I have this vine growing all over the place on my land. It grows usually with 1-3 vines starting the same location. At the base to about 6' up, it has millions of small, fine (but stiff) spikes. Then as it gets further from the base, the spikes get longer and more sparse. The long ones are 1/4-3/4" long. It has leaves in the spring and summer but not many, and they are up further on the vine, like about 20' from the base. Typical base diameter is 1/4"-1/2", but I've seen it up to 1" diameter. It looks evil...And it pokes through my gloves if I try to pull it, which usually I have to cut it because it's so tough.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vine pics