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I may be there . . . I assume that all three - snowshoes, Microspikes, and full crampons should be carried to cover all conditions encountered? Even if it's above freezing down in the valley, an early morning start could result in encountering ice as one climbs . . where any snow freezes over...

The BD instructions are poor. Should you loop it first to the front toe section, then loop back to instep and across the foot or should you go across the foot first and then loop to front and back to attach?

This has a similar parallel to the kayaking groups I have gone out with on big water day trips. (think Lake George or Champlain) The casual kayaker typically doesn't use a sprayskirt, leave alone a PFD, and usually has limited gear. The experienced kayaking enthusiasts load up boats with VHF...

I must wear completely rigid 3/4 length (not under the toes) custom-fit carbon-fiber orthodics in my boots. I ponder if these make my flexible winter boots more crampon-friendly? I think my Keene Growlers are a bit less flexible so will try them vs. the Merrells.

BD Contact crampons- threading? Looking at these 10 point crampons by Black Diamond, I've read that they can be used on any hiking boot, not just mountaineering boots. Wondering if this makes sense used on a flexible boot like my Merrell Snowmotion 8s. Or will they be subject to breakage...

There are many web posts with backpack brand reviews, ultralight vs. not, features, materials, etc. I found nothing on backpack types for people with cronic but minor back issues. I am now shopping for a weekend pack ( 2 night max) in the 3,000 to 3,600 range, and own lightweight (but not UL)...

Tried on new model Stratos 24. Did not like-felt like weight pulling away from my back. After all this-bought a Granite Gear pack-felt the best.

Blue Mtn. Yes, camp along the old loop road off Rt. 30 with sites along Lake Durant near the campground entrance and then climb Blue Mountain. If there is still snow or mud, the road may be tough to drive on. Just take Route 28 up from old Forge to Blue Mountain Lake, drive toward Indian Lake...

No such fabric itself as Bergelene. It was the EMS store label/brand for whatever fleece they decided to contract a manufacturer for that year. One year , it was Polartec Powerdry, another year a different manufacturer.

Pondering doing this tomorrow. MSR snowshoes and Microspikes probably fine or would full crampons be prudent to have in pack just in case near summit, in anyone's opinion? (don't own them but could rent at Mountaineer). Unknown conditions of course. Anyone doing this one tomorrow?

I'm no expert on this but wondering if the answer is seasonal. Once we get into late March and April and wind dependent, is it possible that still deep snow on the way up could change to ice covered rock on large portions of wind-blown summits and exposed below summit areas? Would snowshoes be...

Thanks for the good find. However, I'm not fond of the weight of the pack, perhaps consistent for the volume but I really don't want a pack over 3 pounds. This one lists as 3 pounds 7 ounces. Isn't that considered heavy for a non-winter desired day pack?

Outdoor retailers around are still awaiting their spring shipments so can't try out packs yet; still reading web reviews for now. A follow-up question - In shopping around for a 22-30 liter (or maybe 1300-1900 ci) daypack with Osprey and Gregory brands of interest, past suggestions here were...

Doug/all, My understanding is that plastic are fairly standard as double boots but leather is not common. So focus on plastic then?

Yes, the Merrills are comparable to that Cabela model if 400gms is 400gms. But still confused. I thought a point of my Merrells, those Cabela's and the suggestions of warm "winter" boots listed like Sorel, Kamik, etc. is that they may not be ideal or not be compatable at all with full crampons...

although a small mountain, quite a few inclined pure ice sections on Hadley Mountain this week were easy to deal with with my Keene Growlers and Microspikes. I guess my post was in contemplation of much larger and steeper icy sections than I found on Hadley-a modest mountain.

ok, so to help me start shopping possible sales more for next winter use - again, probably just long day hikes of Big Slide, Phelps, Cascade, Giant, etc. and have wide EE feet and cold running feet from severe frost bite back in scout days, would I look at:single leather, double leather...

Am I correct that one of the major factors in choosing boots (besides trying them on of course) is whether you are backpacking overnight or doing day trips? Overnights really require a removable liner to keep in your sleeping bag or tent overnight?

After reading up, confused on the need for a mountaineering vs insulated hiking boot for day hikes on the easier Hike Peaks like Phelps and Cascade. Learned - Mountaineering vs. hiking boot mostly for crampon attachment, leather again plus synthetic now more popular than plastic, plastic offers...

simple solution If you can shoot in RAW, most conversion programs have a simple white balance adjustment - you place a dropper icon on something white like snow, and the entire image is warmed up. I use Breezebrowser and it worked good. If you shppt jpgs or want to wait to adjust in editing...