Another Winter Question

[mtbphoto]

This time I am looking for boots. I am going to go for The North Face boots, and North Face ONLY. (I can get a deal) I want something that I can put crampons and snowshoes on.
I like these:
http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/ope ... anguage=en
but will they be good for snowshoes and crampons?
http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/ope ... anguage=en
I like those a lot too. Or any other TNF boot.
Thanks!

[Hikin_Jim]

If I were to make a recommendation regarding the two you've indicated, I'd say contact the manufacturer. There are also local North Face shops around (one in West LA?) if you can't find a main number for the manufacturer. Some of the insulated boots are meant for ice fishing, snow mobiling, etc. and aren't really suitable for hiking/backpacking/mountaineering and crampons.

Typically mountaineering boots ARE suited for crampons. A plastic shell "double boot" mountaineering boot should be plenty of insulation.

Sometimes down booties are really nice in the tent/around camp in snow conditions. See http://www.altrec.com/shop/detail/32583/

I wound up with an extra pair (friend didn't want them after all) size XL for about $20.00 (more than 50% off). Let me know if you would like them and we can try to figure out how to get together or whatever.

[phydeux]

As long as either of those is comfortable to walk in, they should do alright in the snow here in So Cal.

Snowshoes are pretty universal in that they tend to strap onto just about any boot as long as its got even a little rigidity to it.

Crampons would be a different story. If those boots don't have any stiffness, it might be hard to get crampons on them. You'd have to try a few different types of crampons - Grivel makes some fairly universal ones, Katoola makes some 10 pointers that are good for occasional ice walks (not steep climbs). Crampons will also depend on what size of boot you're wearing. I like a size 14 boot in winter, and I can't find decent crampons for them, so that limits what I do in the winter.

What you'll need will depend on where you're going in winter. Snowshoes are the way to go on San Jacinto in winter; there isn't much need for crampons up there. Mt. Baldy can be icy first thing in the AM, so can the north side of San Gorgonio.

[halhiker]

I've sold hundreds of boots having owned an outdoor shop and there's only one thing that matters when it comes to boots and that's FIT. I know you can get a hook-up with TNF but be sure you try on any boots before you buy them. If a boot doesn't fit it will kill your feet, which will kill your trip and who knows, it might kill you. Different brands fit different people. Personally, I cannot wear Vasque. They make good stuff but they don't fit my feet. I can't wear Nikes, either.

Of the two boots you linked the second one is more suitable for what you have in mind. The first one is too high and looks like it is more suited for standing around on a Philadelphia corner in February while selling crack. Now for a soft looking boot like the second one, you will have to find a strap-on crampon rather than a step-in. At REI they are about 120 bucks. If you check around you might find some cheaper. The boot doesn't have to be super burly to support a crampon for easy mountaineering. I've known people who've duct taped crampons to their running shoes when the weather is good. As for snowshoes, light is OK just so long as relative waterproofness is achievable. I never wear a plastic boot or anything heavy snowshoeing. It slows me down.

So when it comes to boots remember FIT, FIT, FIT. If the boot don't fit, your trip will be #$^%.

Hal

[Hikin_Jim]

That's pretty true what Hal is saying about brands. A good friend of mine swears by Vasque. I swear at Vasque. I finally gave my pair away; just couldn't get 'em to work no matter what sock and insole combination I used. Lowa brand seems to work for me, but then I have skinny feet.

[kevin trieu]

If you can include more details in your question, I believe you will get better advice.

If you are looking for mountaineering boots and not winter boots to stand around and look pretty, don't waste your money on those. IMHO, mountaineering boots under $200 are worthless.

[zippetydude]

halhiker, where do you come up with that stuff? A new niche market is born: boots for selling crack on street corners in Philadelphia. Great line - had me laughing in my office (where I'm supposed to be working). Hopefully I won't get fired - if I do, I can always go into sales in Philly...now that I know the appropriate footwear.

z

[Hikin_Jim]

It's good to know that we've relieved the Winter suffering of those humble salesmen of the streets, bringing what cheer they can to the blighted city of brotherly love.

[KathyW]

As mentioned before, you don't need special boots for snowshoes.

If you are going to get into winter mountaineering, that's a different story. Not all mountaineering boots or crampons are the same - you need to evaluate what you are planning to do and then get the right equipment and learn how to use it.

If you're getting into crampons, then I assume you'll also be investing in an ice axe and learning how to self-arrest.

[Hikin_Jim]

I'm not the expert here, but in the Sierra Club class that I took recently, they did tell us that if it's icy enough to warrant crampons, then it's icy enough to require an ice axe. They said that crampons with trekking poles is a "no, no."

A few years ago, I was doing some peaks out in Nevada. A snow formation that I was standing on collapsed, sending me down the mountainside. I did a self arrest. It took what seemed like an eternity for the axe to stop me. Let me tell you that I reached my "target heart rate" that day! My crampons were useless in that situation, and I don't think trekking poles would have helped.

If it's time for crampons, it's time for an ice axe.