[pct-l] Gear Recommendation (Traction Devices vs Snow Shoes)

[Scott Diamond]

I'm planning for 2016 and I'm trying to decide on crampons/traction devices



As Ned notes below, it seems to me the high end is Kahtoola KTS Crampon
<https://kahtoola.com/product/kts-aluminum-hiking-crampon/> ($149 18.9
Oz/540g). High but also somewhat heavy at 18.9 Oz. With those and a Whippet
<http://blackdiamondequipment.com/en/ski-poles/whippet-ski-pole-BD1115420000ALL1.html>,
I’m sure I’d be secure.



The next option which many hikers seem to use are the Micro spikes.
Either Kahtoola
Microspikes <https://kahtoola.com/product/microspikes/> ($70 13.1  Oz/371g)
or Hillsound trail crampons
<http://hillsound.com/hillsound-product/trail-crampon/> ($60, 17.6 Oz/500g).



There are some lighter options out there. Instep crampons like ​Ruta Locura
Instep Crampon <http://rutalocura.com/crampon.html> ($25 7.6 oz) are pretty
intriguing given low weight and finally at the bottom of the scale are Vargo
Titanium Cleats
<http://www.vargooutdoors.com/titanium-pocket-cleats.html#.VULEIk10yHs> ($69
3.8 oz/107g). 3.8 Oz, wow!  I have to say I’m really intrigued by these
lighter options. I could carry those in my pack all the way up to Canada
and not notice them. But do they work?



I guess there isn’t one right answer, but does anyone think I could get
away with some of the lighter options. Would it make sense to use Kahtoola
crampon from Kennedy Meadow and then switch to something lighter in a
couple of hundred miles? Mail several options to Kennedy Meadow and decide
there?



Thanks, Scott



On Sat, Apr 25, 2015 at 6:47 PM, Dan C. aka Thumper <dofdear at cox.net> wrote:

> Thought I'd share Ned's response.  Thumper
>
> > > From: <ned at mountaineducation.org>
> > > To: "Dan C. aka Thumper" <dofdear at cox.net>
> > > Subject: Re: Gear Recommendation (Traction Devices vs Snow Shoes)
> > > Date: Sat, 25 Apr 2015 17:41:13 -0700
> > >
> > > Hi, Dan!
> > >
> > > Harts and north appears to have received a "normal" winter's worth of
> snow,
> > > but south of there the story is completely different. I would not
> attempt
> > > the trails up there until almost all snow is off traversing trails
> because
> > > the snow will assume the slope of the hillside, filling in the flat
> > > (side-to-side) trail where the crossing of them will be steep and
> slippery
> > > and with dangerous run-outs downhill (think trees, rocks, creeks,
> lakes, and
> > > cliffs to hit, go into, or go over). July 4th or later is the
> > > local-suggested start date for most summer hiking in the North Cascades
> > > after a "normal" winter.
> > >
> > > You do not need snowshoes and, besides, it is too steep in the
> northern half
> > > of WA for them to be safe, anyway.
> > >
> > > I love my Kahtoola Hiking Crampons because they stay on my boots no
> matter
> > > how violent a panic-step. Kahtoola's Microspikes simply roll off under
> > > similar conditions (we tested them on high sierra traverses in May 5
> years
> > > ago and the design hasn't changed). They are good, however, if you are
> > > walking in a trough formed my hikers ahead of you.
> > >
> > > For snow hiking on steep slopes where you don't have level (side to
> side)
> > > trail to switchback up or down, you need a shoe with sharp, 90-degree
> sides
> > > (where the sole and sides intersect) and traditional built-up heels for
> > > edging into hillsides and braking on descents. If you like security of
> > > balance and firm traction, I'd stay away from molded soles and
> lightweight
> > > footwear (unless you are in the trough). More info under "Resources" at
> > > www.mountaineducation.org
> > >
> > > Bring tall, waterproof gaiters and not the "dirtygirl" type.
> > >
> > > The Whippet is the best tool for snow hiking because it is always in
> your
> > > hand when you slip and fall while the ice axe is still tied to the
> back of
> > > your pack! We always take a whippet and a regular pole with us if we
> think
> > > there might be snow encountered.
> > >
> > > Does that help?
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > Ned Tibbits, Director
> > > Mountain Education, Inc.
> > > www.mountaineducation.org
> > > ned at mountaineducation.org
> > >
> > >
> > > Mission:
> > > "To minimize wilderness accidents, injury, and illness in order to
> maximize
> > > wilderness enjoyment, safety, and personal growth, all through
> experiential
> > > education and risk awareness training."
>
> _______________________________________________
> 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.
>