Reader rating
Rate it and you move it. Community ratings re-rank this product inside its Top 10 list.
Expert-picked, reader-ranked. Our editors choose the products and the launch order; member star ratings move picks up or down over time.
Black Diamond's Access Spike is a strong contender for those who prioritize a lighter weight and more minimalist design without significantly compromising on grip. These spikes excel on icy approaches, mixed terrain, and moderately steep snowfields where every ounce counts. The front-point-like design of the steel spikes offers a surprisingly aggressive bite, particularly on uphill climbs. The elastomer harness is thinner and more pliable than some competitors, making them very packable and easy to stow in a small pocket or pack lid. While the harness isn't as beefy as the Kahtoola, it still holds up well to cold and secures firmly over a variety of boot shapes. They offer a good balance for fast-and-light missions or for those who only need traction intermittently. Durability is solid, though heavy, prolonged use on abrasive surfaces might show wear faster than more robust designs. **Highlights** * Aggressive 14-point spike configuration provides strong bite. * Ultralight design makes them highly packable and easy to carry. * Flexible elastomer harness conforms well to various footwear. * Welded chain links enhance durability and maintain spike positioning. * Integrated carry pouch included for protection and organization. **Watch-outs** * Slightly less secure fit than bulkier models on some boots. * Less robust construction might not hold up to extreme abuse as well. * Can still ball up with very wet snow.
Pros
- Exceptional grip on ice and hard snow with 14 aggressive points
- Ultralight and highly packable design for minimal bulk
- Flexible elastomer harness conforms to diverse footwear
- Welded chain links enhance durability and spike retention
- Excellent for fast-and-light missions and technical approaches
Cons
- Slightly less robust than heavier-duty alternatives
- May ball up with sticky, wet snow
- Harness might feel less 'locked-in' on some boot profiles
Best uses
- Icy trail running
- Alpine approaches
- Shoulder-season hiking
- Winter backpacking
Specifications
- Traction Type
- Microspike
- Spike Material
- Stainless Steel
- Points
- 14
- Harness
- Elastomer
- Packability
- Excellent
Pricing
We don't publish a price we haven't verified. The retailer links below open the live listing for this exact model.
Full catalog listing & offersBest for
Icy trail running, Alpine approaches, Shoulder-season hiking, Winter backpacking
Where to buy the Access Spike
Prices and stock change often, so check the current Amazon offer before you buy.
Some links are affiliate links. Buying through them supports our testing at no extra cost to you.
The Black Diamond Access Spike carves out a niche for climbers and trekkers who value an efficient, lightweight traction solution. It’s built for those who require reliable grip on varied winter terrain without the bulk or weight of a full crampon. This model excels on icy approaches, mixed trails, and moderate snowfields, providing a noticeable edge when every ounce in your pack matters. We’ve seen it perform consistently well for fast-and-light objectives where a quick transition between conditions is common. What sets these apart is their ability to balance aggressive traction with minimal footprint. The spike configuration, particularly the forward points, delivers a surprisingly confident bite, especially when climbing uphill. This design philosophy makes them a strong choice for technical approaches or shoulder-season alpine objectives where conditions can shift rapidly from dry trail to hard-packed snow and ice. They fit snugly over a range of footwear, from hiking boots to trail runners, making them versatile companions for diverse outings. While not designed for vertical ice climbing or glacial travel, the Access Spike holds its own for general winter mountaineering, ice fishing, or even just navigating treacherous sidewalks. Its performance-to-weight ratio is hard to beat in its class, establishing it as a serious contender for anyone looking to shed grams without sacrificing essential safety and capability on icy ground.
Who It's For
This traction device is ideal for the weight-conscious adventurer. Think trail runners pushing winter mileage, alpine climbers needing reliable grip on approaches, or backpackers encountering variable snow and ice. It’s also an excellent choice for anyone who carries traction 'just in case' and wants minimal bulk. If your primary use involves extensive flat-ground walking on ice, these will work, but their aggressive front points truly shine when heading uphill or navigating mixed, uneven terrain. They are not for deep snow or technical climbing, but for everything in between, they hit the mark.
