crampons

[adk_dib]

Are instep crampons ok for everything outside the high peaks. I don't know if I want to tackle the peaks in the winter. I would like to do smaller ones like goodnow. I was told that the full foot crampons would be a troublesome on the smaller mtns. They are not that much more expensive so I might want to buy them anyway. Also, how is the trail on goodnow during the winter. Is it well traveled enough for crampons, or do I need snow shoes. I was wondering if a 1 year old labrador would have much trouble climbing with me on this trail. Or should I leave her home?

[mtgoat]

Instep crampons are good for things like light ice, wet grass, hard crusted snow and other places where a bit of extra non-slip protection is required. They are not in any way meant for any kind of mountaineering. You do not want to use any crampons on rock ever, as they will cause you to slip because they have zero traction on rock.

Dogs become a problem when the snow is more than 10 inches deep. You also should get them booties if they will be in the snow alot as the snow builds up between their toes and turns to ice and eventually cuts their pads (very painful for the dog).

I hope this helps.

[DLHiker]

If you are climbing anything steep, insteps are less than ideal b/c they have no toe points. I generally reserve them for overland hikes in light ice conditions. I agree with goat's advice.

Ron

[mtgoat]

Would anyone want or need a basics in crampons or aren't there enough that are considering them for reasons other than ice climbing or hard core mountaineering?

[Kevin]

I wouldn't bother as I seem to get by fine in light ice without them (though having them wouldn't be a 'bad' thing, just not really necessary). I woud prefer to have snow shoes this time of the year, as I can't get through deep snow at all without some form of aid.

[Emily]

mtgoat, I'd like a basics in crampons for hiking the high peaks if there is really that much to learn. Don't you just put them on and go or is there more to know or something to practice? A friend at work turns all his points in a little on the inside edge so they don't tear up his pants. I just bought 10-point crampons but have yet to use them or fit them. I got the ones with straps because I don't have mountaineering boots.

I got instep ones for Christamas last year but the strap system is so convoluted and confusing I never wore them. The instructions were horrible.

If you have a basics course/hike, could you do it after December 17th on a weekend please?

[AlpineSummit]

Here's a tip: Crampons and bell-bottoms are not a good combination....

[mtgoat]

Emily,

Crampons basicly come in 3 stypes plus instep crampons, which are not considered a true crampon. Insteps are the most likely to be used by most on this forum in the area generally covered. They will help keep you from slipping and sliding when it gets icy. Never ever wear any type of crampon on rock as it will cause you to slip. Here is a link to some good basic info. If that doesn't cover what you need let me know and I will be happy to help.

[AlpineSummit]

All true.

Emily, you also want to consider:
- ease of the strap system (cold weather makes cold fingers)
- the fit of the boot on the crampon (always bring one when you shop) The toe has got to be fully captured by the front hardware - cannot be allowed to pop out. The worst scenario is steep terrain and your crampon comes loose. This happened to one of our group 3 or 4 times yesterday - Not good.
- unless you're a liteweight, aluminum won't hold up for long
- having just seen them yesterday, I *strongly* suggest a serious look at Grivel 10 pointers. They are excellent.

Good luck.
Alpine

[Jeff]

mtgoat,

Excellent link for the crampon advice. Good looking out. hope to get a lot of good use out of crampons this year myself, and soon!

Kevin,

You're just looking to kill yourself at a young age. Hope I'm not there when it happens! Honest, he slipped and fell!!!

Emily,

Here is a link to the Adirondack Mountain Club in reference to classes and/or courses for crampon use http://adk.org/winter_mountainering.htm . Hope it's helpful. .

[Emily]

Thanks

Thanks guys. I have a final tomorrow, a closing Friday morning and a plane to catch Friday afternoon to New Zealand so I will check out all the info whe I get back in mid-Dec... appreciate it!

[adk-46r]

If you are doing goodnow you should not need crampons. You will only need snowshoes if you are breaking trail in fresh snow. Due to the high traffic there you can bareboot it most of the winter. I do it after work some mornings in the winter and I only needed snowshoes once last winter. The rock top is rarely ice and is not all that big so shoes with crampons should work fine. Get a set of 10pt. crampons they are good for almost any condition except ice climbing. Grivel has a good ajustable pair that fits almost any boot including sorels. Cabela's also has 10 pointers.