Reddit mentions: The best shoe ice & snow grips

Get you a good coat, good thermal base layers, good boots, and good gloves. I got all of mine from patagonia's worn wear program. Those are all worth investing in. Keep cheaper versions of these in your car, or keep your good stuff in a bag and always bring it to your car with you. I've gotten stuck in weird rainstorms and windy times without my outdoor gear, and it sucks. Depending on if you're on a trail, it can be dangerous.

Get a hat with ear flaps, or get earmuffs, and get a good scarf. What works best for me is a tight infinity scarf so that it's close to the skin. Sometimes I wear two and pull one up over my nose--you can do this with one, but I've found that sometimes I'm cozier with two :)

For reflective stuff, LED things are great. I also use this kind of reflective wear when I'm walking. It's cheap and effective.

If you get snow or ice, these things are lifesavers. Dogs that don't normally bug you when they pull could easily pull you to the ground if they pull at the wrong time when you're on an especially slick spot. Obviously, that's a bad time, but especially if you're young it's easy to forget that it's dangerous, particularly in winter--and again, especially on trails where you'll be in a bad situation if you get hurt.

Layering is your best friend as others have said. imo winter boots aren't worth it, so long as you have a good pair of all-season boots that are waterproof. At that point, you just need two good pairs of socks and you'll be set.

CHAPSTICK and lotion!! Put it in all your pockets. People forget about this, but winter is super drying on your skin and I've experienced lip bleeding from super chapped lips. Also, get lotion with SPF. You still need sunscreen in winter.

It's also worth noting that you should be prepared for winter car emergencies if you drive to your walks, too. Keep a blanket, food, water, flashlight, and extra warm clothes in there. Make sure you have an ice scraper, snow shovel, flares (especially important in winter), and jumper cables. They even make self jump starters if you go to especially rural areas or don't have local contacts that can help.

Also, get your car checked out before winter hits full force. Some mechanics will do free system checks when you get your tires rotated or get your winter tires.

P.S. Rechargeable hand warmers exist. They rock, and many can also work as portable phone chargers.

It's been a while ('90's) but I've been to Bethel a fair bit. It's probably Alaska's biggest "bush" village - not a city, not a town like you'd think in lower 48 - much smaller and less developed. Overall kind of dirty and scummy. Think very rural. Then think even more rural and you still won't be close if you haven't been to bush Alaska before. Hub for western Alaska - native hospital (I assume where you're interning). They've got a road and some cars/trucks and I think even a cab or 2. There'll also be snow-gos (aka snowmachines aka snowmobiles) and 4-wheelers on the road. People are generally friendly and like as not will offer a ride if you're walking. You'll be shopping at the Alaska Commercial store where you'll get shocked at prices for brown lettuce and old vegetables and fruit. Nice that you'll get room and board included as else it's big $$$.

The coat you link to would likely do you fine for when it gets cold. Being long it might be a little hassle if you go riding on 4 wheelers or snow machines. A lot depends on what you do. No one in Alaska will care if you're "fashionable". Not even in Anchorage - people wear jeans/carharts to absolutely anything. Certainly not in Bethel. But nicer is fine too - don't worry, if you're not a local native, they'll know you're from outside regardless. I'm sure you've googled weather history. You'll get a big range. By November it can get wicked cold, but more likely not below zero. Of course you'll have other stuff to layer with if need be. Warm, waterproof boots. No need for crampons! I think maybe cypressash miss-wrote and meant something like this. or some similar variation. I wouldn't bother with it though.

Good luck and enjoy an experience.

I second what's already been said about layers on top, and I'd highly recommend this top as a base layer. It's super lightweight but I only wear it on super cold days because it really keeps you warm. I would also add that sometimes when it's really REALLY cold, I wear spandex shorts under my fleece-lined tights, because my butt gets cold.

And in terms of dealing with ice / slush, a pair of yaktrax or something like these can fit over your shoes and help you get traction so you're not sliding all over the place.

I was going to make the same recommendation. These socks and the Redwings mentioned in the OP are a great year-round combo for happy feet. I work in the Prudhoe Bay oilfield so I'm familiar with Real Damn Cold conditions. I don't spend a ton of time outdoors as a shop guy but when I do go out in -40(F or C, you pick) to dig something out of the snow or whatever, my hands get cold long before my feet. Most of my days are spent standing on concrete floors, and those boots & socks keep me happy.

