I lived in the San Bernardino mountains for 15 years and always had to chain up at least 4 or 5 times a year, even with 4wd.  I just use the regular old link chains but I used two elastic stretchers on each wheel to keep the chains tight.  It always seemed like I had to chain up on the building site at the end of the day so I always carried a small tarp to kneel down on to do the job.  Only once did I have to chain up all 4.  It is definitely a PITA job, but after you do it a few times, it  usually takes about ten minutes.  Then you drive slowly and deliberately and hope that the vibration doesn't loosen your crowns.  Have fun!   

You want to put them on in a garage or before the vehicle is buried in snow. They will beat you and your vehicle to death unless driving in deep or packed snow. When one brakes it can smack against the vehicle and trash the paint and they will brake if you find yourself on hard pavement. You might need to stop and take them off. I wouldn't use them unless required by law. They only go on drive wheels. I've used them on RWD vehicles, don't remember ever seeing them up front or anyone using 4. I never had a need for them again after getting my first 4WD pick up. I don't know about brands. A total PITA. Good tires and 4WD has always worked best for me. Underinflating the tires is a good little snow trick too.