crampons or snowshoes

[WalksWithBlackflies]

Adk Dib -

I switch to crampons when:

a) the trail is hard, with no chance of postholing
b) I get into rocky areas near the summit
c) I feel I need more "bite" than my snowshoes deliver, especially when descending

 

[woodstrider]

Hey Giggy

I hope I haven't started anything- re: the post holing controversy. I guess alot of people feel the same as I do- nice to have company on that

But.. let me clarify- I never accused you, Giggy, of poor trail form- I was just trying to educate you and others about the importance of good trail form and why it matters.

Happy Trails

 

[giggy]

nahh - its all good - freindly discussion among friends -

have fun this weekend - its looks like a nice one

 

[Oldsmores]

...another question. when do you need to change over to crampons, only if its icy? why couldn't I bring my crampons just in case, and if i dont need them just leave my snowshoes on?...

Change over to crampons when you need them to be safe. I normally carry mine, and use 'em as required. Despite my previous post about what the regs say, if it's a choice between following a regulation and keeping myself safe I'll go with safety every time.

 

[woodstrider]

I think Rico said it short and simple-re: when to switch over to crampons. Also, SherpaJohn (and others ) makes an excellent point about the (energy) cost-efficiency of using snowshoes and crampons.

Others have made this point, as well- I'd rather bring the gear and not use it, then need it and not have it.