 Trail & Timberline Magazine - The Colorado Mountain Club
KTS: I have concluded that they are THE solution to a wide range of snow travel needs
 November - December 2002 - Snowshoes and lightweight crampons
...For full-on alpine or waterfall ice climbing, or if your route combines a lot of on-and-off glacier and moraine travel, there’s no substitute for full-on 12-point steel crampons. My personal favorite for all-around use is the Grivel G-12. However, in much of Colorado most of the time, most folks just need a little extra traction now and then, and don’t want to carry a couple extra pounds of iron up the hill. Also, relatively few boots (and no running or approach shoes) have the toe or heel welts needed to attach traditional steel crampons. Two variations on a theme come to our rescue: the Stubai Ultralight Universal 10 point crampon and the Kahtoola® Traction System (KTS). Similar in price (around [$139]) and weight (21 and 19 ounces respectively), these specialty tools nonetheless fill different needs and niches.
Like most residents of the Denver/Boulder area, I’ve spent my share of time slipping and sliding up and down the snow-packed spring trails in the foothills. When I first saw the KTS “crampons,” I frankly thought they were an elegant but somewhat pricey and, ironically, heavy solution to the problem. After trying other solutions and more fully considering the possible range of applications for the KTS, I have concluded that they are THE solution to a wide range of snow travel needs. For many snow/ice travel situations (shallow snow, lightweight footwear), full-length crampon points are not only unnecessary but also even dangerous. Made of stainless steel and 7000 series aluminum, the KTS shines in these situations. The points are short enough not to induce ankle-twisting torque and sharp enough to give good purchase on even icy terrain. The attachment system is simple to use and quickly adjusts to a variety of footwear.
It is no wonder that these have become a favorite of adventure racers, and dedicated year-round trail runners would be wise to invest in a pair as well. As with any specialty item, there are a couple of shortcomings. In sticky snow conditions the short points may ball up quickly, although the flexible nature of the crampon and the footwear it is used with might mitigate this. Although made from a very strong aluminum alloy, they are not as durable as steel. Since the points are short to begin with, usable lifetime is unavoidably compromised (more a statement of fact than a criticism really; it is what it is). If you’re weight-conscious and expect to travel non-technical frozen terrain, the KTS is for you....
—The Gearguy, Trail & Timberline Magazine
This user-friendly new product is great for peak-bagging, alpine approaches, and winter trail running.
Kahtoola Traction System
Flexible, lightweight (1.2 lbs/pair) and designed for any footwear. This user-friendly new product is great for peak-bagging, alpine approaches and winter trail running. SRP $129. Tote sack included. Contact Kahtoola Inc. for dealer information.
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