Mt. San Jacinto Outdoor Recreation

Hey everyone! I have a few questions. I`m a very experienced backpacker and snowboarder, and I`m looking for new challanges. I`ve thought about hitting the backcountry, but lack of experience has always nagged at me, but recently, my friend showed me the movie, First Decent, and Im now dying to get into the backcountry. But I have a few questions about snowshoes and crampons and I`m hoping that some of the experts here in this forum will answer my questions. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

1. I`ve looked at some models of snowshoes but i have the question, what type of boots should you use? My own snowboard boots or seperate hiking boots?

2. Is there a place or person that offers lessons about how to use crampons and an ice ax?

3. What are the best models of snowshoes and crampons on the market?


Thanks!

BradCampbell wrote:Hey everyone! I have a few questions. I`m a very experienced backpacker and snowboarder, and I`m looking for new challanges. I`ve thought about hitting the backcountry, but lack of experience has always nagged at me, but recently, my friend showed me the movie, First Decent, and Im now dying to get into the backcountry. But I have a few questions about snowshoes and crampons and I`m hoping that some of the experts here in this forum will answer my questions. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

1. I`ve looked at some models of snowshoes but i have the question, what type of boots should you use? My own snowboard boots or seperate hiking boots?

2. Is there a place or person that offers lessons about how to use crampons and an ice ax?

3. What are the best models of snowshoes and crampons on the market?
Thanks!

1) You might find the snowboard boots are a bit stiff for snowshoes, but if they're the only winter boot you have, give them a try before investing in a pair of warm, winter boots.

2) There are mountaineering outfits in Bishop which offer instruction. I think they're the closest to the LA area.

3) There are several good manufacturers of snowshoes, including Tubbs, Atlas and MSR. They are others. The class of snowshoes you should look at are "backcountry" or "expedition". Crampons are in a class by themselves in terms of complexity and what types of climbing you intend to use them for and what type of boot they'll be attached to. Ask that question of the guide you hire for instruction.

I have a different view on snowshoes and crampons than most it seems. I'm not hardcore in the winter anymore, but do get out reasonably often. In the fringe seasons I find I'm often carrying my snowshoes and crampons rather than wearing them. Therefore, I want something lightweight since it will be on my back more than on my feet. (Actually, weight on the feet is even more important, but that's another discussion.)

Therefore, I use Redfeather snowshoes and Stubai Ultralight crampons (aluminum). I have enjoyed these a lot and have had no problems with either. Note that lightweight means a little more care is sometimes needed. The Redfeathers are not bomb proof, so I try not to walk on a lot of rocks. They also don't have the long lateral crampons the MSRs do. The Stubai aluminum crampons are not quite as sharp as steel, and do dull quicker, so again I try to avoid walking on rocks.

Both are also relatively inexpensive, a plus if you are a casual user.

YMMV.

Oh, boots... IMO nothing beats a pair of Sorels for snowshoeing. Warm and comfortable and they hold well in my bindings. They aren't the best for crampon work though, although I have done that, including the bowl on Baldy last February. Real mountaineering boots like Lowa would be better for crampon work. I have used my Stubai crampons with trail runners though!