User Review: Petzl Vasak

Petzl Vasak
Above: The current Vasak, which may differ slightly from the version reviewed.

Reviewed October 29, 2006 by Prelucir

Rating:
Price Paid: $139.99

I have not used these crampons for climbing yet. Don't know if I even will.

However, I purchased these (I have the ones pictured) crampons for hiking in Rocky Mountain National Park. What a difference they make. Last year I used Yaktrax and I continued to slide all over the trail and loose my footing.

With the crampons that is not an issue. I have used them on fresh powder and snow and ice packed trails. They work best on packed snow and ice.

I did find that when trekking throught knee deep new powder and the first for the season that I hit a lot of rocks when walking and caused me to just about lose my ballance.

High altitude hiking with packed snow and ice, they are tops. I prefer them to snowshoes any time.

My only trouble is, I seem to catch the inside of my left pant leg with my right foot and the spikes are cutting into my gaiters.

Also, I should add, they are much easier to walk in than what I thought they would be when looking at them in the store. Assuming of course you are on packed snow or ice.

-John