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437 Posts |
Posted - 10/06/2003 : 11:39 PM
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Okay, I did a few searches here and read up on the subject. However, I am confused as to when crampons are suppose to be used. I plan to hike when the first snow falls. I want decent waterproof warm boots to hike on light to deep snow and one that will allow for crampons.
It sounds like the step-in crampons are ideal as well as anti- balling plates. (A few of you recommended the Austria Alpin.)
Is it recommended that I use crampons only for icy hardpack conditions? At what point should I don on snowshoes? Will I ruin the crampons if I use it on hard frozen ground which has a light dusting of snow?
I've seen below-the-knees-length hike shoes at MEC which reads as hiking/snowshoe shoes. Are these truly appropriate for 7-10 hour winter hikes? Is a rating of -32 Celcius really necessary?
I don't plan to mountain climb, just hike.
I understand this years winter will be normal and not a bust like last year.
Thanks for your advice.
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 opinionated-stove huggin'-fleece wearin'-arse burnin' hill virgin
Here
Canada
4285 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 01:24 AM
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It's simple, when you find it's too difficult to walk because you're postholing put your snowshoes on and when you find it difficult to get traction because of slippery conditions put the crampons on. Crampons can be used on mixed rock and ice but just make sure you keep them sharpened and oiled/vaselined(to protect from rust).
You can probably get away with your regular hiking boots and thicker winter socks if you don't plan on any winter overnighters although keep in mind that your feet may get cold when you are stopped for a while. Personally, I wouldn't go out without a pair of good winter boots but that's my choice.
Plan the hike, hike the plan... |
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double-double seeking, snow-chasing, short-cutting, vertical feet collector
Vancouver, BC
Canada
4385 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 07:24 AM
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hi Carmen,
the -32 Celsius-rated boots would serve you well back East, where the outside temperature dips to those levels in the winter.
With overly warm boots, you would get Prune Feet in a matter of hours. Your body gets warm as you hike or snowshoe, and a too-high rating will not be comfortable.
I bought such a pair of boots a few years ago, and I have hardly used them. Winter camping - they are great, they keep my feet warm as I walk from snow cave to dining area.
But for hiking or snowshoeing, I prefer my Columbia boots - rubber on the bottom, goretex on the top, perfect for snowshoes.
cheers ! C Wall
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 bushy faced bright pink and orange sporting snow shoveling slacker
Olympia, WA
USA
568 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 07:50 AM
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Carmen,
Hiker Boy pretty well explained the best time for snowshoes and crampons. Just because there's snow on the ground doesn't mean you need either. In fact, if there isn't sufficient snow for snowshoes or hard pack/ice for crampons, you will do more harm to the gear than derrive any benefit from it's use.
Boots are a highly personal item. What may work for me, or Hiker Boy, or you can be totally different. As HB mentioned, you can make due on a day hike with a good pair of hiking boots, well waterproofed and with thick warm sock. In fact that's how I did my first ever snowshoe hike....and froze my toes! If you're not going long, heavy, or in realy varying terrain, a good pair of PAC boots will work for snowshoeing. I used to snowshoe in a pair of mountaineering double boots (plastic outer shell, removable inner liner). They worked quite well, but as the liner packed out, my feet started to get cold. I'd not recommend mountaineering boots, unless that's really what you plan on doing; they get a bit expensive. I'd recommend you look at a good set of winter boots. Salomon makes some good ones you may want to look at. As far as temp ranges, use them as a guide, but remember it's all subjective.
As for crampons, there are lots of options. Here's a quick run down of some of them:
Two general styles--Full foot and instep. The full foot often are 10 or 12 point (how many spikes) and come in the following attachment methods:
Step-in crampons: Have a toe bail and heel lever, with an ankle strap to lock the lever up. These require "crampon compatible" boots or mountaineering boots. These boots will have welts at the toe and heel to accomidate the bail and lever. You can see a pair here http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=2889&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&color=&img=/largeimages/610916.jpg&view=large
Traditional or lace (well, that's what I call 'em at least): These are full-foot crampons that can be worn with most any boot. There is no bail or lever that would require a welt. The is simply a long strap that wraps the ankle and also loops through a toe piece. Here's a sample (10-point): http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47581559&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&color=&img=/largeimages/693226.jpg&view=large
Hybrid: Requires boots with welts, at least at the heel. These have the heel lever, but attach at the toe by a long strap that passes through a loop, like on the traditional. http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=5823&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&color=&img=/largeimages/627554.jpg&view=large
Swiss: Not sure if you can even buy these anymore or not. Basically, a full foot frame, with eyelets along the length through wich you run a strap, lacing it like a pair of boots. Difficult to deal with in the best of situations, presumably a bitch and a half in adverse conditions.
