[pct-l] Re: Ice Axe Experience question

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

As with so many things, the use of ice axe and crampons may be a personal 
matter - and one of conditions. Unless you are a mountaineer, an ice axe is 
sufficient. My guess is that most folks advocating the use of ice axes 
really know how to use them and love to get out on the ice and in early 
season.

In a low snow year (seems to be a lot of those lately), you probably will 
need nothing if you trek during the normal thru-hiker season and you don't 
get onto the snow/ice until it has softened a bit. If you don't know how to 
use crampons or ice axe, you could do yourself real harm. The ice axe's main 
use is to prevent you from falling/slipping - not to stop you once you start 
slipping. Trekking poles aren't strong enough, but in a low year may do just 
fine, especially if shortened.

Unfortunately, no one knows what the conditions are going to be like next 
year. So, to be safe, carry the ice axe from Kennedy Meadows.

Note: the worst section I ever encountered was not in the High Sierras - it 
was in the Goat Rocks. But, I still wouldn't carry an ice axe there - but, 
if someone could have delivered it before going across the 200 feet of ice 
and picked it up once I finished, I would have gladly used it. In the High 
Sierras, my axe road on my pack and was used only for a couple of stream 
crossings. Should have left it home.

Marshall Karon
Portland, OR
m.karon@comcast.net

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Don Hames" <majdon43@yahoo.com>
To: <pct-l@mailman.backcountry.net>
Sent: Sunday, September 19, 2004 11:40 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Re: Ice Axe Experience question


> Joe (and everyone):
>
> I thought that ice axes and crampons complement each other so it was not 
> an either or question.
>
> I read the first post about the Kahtoola carmpons and I went to their web 
> site. I liked what I saw so I bought a pair (19 oz).
>
> I also bought an ice axe. After a lot of research, I settled on a Camp XLA 
> 210. It is very lightweight, about 10 oz and should be sufficient forr my 
> needs. I don't intend to do a lot of snow or ice climbing, so do not need 
> a more expensive or heavier, axe.
>
> The total weight of the ice axe and crampons is 29 oz, so it is not adding 
> too much weight to my pack.
>
> So, am I right in my belief that you should take both an ice axe and 
> crampons through the Sierras, or is that overkill?
>
> Thanks for your comments!
>
> Amblin' Man
> PCT 2006
>
>
>
>
>
>
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