You didn't ask, but of all the traction devices I've tried, I like the Ice Trekkers the best.

If he's anything like me, maybe he wears his shoes much longer than their lifespan lasts. Being that he plays rec sports often, maybe you can get him a pair of cleats if you know his size or know someone who could get it for you without directly asking (like his fiance?). They even sell cleats for snow/ice since he's moving to Toronto. I think snowfall is pretty common there isn't it? Best of luck man, hopefully I helped a little. Happy holidays.

At home: blankets, flashlights/candles, dry goods, possibly non-electronic entertainment if you get bored easily; snow shovel/snowblower, Ice Melt stuff for when the storm passes. When the power goes out, open your fridge/freezer as little as possible so that your food won't spoil from letting out the cold. Have surge protectors on your plugs for brown-outs. When it gets really cold at nights make sure to leave a tap dripping somewhere in your house so your pipes don't freeze.

In your car: rain slicker jacket and pants, warm waterproof gloves and boots, boot chains are a good idea, tarp for if you have to lay down under your car for any reason, road flares, extra blankets and/or jackets, a case of water and dry snacks, and a tow rope/chain for if you get stuck.

Hope that helps! :)

Get these things and put them on a nice pair of boots. Also, wool/smart wool socks are amazing.

You said you're driving? Scraping off your windshield and cleaning off your car is a chore, so wake up earlier and get your car running while you're getting ready. It'll be easier once it's warm. Also clean the fuggin roof off, too many people don't and drive with a 'snow-hawk'.

Also doesn't hurt to find an empty parking lot that hasn't been plowed and learn how the car handles and what to do when it loses control.

Welcome to the North.

I was up there yesterday! Here is an album of what it looked like.

It was beautiful. Had a really great time. There were maybe 10 other people on the trail for the day. One guy was up there in blue jeans for some reason.

This was my second winter ascent. Did Camel's Hump last weekend. I used the Sunset Ridge Trail for both the ascent and descent. I used Hillsound Trail Crampons most of the way and they did a great job. I used trekking poles as well.

There was plenty of ice, especially on exposed ridges, and there were a few tricky places, but with crampons it was not a problem. The wind was pretty severe on the summit. I was almost blown over a couple times and did not linger up there. The snow was waist deep in places along the ridge approaching the Chin. Snowshoes would probably be helpful as winter progresses.

Not sure if an axe would be necessary on this route, but I haven't seen what it is like up there in January.

Yaktraxs, the ones with the coil springs, are actually pretty terrible compared to other designs.

The type of slip on ice cleat with spikes are the best. Here's a cheap option of that style. If you're willing to spend a bit more then these are a great upgrade that are more durable with better grip. If you want to spend a bit more, the best casual ice cleats are Stabilicers Maxx 2

I keep that second pair in my car every winter. I used to use the first pair. Getting out on a street or gas station or driveway that's iced over can be dangerous.

I fell on my back once on an iced over sidewalk before I got slip on ice cleats and I haven't had a problem since. At once point I pulled my then girlfriend up an iced over sloped driveway using them. They give tons of grip on ice.

I know how you feel. I hear people talking about going jogging in winter and it makes me cringe.


I realized I have a different way of walking if I suspect ice. Sort of like a lighter step where I twist my foot a bit when I step down to gauge the slipperiness.


Although I haven't tried any, there are definitely affordable things you can get to attach to your shoes/boots for extra grip on ice. Just look up "ice grips" or if you want to get really intense- "crampons". I saw several options on Amazon for around $20. Here is an example.


Best of luck this season :)

You can buy ice cleats to add on to your boots that could help in icy conditions. Not sure if they would've necessarily helped here (seems like a hand rail would've been the best thing), but I wear them on icy days because it's deceptively easy to slip and fall even while watching out for ice.

