Gear

[lesper4]

So I know there are a few of you that are venture out in to the wilderness while that shite stuff is still on the ground. I had a few questisons for you.

1. I was wondering what would be some good gear to buy (afordable and light weight) for cramp-ons, ice axe and snow shoes? REI has their Memorail day sale May 20th and have some black diamond crampons and ice axe on sale. I have also heard you guys swear by some MSR snow shoes?

2. Do you need specific shoes for cramp-ons and snow shoes?

I ask this not only because I am heading up to do the 9 peaks loop (San G) June 11-12 and as our group seems to go we are in more inclemente weather then not so it would seem natural to start hiking in the winter as well.

http://www.rei.com/product/767353/black ... en-ice-axe $60
http://www.rei.com/product/798354/black ... abs-plates $95 (I think)

[Ellen]

Howdy Lesper4

I use both items you've listed -- they are excellent

My friend Lance is giving away a perfectly good pair of crampons -- he's posted on this site. Recommend sending him a PM.

Miles of smiles,
Ellen

[lesper4]

Thanks Ellen, I sent him a PM.

Again what snowshoes do you guys use (MSR-?) and do I need a mountianerring boot for crampons and or snow shoes?

[KathyW]

You probably won't need snowshoes again until next winter in Southern California.

Here's some info on picking out snowshoes:

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/snowshoes.html

If you plan on climbing steep/icy terrain in your snowshoes, don't buy recreational snowshoes - spend the money and buy one's made for mountain terrain with aggressive crampons such as the MSR Lightning Ascents or Evo Ascents.

Here's some info on picking out crampons:

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/article ... mbing.html

You have to get the bindings that will work with your boots. The Black Diamond crampons you have linked to will work with most boots because they have strap-on bindings. When in doubt, bring the shoes you will be wearing with the crampons to the store with you when you go shopping for crampons.

Here's some info on ice axes:

http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/ice+axe.html

You need to try to get the correct length axe based on your height and your intended use.

[lesper4]

thank you Kathy I will take a gander at those links