Reviews > Snow Gear > Traction Aids > Yaktrax Pro > Kathryn Doiron > Initial Report

YakTrax Pro- Initial Report

YakTrax Pro

The YakTrax Pro are a molded rubber diamond grid with steel coils forming a criss-cross pattern. The coils are situated in such a way as to have the individual lines in the coils facing in different directions. There was a faint rubbery smell to the YakTrax Pro upon first removal from the case. The YakTrax Pro are somewhat compact and arrived folded in half. There is a removable performance strap positioned to fit just above the toes. The strap has a metal square attached to one end. The strap passes through the square to hold the strap to the rubber. Hook and loop enclosures hold the strap to the rubber on the other side of the shoe.

The sizing chart suggests that a small will work with a woman's 10. Being between two sizes, I received both a small and medium and found that the medium was a better fit. The medium was easy to pull on, gripped the shoe well and did not strain against the shoe. I found the metal coils a little odd to stand on.

Test Plan:

I will look into ease of use and removal of YakTrax Pro backespecially in terms of any hindrance by the performance strap. I will look into how comfortable the coils are under different conditions. How rocky terrain affects comfort and grip. I will examine the usefulness of the performance strap under various conditions. I am interested in how much snow or ice the coils will accumulate and how easy the YakTrax Pro are to clean.

I have at least one camping trip per month planned from now until the end of summer with twice monthly day hikes planned come spring. I plan on carrying the YakTrax Pro on these trips which will include an overnight to the top of Mt. Washington, at 6000ft. I will also use them on my daily commute weather permitting. Expected temperatures can be anywhere from below freezing to 15 C (60 F) depending on season and elevation. I expect to encounter icy hills, and snow with what remains of the winter into spring. The hiking trails will be under similar conditions as the sidewalks, only snowier.

Pros:

- Flexible and pliable rubber frame

- Coils form a criss cross pattern to prevent directional slippage