What ever you do get chains of some type. The fine in many areas for not having them can run into big bucks.. If you can, just do not travel when they are needed. However, having set for 6 hrs one time and 19 hrs another, most of the way up the Siskiyou pass while they clear a wreck ahead. Then it started snowing while we sat. Then having to chain up to even move 1 foot again made me a firm believer you do need to carry them.. Also carry a small folding shovel to clear snow so you can install them.