Materials & Build
The Access Spike features 14 stainless steel points, thoughtfully arranged to provide consistent grip. The front points are particularly well-engineered for uphill bite, mimicking a scaled-down crampon. These points are connected by welded stainless steel chain links, a detail that enhances both durability and maintains proper spike positioning underfoot. The harness is a flexible elastomer, designed to stretch over a variety of boot shapes and sizes. While lighter than some alternatives, this material retains pliability in cold temperatures, crucial for easy on-off and a secure fit. An integrated stuff sack is included for protection and organization.
Real-World Performance
In the field, the Access Spike delivers. The aggressive spike pattern bites reliably into ice and hard-packed snow, providing confidence on slippery gradients. We found the front-point design particularly effective for ascents, allowing for a more deliberate and secure foot placement. The lightweight nature is immediately noticeable, making them easy to forget about until needed, and then easy to forget you're wearing. On mixed terrain, they transitioned well between rock and ice without feeling cumbersome. The elastomer harness holds its position well, minimizing shifting even during dynamic movement, though a less robust fit on some boots is a trade-off.
Weight & Packability
This is where the Access Spike truly excels. It’s among the lightest full-traction microspikes available, making it a standout for minimalist endeavors. The thinner elastomer harness and efficient chain link design allow it to pack down remarkably small, easily stowing in a jacket pocket, lid pocket, or even a smaller fanny pack. For those who prioritize a compact kit and only need traction intermittently, this low-profile design is a significant advantage. It won't add noticeable bulk or weight to your pack, even on longer trips.
Durability & Trade-offs
Durability is solid for its class. The welded chain links are a thoughtful addition, proving more resilient than riveted alternatives. However, the lighter overall construction means it won't stand up to the same level of abuse as heavier, more overbuilt models. Prolonged use on abrasive rock or concrete will wear down the spikes and chains faster than on snow and ice. The elastomer harness, while flexible and light, is also thinner than some competitors, implying a slightly shorter lifespan under extreme stress. Its aggressive front points can also cause snow to ball up in certain wet, sticky conditions, though this is common with many traction devices.
How we picked
We started with a long list of microspikes and trail traction cleats that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
- Value at its price point
- Compared against the closest competitors in the same tier, not against cheaper gear in a different class.
- Repairability and support
- Field-fixable design, available parts, and a warranty the maker actually honors.
Access Spike — frequently asked questions
- Is the Access Spike worth it?
- We rank it #2 in Best Microspikes and Trail Traction Cleats. Black Diamond's Access Spike is a strong contender for those who prioritize a lighter weight and more minimalist design without significantly compromising on grip. These spikes excel on icy approaches, mixed terrain, and moderately steep snowfields where every ounce counts.
- What is the Access Spike best for?
- Best for icy trail running, alpine approaches, shoulder-season hiking and winter backpacking. Standouts: exceptional grip on ice and hard snow with 14 aggressive points and ultralight and highly packable design for minimal bulk.
- What are the downsides of the Access Spike?
- Slightly less robust than heavier-duty alternatives, May ball up with sticky, wet snow and Harness might feel less 'locked-in' on some boot profiles.
- What are the key specs of the Access Spike?
- Traction Type: Microspike · Spike Material: Stainless Steel · Points: 14 · Harness: Elastomer · Packability: Excellent
- Who It's For?
- This traction device is ideal for the weight-conscious adventurer. Think trail runners pushing winter mileage, alpine climbers needing reliable grip on approaches, or backpackers encountering variable snow and ice.
- Materials & Build — what should I know about the Access Spike?
- The Access Spike features 14 stainless steel points, thoughtfully arranged to provide consistent grip. The front points are particularly well-engineered for uphill bite, mimicking a scaled-down crampon.
Compare side by side
Put the Access Spike against any other pick on this list — specs, price, pros, cons and reader ratings.