[pct-l] Ultra light Ice Ax/Crampons Alternatives

[mntmn4jesus at aol.com]

I also have a Black Diamond Whippet in addition to my classic Arc Lite.  I have used the Whippet
to self arrest while back country skiing.  It all depends on the severity of the terrain and the volume you 
expect to encounter as to whether or not you need a traditional ice ax.  The Black Diamond Whippet 
can easily replace one of your trekking poles which I always use winter or summer.

To just get by in a couple of challenging situations, the Whippet and Khaatoola microspikes 
(Mini-crampons) are superior for 80% of what I do in the Sierras because they have multiple uses and
weigh much less then my Arc Light Ice Ax and Standard Grivel Crampons I use for serious 
mountaineering applications.  I know many individuals (I am not one of them) who used Khaatoola
microspikes instead of crampons to climb Mt. Shasta and they are quite happy with carrying much less
weight on their feet.  I personally don't advise, but that gives you an idea of their capabilities. 

 I always have micro-spikes with me even in summer if there is small chance I might run into ice or
 snow in the high country.  They weigh less then a pound (13 ounces) for a pair and securely fit
 on any type of boots/shoes.  They have strong durability and they stay on your boots with few 
if any adjustments (if you put them on correctly).  

They are ideal in intermittent snow conditions where you don't want to ruin a good set of crampons.
You can leave them on when you are walking on dry ground and even provide some additional
traction when you are climbing on ice covered rock.  I don't advise the cheaper alternative Yaktrax.
They do not provide near as good of traction and they will not stand up to the rigorous use
on the PCT trail for miles upon miles.  I know one local lady, who is an avid day hiker, and her Yaktrax
didn't even make it through one season.

Jim

Message: 13
Date: Wed, 8 Dec 2010 21:30:07 -0800
From: "Sean 'Miner' Nordeen" <sean at lifesadventures.net>
Subject: [pct-l]  Ice Axe
To: <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Message-ID: <FF61894B22C9420A91386B9AF5C73D9F at SeanDeskTop>
Content-Type: text/plain;	charset="iso-8859-1"

Well, if you hiked in 2009 or saw the National Geographic PCT documentary, its 
obvious that the best ice axe is a hockey stick with a saw blade duct taped to 
the end.

I have the lightweight alumn. Camp Ice axe.  The Black Diamond Whippet (trek 
pole and ice axe combined) has strong advocates as well if all you want is to 
self arrest.

-Miner