Yak Trax?

Saunterr · Dec 8, 2016

I'm going to start the VdlP in mid-February. I was wondering if the conditions will be icy enough that yak-trax (the strap-on grippy things you can attach to the soles of shoes--sort of like crampons, but not as intense) would be helpful or even necessary?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Deleted member 3000 · Dec 9, 2016

Marcie said:
would be helpful or even necessary?

If the weather is bad enough to require them, it would be better to take a rest day or two! Ice is rare and temporary for most of the route. I doubt that you would use them.

hotelmedicis · Dec 9, 2016

I agree with Ivar, I doubt that you would use them and it's just extra weight.

Deleted member 43985 · Dec 9, 2016

In February I think they can be a smart item to take. I encountered some really deep snow and icy conditions and would have been grateful to have them. Winter walking comes with different conditions and IMO often a need to carry some more items/weight than at other times of the year. Worst case scenario? Have them with you until you get a sense that you are safe without them and then mail them on to SDC. Good luck, be safe and Buen Camino!

KinkyOne · Dec 9, 2016

jozero said:
In February I think they can be a smart item to take. I encountered some really deep snow and icy conditions and would have been grateful to have them. Winter walking comes with different conditions and IMO often a need to carry some more items/weight than at other times of the year. Worst case scenario? Have them with you until you get a sense that you are safe without them and then mail them on to SDC. Good luck, be safe and Buen Camino!

Your experience come from walking the CF and OP is going to walk Via de la Plata. I think the most of this route won't have weather conditions as on CF in winter.
But I haven't walked VdlP at all...

Deleted member 43985 · Dec 9, 2016

KinkyOne said:
Your experience come from walking the CF and OP is going to walk Via de la Plata. I think the most of this route won't have weather conditions as on CF in winter.
But I haven't walked VdlP at all...

I'm in the same boat as you, @KinkyOne, having not walked the VDLP but I when I looked up the average temps in February I saw average min temp in Madrid was 3 degrees celsius. My rationale was that if it was that cold down by Madrid, that from there north it was not inconceivable that it could by freezing with icy conditions. If I'm correct the VDLP comes up through Astorga which also means a trip over O'Cebreiro in mid- to late-March which also is well inside the freezing and snowy part of the year. It is entirely likely you and Falcon are right but I've never been a minimalist and err on the side of caution when I'm out trekking alone.

hotelmedicis · Dec 9, 2016

jozero said:
I'm in the same boat as you, @KinkyOne, having not walked the VDLP but I when I looked up the average temps in February I saw average min temp in Madrid was 3 degrees celsius. My rationale was that if it was that cold down by Madrid, that from there north it was not inconceivable that it could by freezing with icy conditions. If I'm correct the VDLP comes up through Astorga which also means a trip over O'Cebreiro in mid- to late-March which also is well inside the freezing and snowy part of the year. It is entirely likely you and Falcon are right but I've never been a minimalist and err on the side of caution when I'm out trekking alone.

Have a look at the photo in this article. O'Cebreiro on April 15th. Bring snow shoes.

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/album/...ro-amanece-nevado/01101334503400809166571.htm

KinkyOne · Dec 9, 2016

True. But I mentioned "most of the route" and conditions north of Zamora either on Sanabres branch or CF worsten mostly because of the altitude and influence from the Atlantic. While south of Zamora I would be more concern with strong winds than the icy conditions. That might change overnight of course with rain/sleeth/snow during the day and freezing temps in the night.

Therefore I wouldn't bring any additional gear from the beginning of the route. If the conditions get really rough you can buy this kind of winter gear in all major towns like Salamanca, Zamora, Ourense/Astorga and even in between.

Ultreia!

J F Gregory · Dec 9, 2016

My wife and I walked last April in snow while it was snowing and just wore our hiking boot and our walking sticks were sufficient to help keep us up.

jpflavin1 · Dec 9, 2016

Marcie said:
I'm going to start the VdlP in mid-February. I was wondering if the conditions will be icy enough that yak-trax (the strap-on grippy things you can attach to the soles of shoes--sort of like crampons, but not as intense) would be helpful or even necessary?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Marcie:

Yak Trax weigh next to nothing. Considering you are walking in February they are probably worthwhile taking.

The Southern part of this route they will probably not get any use but all it takes is one good icy storm to change the conditions. I would recommend you bring them if you already own a pair. The last thing you want is to slip, fall and injure yourself on your Camino.

Ultreya,
Joe

Sixwheeler · Dec 9, 2016

Only concern with YakTrax is if you meet hard ice where they're not much use. Check outdoor stores' websites etc. for alternatives that would be more versatile. I know they exist but can't remember what they're called; failing that I've got a very nice pair of snowshoes in my shed, one careful owner, never raced or rallied - make me an offer.

Rajy62 · Dec 10, 2016

Yaktrax is more for city/urban use. A step up is Kahtoola microspikes. They are a micro crampons (1 cm spikes). Very versatile. I use it in the mountains. Very light and easy to use and provide incredible traction in varying icey/snowy or even muddy conditions.

They are a bit pricy $70. But one can pick one at ebay lot cheaper.

Saunterr · Dec 11, 2016

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts, advice and ideas! I've already got a pair of yak trax, and have decided to take them--it seems worth the little bit of extra weight. If I need something more substantial, I'll go to an outdoor shop along the route. Or take a rest day

As my departure date gets closer, I get more excited!

santiago_67 · Dec 11, 2016

jozero said:
I'm in the same boat as you, @KinkyOne, having not walked the VDLP but I when I looked up the average temps in February I saw average min temp in Madrid was 3 degrees celsius. My rationale was that if it was that cold down by Madrid, that from there north it was not inconceivable that it could by freezing with icy conditions. If I'm correct the VDLP comes up through Astorga which also means a trip over O'Cebreiro in mid- to late-March which also is well inside the freezing and snowy part of the year. It is entirely likely you and Falcon are right but I've never been a minimalist and err on the side of caution when I'm out trekking alone.

I walked the VdlP this past April with snow flurries leaving Salamanca. In Granja de Moreruela you can continue on the VdlP to Astorga and join the CF or take the Camino Sanabres - I took the Sanabres. Heavy rain all day from Asturianos and paths were so flooded that I had to walk along the highway. Rain the entire day to Puebla de Sanabria. Still along the side of the highway with rain turning to snow/ice crossing the mountains to Lubian. Rain and wind got so bad that I quit in A Gudiña. Maybe April 2016 was unusual because the locals all said the year before had been wonderful.

AlanSykes · Tuesday at 4:57 PM

I first set off on the Vía de la Plata on All Saints, 2010. Since then it, and its offshoot the Sanabrés, has been a greater or lesser part of all of my caminos, other than last year and when I...

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