[pct-l] Self Arrest - Instep Crampons

[dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com]

OK I looked at them both - which one is best KTS Crampons (aluminum or
steel)  KTS micro spikes??? I wear a light low top boot if that matters.
Vasque Breeze.  Any opinions??  Thx

-----Original Message-----
From: ned at mountaineducation.org [mailto:ned at mountaineducation.org] 
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 6:11 PM
To: dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com; 'PCT-L'
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Self Arrest - Instep Crampons

>From the point of view of hiker safety, carry both self-arrest and traction

devices up from the Palms to Pines highway 74 just prior to San Jacinto.

If you feel that the snow/ice conditions are too much for your skill level, 
stay on the ridge and don't follow the trail. Remember, regarding snow 
travel, you only need to know where the trail is and not that you have to be

on top of it all the time! If by following the ridge to circumvent the 
dangerous snow/ice, you come back to the trail, then it all worked out ok.

Do not take the instep crampons if they will not have enough "purchase" on 
the snow/ice when at an angle. This will only be a false sense of security 
that may fail you when you need them on a steep slope. Better to have the 
Katoola KTS or microspikes.

The Black Diamond Whippet will serve you well as long as you know how to use

it. Just remember, it is not the tool for self-belaying straight up a snow 
climb (like Forester-if the chute is not ice), you'll need an ice axe for 
doing that, nor is it the best self-arrest tool for that ever-needed, 
uphill-handed, traverse anchor, since it has a basket, is not designed for 
lateral torque (it will bend), and its shaft will not plunge deep into the 
snow to secure you in place while crossing a steep traverse on "iffy" snow.

For the snow, and you will have plenty even before you get to Kennedy 
Meadows, take an ice axe, some form of traction device that will not roll 
off your foot on a steep traverse, good gaitors, sun screen, a wide-brimmed 
hat, great glasses, leg protection (for those post-holing days), and 
experience.



"Just remember, Be Careful out there!"

Ned Tibbits, Director
Mountain Education
1106A Ski Run Blvd
South Lake Tahoe, Ca. 96150
    P: 888-996-8333
    F: 530-541-1456
    C: 530-721-1551
    http://www.mountaineducation.org
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <dnielsen at djmurphycompany.com>
To: "'PCT-L'" <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 10, 2011 7:43 AM
Subject: [pct-l] Self Arrest - Instep Crampons


>
>
> Are the San Jacinto and specifically Fuller Ridge, the 1st location that
> foot traction devices and self arrest tool might be needed?
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> I plan to carry an old pair of Swiss 4 spike instep crampons and a Black
> Diamond Whippet in lieu of ice axe.
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> It is understood that checking weather conditions and snow pack prior to
> entering the San Jacinto is a prerequisite.
>
>
>
> Dave
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