing my hiking shoe and my only gripe is the noise of the metal coursing the rock. (Have no fear Kahtoola says the exo spikes last longer than the steel spikes of yesteryear). As I continued my trek up this 9.8 mile hike, the dirt and rock single-track gave way to inches deep snow and ice covering the rocks. I quickly noticed the grip and stability of the exo spike, I was not limited to delicate walking in these conditions but rather I was able to continue my normal stride. as the snow got denser and the rocks slowly faded away from sight, I put full trust into my exo spikes to take my up to the top. The cross hatch design limits snow and ice from build up under your shoe, thus your stability is not compromised and better your not sitting there using a stick to clean out your spikes. My first impression on the trail was supreme flexibility over different surfaces, noticeable improved grip on snow and ice and no build up.
Manassas Battlefield Trail:
The second hike was at Manassas battlefield , post ice storm. I took my kids sledding at the old stone house (note: this is an amazing hill for sledding). In the parking lot, i slid on my exo spikes and took them for a real world day to day spin . After a 9.8 mile tear just a few days ago, there was no change in the firmness of the exo spikes around my hiking shoe, the grip in this overly icy surface was steadfast ( I even ran up the hill to show off). I came away from this experience noting how well rounded this product is, good and practical for your local sledding hill or shoveling the driveway to hiking up a mountain on snow-covered rocks.
Veach Gap Trail:
This last hike to Veach Gap was the biggest test of them all. I roped in my fiancé to buy a pair and join me on the snow covered Veach Gap trail. a seven miler that would combine snow, ice, waterlogged areas , rock and loose material on the trail. she is more of a trail runner so i was interested to get her take. Together we tackled icy stream crossings, snow covered embankments and a snow filled summit. From my perspective , the exo spikes continued to shine bright, the ever changing surface had no bearing on performance and the ice and snow again could not form under my shoes. My fiancé noted how well they performed throughout but her biggest takeaway was the lightweight feel. To her surprise the exo spike was not cumbersome, and most importantly not a deterrent to her performance.
Final Thought:
Yes! a product that can meet and exceed expectations. The exo spikes are a perfect compliment to the four season hiker and deliver on performance, stability, adaptability and comfort.
