[pct-l] Ice Axe and Crampons?

[m.karon at comcast.net (Marshall Karon)]

As with everything you will get differences of opinion. Unless you plan on
waiting for icy conditions and climbing up icy peaks, I would not recommend
crampons. Sure, if you go out early in the morning across ice, they would be
nice in a few sections (very short ones). I have been warned that if you
don't know how to use them and start slipping, you could really get hurt -
far worse than without them. For most people, the ice axe is sufficient and
even then it is used to prevent one from falling in the first place. For the
most part, hitting the snow at the right time is all that is needed - in
most years.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@comcast.net
----- Original Message -----
From: "Jim Keener" <jkeener@backpacker.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2003 11:14 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Ice Axe and Crampons?


> Greetings:
>
> In a recent thread, I noticed that there were a number of writers who
thought that an ice axe might be advisable under certain conditions on the
trail, but I don't remember anyone suggesting crampons. Perhaps I missed it.
Anyway, I certainly feel more comfortable in steep snow with crampons on my
boots.
>
> I've tried out the lighter weight Stubai crampons (aluminum - dull points)
on Lowa Sarek hiking boots. They weren't as secure as step-in crampons on
mountaineering boots, but they were much more secure than heavily-lugged
Vibram soles.
>
> I don't have experience carrying an ice axe and/or crampons on a long trek
and am looking for comments. I'm especially interested in the parts of the
trail from KM (south) to Echo Lake.
>
> Thanks,
> Jim
>
>
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