I don't know what her symptoms are but I'm a practical gift person, so perhaps these aren't good yet but maybe for future years: Digital thermometer, because when an MS'er is feeling bad, they can temp check for infection. Infections cause a temporary worsening of symptoms that can make you fear you're in relapse when you've just got a simple bladder infection! Also, I just bought these [Shoe Traction Cleats for Ice and Snow] (https://www.amazon.com/Limm-Traction-Cleats-Extra-Large/dp/B01KIPYNLI/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1511851765&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=SNOTEK+Pro+Winter+Ice+Grips+for+Shoes+and+Boots) for myself for winter ice and snow (I can't feel my feet anymore and I live in the great white north so these help me from slipping and fit over regular shoes and boots). They are awesome, and can be pulled off whenever you want. Also I bought myself a sturdy, black folding cane that looks classy/sleek/sexy so I can put it in my purse when not needed and not look like I'm carrying around a candy cane. Walking poles are good too, if you want something more subtle that can also be used for imbalance problems. I recently learned that a wobbly MS'er can still hike if they use these ;)

I ordered these a while ago: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B007S3QWKO?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

I dont really use them that much so they've lasted. Only when its icy or snowing, but they keep the running paths pretty clean.

I use YakTrax, but you've already mentioned that you use crampons. Other than that, I just take greater care with for placement when wearing my little one while outside.

http://www.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Walker-Traction-Cleats-Snow/dp/B009LJBEEM

Something like this will help you gain traction. Otherwise, short steps and land with a flat foot rather than on your heel as you would typically. This causes more surface area and will keep you foot more under you center of gravity which will minimize the chance for your foot to slip out.

Also, do not think to yourself "huh..I haven't fallen yet this winter..." You will fall immediately afterwards.

I got a pair of these little yahoos and they work like a champ. They run a pinch small so if you're between sizes definitely go bigger, especially if you're planning on using them on boots.

Poly tights, top and bottom, top fleece (I wear shorts too cause I'm not fond of swinging around for people), good gloves and a hat, and these: http://www.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Run-Traction-Cleats-Snow/dp/B009LJI3XM

Do like five minutes of jumping jacks inside to get your blood flowing before going in the cold an you'llbe fine.

When I lived in the Midwest, I used the ice spikes to walk to classes on campus when the weather was bad and they made a huge difference! They are super easy to slide on over most kinds of shoes also!

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https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DBR636E/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_ef7QCbGMKJ9F2

Something like [this](http://www.Yaktrax.com/ Run Traction Cleats for Running on Snow and Ice, Medium https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B007S3QWKO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yWeZDbY3YAC67) would be ideal.

Good pens. Always. Markers and white board erasers and things like that. I spent 25/hrv a piece on crappy white board markers that didn't survive me using them four hours a week over five weeks.
If you bake, an oven thermometer.
You can find measuring spoons and cups in country, but you have to go to a bigger city or EpiCenter for them.

Oh and since winter is coming: https://www.amazon.com/ICETrekkers-Chains-Large-9-5-12-5-Womens/dp/B00LDYIJ00/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1500978243&sr=8-1&keywords=ice+trekkers
The ones you can buy at outdoor shops here are junk, and even the normal Yaktrax wore out on me this past winter.

Really, most things are available in Ukraine, so it all comes down to personal preferences for non-edibles. I've had some skin care stuff sent to me, but that's about it.

https://www.amazon.com/STABILicers-Traction-Cleat-Tread-Black/dp/B000GUCDDG/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549859883&sr=8-4&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=ice+shoes+grippers&dpPl=1&dpID=516Xu91YIDL&ref=plSrch

FYI to all, ice gripper shoe things exist. They’re real helpful! Shouldn’t need them for a college campus but... hey ya do what you need to

I wore these https://www.amazon.com/STABILicers-Walk-Stabilicers-Traction-Cleat/dp/B000GUEAVO/ and it was great, not a single slip!

Two words: long underwear.

I swear, after moving to Raleigh (where every year it snows--something this California boy is not used to), I froze my ass off until I discovered long underwear. They're a godsend.

Oh, and the other thing I recommend: strap-on ice cleats for your shoes. I own a pair of these; you just slip them on over your walking shoes, and they help you from sliding on the snow and ice.

There are several companies that make shoe attachments that will help with snow/ice traction. Yak Track Run are the ones I have.

