First Impressions – Hillsound Trail Crampon Ultra

Hillsound’s trick Trail Crampon Ultra is made of ultra-high-strength stainless steel for durability on rock and mixed terrain, and they feature 18 spikes connected with tough welded chains which are then attached to an elastomer harness system for a secure fit. They took their Trail Crampon model and added more traction and flexibility while reducing the weight for runners and hikers wanting to travel lighter and faster in the mountains, making an ideal crampon for those athletes pushing their limits.

For further information refer to https://www.hillsound.com.

Features

They feature a wraparound elastomer harness system that stretches easily over most footwear, and it has a Velcro strap that fastens over the top of the foot to increase the stability of the traction system and offer a secure fit.

It features 18 spikes that are 1/2″- 2/3” in length that offer aggressive traction on any icy and snowy surface and the design distributes pressure evenly to withstand wear. The spikes reside on six plates which are connected with welded chains that can easily endure repeated torque, foot strikes, and abuse on ice and snow. The sides and rear chains that connect to the harness utilize double-sided chains to keep a tight grip on shoes to prevent any shifting of the traction device, while the front ones are single-sided for a better fit and give. A larger heel plate with three spikes gives secure traction and ultra stability for descents and trail-running.

They come in XS, S, M, L and XL sizes and retail for $69.95.

Impressions

Our intrepid new author Larry ‘The Snowman’ Rosenkranz tested the crampons out while on a run and here were his thoughts:

When I first pulled the Trail Crampon Ultras from the box, I was under the impression that they would be too heavy and bulky for trail running. That impression quickly dissolved as soon as I strapped them on my trail running shoes and headed up the trail. I found the perfect proving grounds to test out this awesome addition to my outdoor gear as I headed up Daly Canyon on this chilly spring morning in Park City, Utah. I ran on a mix of hard packed uneven snow, solid ice and some soft dirt road where the warm spring sun had melted off the snow and ice. I was thoroughly impressed with the traction I had on slick terrain. I was able to maintain an average pace without worrying about sliding or slipping.

I highly recommend this product for folks who enjoy getting out to trail run thru the winter months on snow packed and icy trails. I will also be adding this gear to my pack when I head out on any hikes where I may need traction on slick surfaces.