For instep crampons, it's basically one style. A set of spikes, ususally 4, that strap onto your boots under the arch. Here's a pair http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=1088&storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&color=BLACK&img=/largeimages/473123.jpg&view=large
If you're not looking at climbing or anything technical, just to get across some slick spots on the trail, you could probably go with instep crampons, saving yourself some weight or money. If you plan to do some more technical stuff, perhaps consider a pair of the traditional ones like the Stubai I linked up there.
Anti-balling (antibot) plates are nice with full-foot crampons, but not always needed. They do keep damp, packable snow from building up and interfering with your traction. You could get the same effect by wrapping the frame with duct tape. A bit of a pain to do, but it's servcable, if you're careful not to build it up too much and fould the fit to the boot.
*****
A trip is about the journey as much, if not more than about the destination. What is the joy in reaching your destination if you've ignored everything along the way?
Alex Lowe said it best: "The best climber is the one having the most fun." |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
71 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 10:28 AM
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Nice info from Marmot and Hiker Boy !
Do you guys have any make or model recommendations for traditional crampons? Plus, can we order stuff from rei.com and get it sent to Vancouver, BC?
Thanks, Paul.
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bushy faced bright pink and orange sporting snow shoveling slacker
Olympia, WA
USA
568 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 12:34 PM
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I like the Stubai that I linked under the traditional crampons. But then again, I have hung up the glacier gear. I still carry an ice axe, and crampons (when I get a new pair).
MEC has a decent selection of crampons online. Cassin, Camp, Grivel and Simond all offer Traditional crampons, available from MEC.
You can order from REI and they'll ship to Canada (better than MEC will do for US citizens, but rumor is we 'mericans can thank REI for that). By the time you get past the exchange rate and customs duties, you're paying more. For instance, those Stubai crampons are $105 Canadian. Customs duty might bring it up above what you'd pay for a pair of Crivel or others at MEC.
*****
A trip is about the journey as much, if not more than about the destination. What is the joy in reaching your destination if you've ignored everything along the way?
Alex Lowe said it best: "The best climber is the one having the most fun."
Edited by - marmot on 10/07/2003 12:58:46 PM |
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opinionated-stove huggin'-fleece wearin'-arse burnin' hill virgin
Here
Canada
4285 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 2:42 PM
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I wear Austrain Alpin crampons, They are 10pt hinged strap crampons. These crampons are almost the same as the Grivel G10's or similar 10pt Stubai's. They are steel so they can be used on more than aluminum ones can. I like them because they are inexpensive and can fit on several of my hiking boots or my winter boots. Never had a problem with them in any conditions.
Plan the hike, hike the plan... |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
71 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 3:02 PM
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Thanks for the tips guys - the Alpin sound Ideal.
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437 Posts |
Posted - 10/07/2003 : 7:39 PM
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Thanks for all the great info. It really helped.
Now - let it SNOW!!!!!!!
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425 Posts |
Posted - 10/11/2003 : 11:54 PM
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A further somewhat humerous and self evident tip from the exerpts of the Alpine Accidents in NA:
quote:
FALL ON SNOW - FAULTY USE OF CRAMPONS
Oregon, Mount Hood, South Side
On April 4, a climber (32) was glissading below Crater Rock when his crampons snagged on hard snow, resulting in a fractured tibia. (Source: Jeff Sheetz, Portland Mountain Rescue)
(Editor's Note: Perhaps we should put New Hampshire guide George Hurley's mantra on all crampons: "There is no good reason for glissading with sharp spikes on our feet."
http://www.americanalpineclub.org/knowledge/publications-acc-excerpts.asp
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winter hike shoes / crampons
