Crampon Classes

[Hikin_Jim]

The Grivels look great.

I wonder if the weight is more the issue than the expense for many people.

Of course I know of people who have paid the ultimate price for not carrying said weight when they needed it.

[tinaballina]

There has been tons of advice and suggestions. Why still ponder? What I have learned from buying gear is that you shouldn't skim on the money. Don't try to save a few bucks by getting crappy gear which you will end up throwing away.

My suggestion is the Grivel G-12 below. You'll not regret purchasing this.

thank you Kevin, much much appreciated.

[KathyW]

If you plan on climbing the local mountains in the winter, Grivel G12 or G10's or Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons are probably good choices - You want either a 10 or 12 point flexible crampon with a strap binding that fits any type of boot. Don't forget to pick up an ice axe too.

I've been happy with my Black Diamond Contact Strap crampons and my Black Diamond Raven Pro ice axe.

I also have a pair fo Stubai Ultralight aluminum crampons that I use when I'm backpacking, and need to keep my pack weight down - most of the time they stay at home because they dull so much easier than the steel crampons.

Here's a great site for shopping for gear:

http://www.spadout.com

Kevin is correct - spend the money on the correct gear - it will save you money in the long run if you plan on spending much time in the mountains. I learned this the hard way.

[formerjarhead]

If you are using a rather rigid soled backpacking boot rather than a true mountaineering boot, I would recommend the Black Diamond Contact Strap Steel Crampons (http://www.bdel.com/gear/contact_strap.php). I use these on a set of Asolo TPS 520 Gvs (http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=1&idMen=469) with very good results. I think I paid around $120 for my set of Black Diamonds.

You will need to learn self-arrest with an ice axe, preferably from instruction or by practice in the field. You can look for an instructor in your area thru the American Mountain Guides Association (http://www.amga.com/).

“You Tube” has a good instructional video about "self-arrest" produced by the British Mountaineering Council on the web (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM3xLshmNnk). An excellent source of information on all mountaineering topics is a book by the title of “Mountaineering - The Freedom of the Hills” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountainee ... _the_Hills)
which is now in it’s 7th edition. Borders and other fine book stores can order this for you.

Another very good traction combo on light snow and/or ice is the use of “Stabilicers” (http://www.32north.com/prod_stab.htm) ice cleats and trekking poles. Stabilicers are about $50+/-. I use these when Crampons are overkill.

Good luck and have fun!!!

[formerjarhead]

Found this link for a group that holds winter courses in northern CA.

http://www.californiaalpineguides.com/alpine.html

[zippetydude]

Hey Kathy - do you use any of the ones you mentioned while trail running? I know you're a runner, and I've wondered if the stronger, spikier (if there is such a word) crampons would work while running.

z

[KathyW]

Zip: I think I'd struggle if I tried to run in my crampons - I'd trip on them. I don't usually wear my crampons in places that it's possible for me to run - either too steep or I'm not comfortable with moving that fast on the terrain. Also, I'm not a strong runner, so I revert to walking a lot more than you do. I think the running specific crampons would be wonderful on icy terrain thats not steep or exposed where they would prevent one from falling on their butt and allow them to continue to run. When it's icy and steep where a fall would be a bigger deal, I'm not sure I'd want to trust the running crampons.

Where do you use the running crampons?

In reality, I don't use my crampons very much in Southern California but I do carry them often in the winter just in case. Baldy above the Ski Hut or San Gorgonio above 9000 feet are places that they do come in handy when it's icy.

Kathy

[tinaballina]

thank you so much Kathy and Formerjarhead....i am looking into your suggestion for crampons Kathy, will keep you posted as to what the outcome is.

[tinaballina]

If you are using a rather rigid soled backpacking boot rather than a true mountaineering boot, I would recommend the Black Diamond Contact Strap Steel Crampons (http://www.bdel.com/gear/contact_strap.php). I use these on a set of Asolo TPS 520 Gvs (http://www.asolo.com/content.asp?L=1&idMen=469) with very good results. I think I paid around $120 for my set of Black Diamonds.

You will need to learn self-arrest with an ice axe, preferably from instruction or by practice in the field. You can look for an instructor in your area thru the American Mountain Guides Association (http://www.amga.com/).

“You Tube” has a good instructional video about "self-arrest" produced by the British Mountaineering Council on the web (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LM3xLshmNnk). An excellent source of information on all mountaineering topics is a book by the title of “Mountaineering - The Freedom of the Hills” (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountainee ... _the_Hills)
which is now in it’s 7th edition. Borders and other fine book stores can order this for you.

Another very good traction combo on light snow and/or ice is the use of “Stabilicers” (http://www.32north.com/prod_stab.htm) ice cleats and trekking poles. Stabilicers are about $50+/-. I use these when Crampons are overkill.

Good luck and have fun!!!

this is all such great information, thanks again..

[zippetydude]

Hi Kathy. Thanks for the response, I had been wondering if the steel ones would work. Certainly they look more like what a real mountaineer would use. Alas, I am not that. I go only on trails that have virtually no exposure - SF up to Dry and Dollar Lakes, SF up the ravine by Dry Lake up to San G, Long Valley up to Round Valley - real flat safe stuff. Even so, moving in snow is much harder, and it kicks my butt real quickly.

Tina, I saw what Kevin said about equipment. Before you listen to him, you might want to see what is written about him on mountain top registers.

http://www.palm-springs-photography.com ... highlight=

Check the posting by Alan, about 5 or 6 down.

Kevin: Just kidding, I enjoyed that whole thread. I hope to meet you out on the trail one of these days. You're a true outdoorsman.

Incidentally, WP (over on the sgwa site) posted this:

http://members.boardhost.com/sgva/msg/1201792129.html

For the kind of running I do, these sound great. Anything more serious, they probably wouldn't be the right equipment.

Have fun out there. Hey, and who knew Crampons would be such a hot topic?

z