just a quick thought,while working my way along some really icy places at the local off leash dog park today it came to me that these would be handy for creek crossing.
the ones with the square metal nubs seem to work better than the coils.kept in a BOB they would be helpful in crossing over slippery rocks or working a tide line for food.
i'm thinking about taking them along on my next canoe trip for the times I have to wade the boat down shallow rapids.