[pct-l] Snow gear for lightweight backpacking?

[The Mountain Goat]

Excellent Question;

The answer actually comes back to you. Are you willing to plan your hike around the snow melt? Taking crampons and Ice axes for some would be preferred, but it depends on who you are. in 2005, I waited till June 22, or about a week later than normal before entering the Sierras. 1 person through I was crazy for not taking either. But I waited for the "Ray Day" before Entering. Also Since the early mornings were going to be icy in the snow, I timed most of the passes to be mid day to cross over the top. This generally worked well, but One (Mather Pass) I got there a mid Morning, but there wasn't any ice to speak of.

 In my case, before the trip ever started I trained in shoes in the snow. I did break down and get gaiters, but the leaving date was timed so that the snow would not be to bad when I finally got to Kennedy Meadows. I did lose a couple of days there because I had to get a crown finished (that's another story). But the plan generally worked. 

If you can't adjust your shadily to accommodate the snow melting, crampons is probably a good thing to plan in. It also depends on the person. If you are used to hiking in the snow, then you may be better off. I should also say, there can be the unexpected, and there is not a lot you can do to prepare for everything that could happen. If you know the trail is heavily covered with snow, its probably a good idea to have crampons and a ice Axe. Especially if  crampons weigh only 8oz!

Remember every year is different. and having the right gear is better than having to turn around and wish you had it.

Glen Pass, 2005
http://www.trailjournals.com/photos.cfm?id=104481

I Prefer the planned approach, and the start date was planned based on the snow reports. Check the post holer for a good idea, especially around April first. Hopefully we can get a good idea what this year will be like on that date. If you can't adjust your schedule, its probably better to have the equipment...

http://postholer.com/cgi-bin/postHoler?trail=PCT

-Mountain Goat-
PCT 2005.

     Wed Jan 10 18:08:25 CST 2007          
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I have seen that many hikers bring crampons and ice axes on 
the PCT. I've seen pictures of the snow fields, but still 
don't have a clear concept of what snow/ice conditions are 
likely or potentially to be encountered on the trail. Would 
you consider these (axes, crampons) required equipment or 
more for added safety/security? Any thoughts on this, 
stories from those who are more familiar with the trail 
would be greatly appreciated.
   
  Also, I'm planning to wear tennis shoes most of the way / 
all the way. I'm curious as to how other tennis shoe wearers
dealt with snowy conditions.
   
  Thanks for all of your posts.
   
  Jeff Wilzbacher

 
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