Crampon Classes

[KathyW]

There are different types of crampons made for different uses and different types of boots.

Here's some good info from the REI site:

http://www.rei.com/learn/Climbing/rei/learn/climb/chcramponf?vcat=REI_EXPERT_ADVICE_CLIMBING

[KathyW]

You might also want to pick up a copy of "Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills" - lots of great info in there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mountaineering:_The_Freedom_of_the_Hills

[Hikin_Jim]

You don't really need lessons on the crampons, it's kind of like walking on high heels ...

Wow, it's like the light dawned. That analogy cleared it right up for all us guys.

[zippetydude]

Hi Tina. I've used strictly aluminum Kahtoola running crampons. I've got probably 100 miles on them, and the tips are starting to dull a little, but I've also used them a ton and they still grip just fine. To be fair, I prefer trail running, so I wouldn't be able to use the heavy steel crampons on a normal outing for me.

I've never used them where there was exposure, as that would also require competent ice axe usage, and I find that whole self-arrest idea very sketchy.

I have no interest (yet!) in climbing sheer ice faces, but my Kahtoolas gripped very well going up San B, and San G. If you're hiking or running on trails that are a bit iced over, but don't have to worry about exposure, these are great. If you're attacking inclines with heavy ice, then heavier crampons and further training would be smart.

What kind of adventures are you hoping for? Mostly packed trails with crusty ice on top of snow, or more of a solid ice climb?

z

[halhiker]

The thing you're going to have to consider most in buying crampons is what you're going to be doing. If you're looking to occasionally go for a hike in our local mountains in the winter then a pair of aluminum crampons will probably do the trick. If you have greater ambitions to climb some other mountains (Mount Rainier, Shasta or Hood, perhaps) then a pair of steel crampons would be your best bet. They are more durable and hold better in hard snow or ice. I've done trips with up to twelve people and I honestly have not seen anyone with aluminum crampons.

Another thing to consider is the crampons you linked are step-in crampons. Step-ins are the most popular these days but you have to make sure you have a boot that is compatible with them. It needs to be stiff and have a notch in the front and back on order to hold the crampon in place. High end leather boots and plastic mountaineering boots generally have this. A strap-on crampon is usable with a wider variety of boots and is fine for general mountaineering but not as good for technical (i.e., ice) climbing.

Don't know of any local classes and honestly you probably won't need them much unless you're planning on a fairly sketchy climb locally or doing a bigger mountain. If you're doing a bigger mountain, all the guide services offer classes.

[tinaballina]

What kind of adventures are you hoping for? Mostly packed trails with crusty ice on top of snow, or more of a solid ice climb?

Just local hiking, such as Baldy, San J., i have not done San G yet but would love to try.
With all the snow we seem to be getting locally i am thinking i have to get crampons????

[zippetydude]

Sounds like most of the advice is saying the same thing: The more technical the climb, the better the equipment you'll need. I don't really have any idea what I'm doing, so if you see some fool out there running around in the snow, clueless but having a good time, that would be me. Take my advice with a grain of salt.

If you're just doing local trails, you might be fine with even the light weight Yak Trax or some other simple strap on device that's not even a true crampon.

The first time I used snowshoes, I came across a person about a mile in, walking quite easily and getting plenty of traction with just boots. I found that the less equipment I wear, the easier the trip. So, now I start with just boots or trail running shoes. As soon as it gets too slippery, I put on the crampons. I stay with those the whole trip if I can. If the snow gets deep and I begin to posthole, I take off the crampons and put on snowshoes. Same thing in reverse on the way down.

One thing I would mention. I use those little packet hand-warmer things in my gloves because every time I have to stop and make a change, I can't do it with gloves on, and my hands get bitterly cold. It makes the whole trip more fun.

See you out there!

z

[asabat]

Duane's right about my aluminum not lasting much on rock. However, I look at it differently - on many trips I may never use the crampons, and if they were heavier I'd leave them at home. So, it's something vs. nothing. I do tiptoe around the rocks. It's sort of like the steel ice axe vs. the ultralight axe vs. the ULA Helix Potty Trowel. The latter is only when I otherwise would take no axe at all.

[zippetydude]

Hey, check these out.

http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.html

They're not so pricey, and look like they're light and convenient. I like my crampons, but I'll probably replace them with these when they wear out. I think these would suffice for most of what I've seen in these mountains.

z

[HikeUp]

I wonder if my old FootJoy steel spiked golf shoes would work. Hmm. Or softball cleats. Hmm.