Crampon Suggestions

[AlanK]

I have become so sedimental...

I love typos. New words almost everyday!

Great addition to the language. I have certainly had my share of sedimental days.

[Rick M]

As a geologist, we deal in a lot of sediments...never said I was an "english teacher". Let's not get all sentimental about this!

[HikeUp]

LOL. This crampon question has been bugging me too. I've been debating taking the next step up to winter snow/ice hiking, but I've been "sedentary" on the issue for long enough that I think the ice has nearly melted and I can put off the issue until next year again!

[Rick M]

Pup started this with

...I'd appreciate suggestions to help get me out of the stone-age.

Just the mention of "stone" brought the geologist out of me

...alternating hard snow and rocky trail dirt up to Saddle Junction

Ever wonder the composition of trail dirt? Locally in the San Jacintos a mixture of schist (not a typo), granite, crushed pine needles and other biological stuff I'm not about to atttempt to spell, synthetic rubber compounds from footware, hiker discards, H2O this time of year changing phases depending of time of day, and anything anyone else might want to contribute.

Hiking in other areas would be easier on your crampon points (Clark Mountain for instance) because of the "softer" limestone if you go there when it has any snow/ice.

Hike Up says

I think the ice has nearly melted and I can put off the issue until next year again!

With global warming, there may not be any for "next year".

[cynthia23]

I'm very happy with my Black Diamonds, but these are the only pair I've ever owned. However they seem bombproof and are not horribly heavy. I feel safe in them.

RickM, are you really a geologist??? I need one!!! Seriously! PM me dude!

[Perry]

I like the chrome-moly steel Kahtulas. Not the aluminum Kahtulas unless it's a low-angle slope, such as a trail, and nothing too icy. But the steel ones are longer, sharper, and the front points are angled forward a bit more. They are lighter than other steel crampons. Aluminums are nice for running because the front points won't snag and trip.

[Pup]

just a follow up. I really appreciate some of your responses and did wind up purchasing a pair of Petzl Charlet flex strap. Walked up to the summit of San Jacinto yesterday and they worked fine.
Personally, I did trip over myself a few times and gashed my leg pretty good but that was just user error and getting used to crampons after so many years.
Thanks again for the help
Pup

[Perry]

If there's a thin layer of slush, the steel Kahtula's get very bad traction. They only penetrate 1" and do not have a lot of side area on the spikes. My climbing partner used Grivel's yesterday and had much better footing.