|
 What a cracking gadget for this weather. These are Yaktrax: crampon-esque devices that fit over your shoes or boots so you don’t slip on snow and ice – and I’ve been the envy of the town with my test pair.
The Yaktrax have a rubber base that fits round your footwear, and the bits that grip to the ice are coiled steel (protected against rust) to give 360º of traction. My pair are Yaktrax Pros, so they have a Velcro strap that goes over the top of your foot to make sure they stay on; the less hardcore Yaktrax Walkers come without a strap.
In use, they’re really easy to get on to your shoes/boots, even with freezing hands and big gloves. They’re light and compact so you can tuck them into a bag or even a large pocket until you need them. And they really do stop you from slipping – I’ve been striding past un-Yaktrax-ed folk with a smug look on my face all week.
You’re not going to use these for mountaineering, but for times when normal crampons are overkill they’re perfect – going for a run or a hike in snowy conditions, for example. And getting back up the sledging run quicker than the next person. And pushing my parents’ car out of their drive…
The Yaktrax Walker costs £15.99, the Yaktrax Pro £19.99 and both are available in four sizes. See www.yaktrax.co.uk.
And here's a pic of the Yaktrax Walker without Rosie looking silly in it.
 |
