[pct-l] Ice Axe Required?

[Dan McKean]

You don't need an ice axe.  Microspikes are handy but many don't use them.  Conditions are very soft after 9am.  I did Muir Pass yesterday and was glad I left at 5:30am.  Selden was easy, maybe 300 feet of snow.  Don't know about Silver... Yet

Mr Marmot



> On Jun 1, 2015, at 8:24 AM, gary_schenk at verizon.net wrote:
> 
> The general rule of thumb is that if you need crampons, or microspikes, you should have an axe. And know how to use it.
> 
> Better to have the axe and no crampons than crampons and no axe.
> 
> If you are not proficient in its use, don't take it, the axe can be a dangerous object.
> 
> Best of luck,
> Gary
> 
> 
> On 05/30/15, Roger Carpenter (Pinecone) wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> I have no idea what the conditions are like in the Sierra. ??But even in a low snow year you would likely encounter snow on steep slopes especially at Forester Pass and the other passes. ??Take the ice ax.
> Roger CarpenterPinecone??
> 
> 
> Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S?? 5, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone
> 
> -------- Original message --------
> From: Kelly <kellyhikes2 at gmail.com> 
> Date: 05/30/2015 05:54 (GMT-08:00) 
> To: Pct-L at backcountry.net 
> Subject: [pct-l] Ice Axe Required? 
> 
> I'm heading out from Kennedy Meadows this Sunday. I have both Ice Axe and Microspikes. Was hoping to ditch the ice axe. Anyone know the conditions around Forester and whether ice axe is truly needed? Microspikes are so solid, I'm thinking that I could go without axe??Any thoughts?
> 
> 
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