Icebugs?

[KariannNor]

Is it a good idea to bring icebugs (to attach to the shoes) in April/May (when using non-waterproof)? In wet areas (mud etc) I usually use plastic covers (the kind that doctors, hospitals etc use, buy in packs of 100 and cost like nothing) and icebugs to hold it in place when not use waterproof/goretex etc. Is it a good idea to bring? And - will there be frost on the ground in April/May mornings? I have seen that the trail goes high in some places? (I refuse to use waterproof/eg goretex when rest of the trip is in warm areas). Or, am I overthinking now, and Primitivo's mountain peaks will have the same climate as the rest of Spain?

 

[Molly Cassidy]

It is quite possible there will be frost some mornings.

I have no idea what icebugs are, but if you think they'll be useful, why not?

 

[KariannNor]

Ok thanks, frost = I bring them!. Icebugs are spikes that are placed under the shoes with rubber bands. We use them everyday in winter, or, the shoes ifself has spikes. Frost + slippery = definately bring them

 

[M2ME]

It is quite possible there will be frost some mornings.

I have no idea what icebugs are, but if you think they'll be useful, why not?

There are no end of styles to choose from Also known as mini spikes or ice cleats. They can make a bit of a racket on concrete or tarmac. I can only imagine the fun if accompanied by walking poles!

 

[henrythedog]

Is it a good idea to bring icebugs (to attach to the shoes) in April/May (when using non-waterproof)? In wet areas (mud etc) I usually use plastic covers (the kind that doctors, hospitals etc use, buy in packs of 100 and cost like nothing) and icebugs to hold it in place when not use waterproof/goretex etc. Is it a good idea to bring? And - will there be frost on the ground in April/May mornings? I have seen that the trail goes high in some places? (I refuse to use waterproof/eg goretex when rest of the trip is in warm areas). Or, am I overthinking now, and Primitivo's mountain peaks will have the same climate as the rest of Spain?

Unlikely to be necessary. Compared to similar altitudes in Norway you’ll probably think you’re on the beach.

 

[C clearly]

I would not bring any such device for April-May. A touch of frost on the grass is unlikely to be hazardous.

 

[J Willhaus]

I use those at home for Wyoming winters, but have not needed them on the Camino.

 

[wisepilgrim]

For that time of year, entirely unnecessary.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

Finally a new subject to discuss on the Camino forum!

 

[jpflavin1]

I have walked several camino's in the late March/April/May time frame. I can only recall one day on the San Salvador that it would have been nice to have trex attached to my shoes. That said if it brings you comfort to have them, bring them along. They are not heavy but you will probably just be carrying them.

 

[kayagee66]

Finally a new subject to discuss on the Camino forum!

 

[MassNative]

Anybody else think this post was about a new varient of cold-resistant bedbugs?

 

[camino_rooky]

I actually thought this post was going to be a warning against using ice in drinks for fear of bugs lurking within

 

[Camino Chrissy]

It was a new forum topic to be discussed and has already gone off piste....

Anybody else think this post was about a new varient of cold-resistant bedbugs?

I actually thought this post was going to be a warning against using ice in drinks for fear of bugs lurking within

 

[chinacat]

I actually thought this post was going to be a warning against using ice in drinks for fear of bugs lurking within

Me too!

 

[JacTx]

Would they get through airport security as carry on or would they have to be checked? How pointy are the spikes?

 

[KariannNor]

Would they get through airport security as carry on or would they have to be checked? How pointy are the spikes?

Thats a good question! they come in lots of types, some are really sharp yes. Never thought of that, never needed them elsewhere, but the sharpest would never pass no.. Our roads (not the main ones, they gets salted) are covered in snow and ice all winter, so its a thing "everyone" needs some times.. For us funny that people haven't heard of them

 

[Molly Cassidy]

For us funny that people haven't heard of them

For those living in temperate regions of Europe they are not necessary.

 

[Kathar1na]

For us funny that people haven't heard of them

I am just curious: Is "icebug" a literal translation from a Scandinavian language into English or is it a brandname that has become generic? Like "buff" for example?

I see that there are "Icebug" shoes. I actually have a pair of such winter boots (with inbuilt ice cleats / crampons) but I've never seen the word icebugs for such shoes or for proper crampons. It sounds so cute.

 

[David Tallan]

In my part of Canada similar things are called "icers".

 

[Camino Chrissy]

We call them "crampons" in our area of the US midwest. We have a couple of pairs at home, but rarely need them any more as we go south as Snowbirds for the worst of winter.

 

[jpflavin1]

Snow trax's are what I have. They fit right over my boots or shoes.

 

[KariannNor]

"Icebug" is not the correct word, as I can read that is most used for the shoes which has the sharp things attacked to them. The rubber band I meant is here just called "spikes".

 

[J Willhaus]

We call them by the brand name which for us is YakTraxs