[pct-l] Gear for late spring snow?

[Jim & Jane Moody]

A few random responses.  My only frame of reference for Katoolas is (1) nothing and (2) 12-pt crampons on a glacier / tourist excursion.  They are definitely better than nothing. 



Regarding Calorie, I was part of the group he was in when he fell above Onion Valley (below Kearsarge).  I don't know if he was wearing crampons or not - I don't think so.  But what caused his fall was not feet slipping but losing his balance after standing up on a very steep slope, after a glissade.  In any event, he's one tough kid. 



Mango 


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "CHUCK CHELIN" <steeleye at wildblue.net> 


Good morning, all, 


I’ve never used the Katoolas, but I’ve encountered many hikers who have, and all those users enthusiastically endorse the MicroSpikes.   I don’t know if they’ve used anything else as a frame of reference. 



I prefer to use CMI instep crampons.   They have longer spikes than the Katoolas but weigh about the same.   I don’t believe regular, full-platform, 10-12 point crampons are necessary or advisable.     http://www.trailjournals.com/entry.cfm?id=264768 




Everything safety starts with your feet. Your balance is crucial on snow. 
What you wear contributes to that predictability and certainty. You only 
want to slip and slide when you want to and when you're ready for it, 
otherwise you're in for a potentially wild, quick tumble down the slope (ask 
Calorie!). So figure out before your big thru hike what kind of footwear 
works for you to maintain your balance and comfort while on snow and 
crossing creeks. Boots work for us and we're out in the snow all winter 
teaching Snow Skills Courses (they don't get wet, keep our feet warm, and 
only freeze slightly if the temps drop to single digits). 

Traction devices, Yes, like Katoolas, just know how to identify the danger 
ahead, stop and put them on (and grab the axe), before assuming that you 
"will be ok" and just push on without them in place. You may not need them 
at all, but safe is better than sorry (again, Calorie, are you out there? 
Would you mind telling your story?). 

Ned Tibbits, Director 
Mountain Education