Not bad but why not just get something like these Shoe Traction Cleats

You can also get these grip thingies http://www.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Walker-Traction-Cleats-Snow/dp/B009LJBEEM/ref=pd_sim_sbs_468_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=41UV8n9%2BKZL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=13A388VD6Z5EJC3ZBPVS in case you wanna use your normal shoes :) If you're already in town, you can find them at Lidl or Kookenkä (they're cheaper than at Intersport). ¡¡Bienvenida y mucha suerte!! :D

As for shoes, you might try trail running shoes. They give you extra traction and are a bit more warming for your feet. If it's still too slippery, these might help: http://www.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Run-Traction-Cleats-Snow/dp/B009LJI3XM

I use Yaktrax. They grip pretty well but I'm always careful going down hills.

They are definitely these. here is an example from amazon.

Holy crap I never knew such things existed. That's really cool. Though I have to admit when I read 'chains for your shoes' I imagined actual chains somehow wrapped around shoes.

Edit: Aaand it turns out actual snow chains for shoes do exist. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002C4BT6G
What a time to be alive.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00LDYIJ00/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1506531559&sr=8-2&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=ice+trekkers&dpPl=1&dpID=41RA3-cggpL&ref=plSrch

You're welcome

i do the same - currently working from my mom's house and trying to remove any temptation to go out (everything from shovelling to stocking up groceries and giving her netflix/crave logins, haha). the same thing happened a few years ago when i was at work - she slipped and fell and broke her arm, which isn't as bad as a hip, but still disruptive. i felt bad because she was out doing something i would have done had i been home. the crappy thing was i go to great lengths to remove any chance of ice on her property (and her neighbours, even), but i can't say the same for people on the rest of the street, where she slipped.

you should look into traction devices like this for the future - they're good to have around.

After I posted my PSA about sidewalk ice two weeks ago, I ordered a pair of these. I was wearing them last night and couldn't even tell the sidewalks were slippery. I highly recommend these cleats.

I would purchase some winter running silicone cleats for your shoes like these:https://www.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Traction-Cleats-Running-Small/dp/B007S3QY16/ref=mp_s_a_1_6?keywords=winter+running+shoe+ice&qid=1567107235&s=gateway&sr=8-6

My brother dislocated his shoulder once running in the winter, doesnt take much.

We lived in Juneau, AK for several years, still have a couple of pairs of these we brought back with us. Looks like I will be getting them out tomorrow.

Does he have anything like these? I have a pair of something similar, and they have quite literally saved my ass from slipping on ice. (They were a gift.)

Also, get yourself a pair of these: http://www.amazon.com/Stabilicers-Lite-Serious-Traction-Cleat/dp/B000GUCDDG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410937499&sr=8-1&keywords=stabilicers

They will make a huge difference in your winter walking.

I work a desk job as well, but the perk in mine is that we are in a very large office campus (think like, walking paths around a lake, underground hallways between buildings, etc).

1.) Park farther away when you run errands. Other pros - less likely to have someone ding your car.

2.) Drink more water - more walks to fill up your water bottle and more walks to the bathroom.

3.) Semi-schedule it. Maybe not a reminder, but if you catch yourself browsing the internet because you're slow on work for a bit, get up and go for a walk instead.

4.) As for the upcoming weather... go anyways! I'm in MI, so we get it just like you do. I'll trudge around the neighborhood (or run) in some insulated running tights or cross-country ski pants when its snowy, and I even have some Yaktrax for when its really bad out.

I'm trying these out this winter. Cleat attachments for your shoes

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GA8ROU?psc=1&ref=yo_pop_mb_pd_title

I've lived in Iowa nearly ten years now and I always seem to slip and fall no matter how carefully I try to emulate a penguin. I finally gave up and bought a product called ICETrekkers which are basically tire chains that you pull on over your shoes. You still have to be careful but it's not nearly as bad. I used to use YakTrax but they wear out and break too often unless you're meticulous about the maintenance.

theres shit like this you can get that makes a huge difference http://www.amazon.com/Yaktrax-Walker-Traction-Cleats-Snow/dp/B009LJBEEM

Unless you are doing some serious hiking on ice, these crampons are all you need.

They need these

Happy lamp.

Might not be enough depending on the island, but...

Just slip these on any shoe.

Invest in those cleats that you strap over your shoes. They’ve saved my ass, literally, hundreds of times.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000GUEAVO/ref=mp_s_a_1_1/144-5153893-2917351?ie=UTF8&qid=1511821511&sr=1-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&dpPl=1&dpID=41-YRtKzo3L&ref=plSrch