Backpacker Magazine
Is it a crampon or a snowshoe? Kahtoola's FLIGHTsystem is both, actually, which puts it in a class by itself.
February 2007 -The Future of Snow Travel? Kahtoola's FLIGHTsystem is an innovative hybrid designed to tackle a variety of winter conditions.
Is it a crampon or a snowshoe? Kahtoola's FLIGHTsystem is both, actually, which puts it in a class by itself. Its two components - a neoprene overboot with crampons underneath, and a click-in snowshoe deck - are sold separately. For crusty snow or icy trails, the stretchy FLIGHTboot snugs over your favorite footwear - from trail runners to beefy leather hikers. Underneath, steel teeth provide firm traction on packed, low-angle trails. In softer, deeper snow, just click into the FLIGHTdecks, which are aluminum-framed snowshoes minus the bindings and crampons. At times, snow clogged the notches so the steel tongues didn't securely click, but a few raps with a trekking pole always did the trick. Once clicked in, the system never failed, despite several long leaps off drifts and cornices. The click-in system doesn't provide the lateral support of a fully integrated snowshe binding; we experienced a bit of slippage on steep traverses. Packs flat. FLIGHTboot $149; 7 unisex sizes to fit over women's 5 to men's 14; 2 lbs. 14 oz. (men's 12). FLIGHTdeck $185; 3 lbs. 1 oz.
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