[pct-l] Ice axe?

[Dan Welch]

Hi Ned,

Can you tell me your thoughts on why the Whippet is "better" than a Corsa
Ice Axe?  The Corsa looks more rugged and more appropriate for self arrest -
and lighter too. I would have planned to use the Corsa as a "hiking pole
support" on slick or icy slopes, so it would already be in hand. I
understand the dangers of "self evisceration," but is it any less of an
issue with the Whippet?

Thanks for the benefit of your experience!
Timberline  

-----Original Message-----
From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
On Behalf Of Ned Tibbits
Sent: Monday, May 20, 2013 11:37 AM
To: Aaron Nicholson; pct-l
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Ice axe?

Like most year's thawing snowpack, this year's just has a higher snowline. 
The word thus far is placing it at about 10,500 or 11,000. This means that
you'll have solid snow from there on up and over every pass or ridge you
come across.

With the exception of Forester's ice chute, the skills needed are
self-arrest, traction control, and balance on snow. If you don't know how to
use an axe, it would be a waste of effort to carry and money to buy. 
However, as we encouraged at the Kickoff, a self-arrest pole like the Black
Diamond "Whippet"  (
http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/ski/ski-poles/whippet-self-a
rrest-ski-pole
 ) is always in-hand and ready to save your butt should you fall and slide
(but you've got to know how to self-arrest!). It also works great for
balance control, as a pole. (Don't sweat the weight of the thing...you'll
get used to it).

Remember, start early in the morning to capitalize on the harder snow
surfaces made by the night's cold temperatures (should you still have
freezes). Once the snow becomes so soft that you start postholing, get off
of it. Posting can cause serious injuries. Plan your day's progress
accordingly and you'll be able to make some miles, even over snow on the
multi-mile approaches to passes and through the suncups.



Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
www.mountaineducation.org
-----Original Message-----
From: Aaron Nicholson
Sent: Saturday, May 18, 2013 10:08 PM
To: pct-l
Subject: [pct-l] Ice axe?

I'm getting mixed messages about whether I'll need an ice Axe in the sierras
this year. I plan on leaving Kennedy meadows on may 27th or so.
Any thoughts? Also, how's the mail speed into KM? If I were to have it
mailed on monday, would it arrive by the 27th? Thanks Aaron
_______________________________________________
Pct-L mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubscribe, or change options visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l

List Archives:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
All content is copyrighted by the respective authors.
Reproduction is prohibited without express permission. 

_______________________________________________
Pct-L mailing list
Pct-L at backcountry.net
To unsubscribe, or change options visit:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l

List Archives:
http://mailman.backcountry.net/pipermail/pct-l/
All content is copyrighted by the respective authors. 
Reproduction is prohibited without express permission.