[pct-l] Lightweighting microspikes?

[Tim]

Since it has been a low snow year, is it at all feasible to proceed on the PCT without ice ax and cramps?

On Mar 21, 2012, at 12:39 AM, <ned at mountaineducation.org> wrote:

> I know that I'm coming into this thread late (been out in the snow, now that 
> it is finally here in Tahoe) but we have tested the Kahtoola Microspikes a 
> lot during the months of May, June, and July in the high sierra and have a 
> thing or two to add:
> 
> I won't use them again on any slope other than straight up or down. When on 
> a sloping traverse, they simply roll off your footwear (especially off the 
> ball of your foot, just where you need the traction) and down you go. We 
> tried microspikes on various types of shoes ranging from trailrunners to 
> leather boots and had this predictable result.
> 
> However, the Kahtoola KTS crampons design and strapping system proved highly 
> reliable, built our confidence with every foot placement on snow, crust, or 
> ice, and kept us safe, whether on steep traverses, suncups, ascents, or 
> descents. Whenever we know that we will be on spring snow for any length of 
> time or distance where we might slip and fall, we always carry ours! The 
> weight is worth the security!
> 
> And, yes, you will be strong enough by the time you hit the sierras at 
> Kennedy that the added gear will not be a big deal!
> 
> 
> 
> "Just remember, Be Careful out there!"
> 
> Ned Tibbits, Director
> Mountain Education
> South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
>    P: 888-996-8333
>    F: 530-541-1456
>    C: 530-721-1551
>    http://www.mountaineducation.org
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Eric Munsing" <eric.munsing at gmail.com>
> To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
> Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 8:40 AM
> Subject: [pct-l] Lightweighting microspikes?
> 
> 
>> As I tally up the weight of my pack I cringe at the weight of the extra
>> sierran gear, and particularly my microspikes.  Much of their weight (17oz
>> with bag for size L) seems to be in the rubber attachment system- which
>> seems like bulky and overbuilt.  I'm curious whether anyone has tried
>> replacing the rubber part with a cord lacing system or otherwise
>> lightweighting the microspikes.  Also, any experience thru-hiking with
>> other, lighter traction systems, i.e. instep crampons or yaktrax?
>> 
>> I ask as an avid backcountry skier and mountaineer with a high degree of
>> comfort with steep snow climbs, self-rescue, and exposure; I recognize 
>> that
>> the microspikes are a safety system but would feel comfortable with a less
>> robust, lighter system.  That being said, most of my experience with snow
>> has been while wearing ski/mountaineering boots, so I'm new to the world 
>> of
>> hiking-compatible traction systems- hence the question for the list.
>> 
>> When all is said and done, by the time I hit the Sierras I'll hopefully be
>> in good enough shape that I won't notice the extra weight...
>> 
>> -- 
>> Eric Munsing
>> +1 781 492 0614
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