MSR Denali's vs. Crampons

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  • mtbnski
    Disqualified from the rat race
    • Nov 2003
    • 62
    #1

    MSR Denali's vs. Crampons

    I've got an upcoming trip to Marcy in mid-March and am wondering if I should bring crampons in addition to MSR Denali snowshoes.

    The MSR's have a pretty aggressive "crampon-like" system built into the design. I run about 300 lbs fully-loaded and am wondering if I might be better off using crampons for the above-timberline descent.

    thanx
    "Everyday I encounter shining examples of how easy it is to follow the party line and advocate unoriginal, thoughtless sentiments, which in turn motivates me all the more to provoke."
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    • Kevin
      **BANNED**
      • Nov 2003
      • 5857
      #2
      You'll have to bring them because when we get above 4500 feet there's basically brush and bare-rock (wind stripped), so any warmth and sun we experience in the coming days is going to start making things rather icy again up there.

      A good snow shoe will go a long way, but unfortunately we're still going to have to bring the crampons just in case .

        Comment

        • mike1889
          wish I was in the Adks
          • Nov 2003
          • 269
          #3
          depends

          It depends on the conditions the day you climb the mountain. I would certainly bring the crampons, but you may not need them. Marcy doesn't have any real steep pitches on the bare rock section and sometimes just snowshoes (or nothing) will suffice. I climbed Marcy in winter and didn't need snowshoes or crampons, just barebooted the rock portion. But you don't want to get within a quarter mile of the summit and not be able to make it because you didn't bring the crampons.

            Comment

            • mtbnski
              Disqualified from the rat race
              • Nov 2003
              • 62
              #4
              Sounds like sound advice, I definitely don't want to be within spitting distance of the summit and have to turn around cause I failed to bring a 6 oz. piece of equipment.

              Guess i should be on the look out for decent set of crampons.

              Any suggestions? Overstock has a set of Cassini's for around $50-60. I need a set that will fit EMS Summit boots.
              "Everyday I encounter shining examples of how easy it is to follow the party line and advocate unoriginal, thoughtless sentiments, which in turn motivates me all the more to provoke."

                Comment

                • Mavs00
                  I am the sith
                  • Nov 2007
                  • 46
                  #5
                  May want to try eBay

                  On ocassion, you can find desent hiking/climbing stuff on eBay (look in the sporting goods sections). I picked up a pair of older/used "Climb High" 8 point steel crampons that sufice for just about any conditions in the NE. They were $20 (with shipping).

                  I already had a pair of 10 point grivels but I actually prefer these older ones, simply cause they don't have the annoying front points that seem to just get in the way on moderate grade icy inclines that only call for solid grip, but not true front point pressure, which predominate most ADK trail hikes.

                  They may not have any at any given time, but it's certainly worth a look for the casual hiker (which most of us are). Off season seems to be a better time to find them unfortunatly.
                  "I can feel your anger. It gives you focus. It makes you stronger. " Supreme Chancellor

                    Comment

                    • Jeff
                      Member
                      • Nov 2003
                      • 352
                      #6
                      I read in the instructions for the MSR's that they are not to be used on ice as crampons, or rather a substitute for crampons either. They tell you to bring crampons in the event you might need them.

                        Comment

                        • Kevin
                          **BANNED**
                          • Nov 2003
                          • 5857
                          #7
                          The 3 varieties of crampon the local EMS have in Albany carry all would suffice. I have the $80 pair, but aparently the $100 pair (think they're call 'black diamonds') are supposed to be far better (longevity). Hell, if mine aren't tied just right, they will come apart. NOT a good thing to find out when on the middle of a ice shelf!! So now I tie them tight

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