wbtravis
I'm not getting much response to this, do you carry ten points and crampon boots peak bagging or on Mt Whitney or what ever? DO most people ignore the ice? Carry axes? I'm trying to learn what people in this group do. I'm pretty tempted to use them on the glaciers above town but on mid weight hiking boots. But obviously not in couloirs or on technical ice.
Jim
When I first started using crampons, I did something really stupid and paid a moderate price for that act. A few years later I witnessed a particularly nasty climbing accident, which required a helicopter rescue.
Since the latter, I've erred on the side of caution. If there is exposure, the axe comes out and crampons go on. If I'm carrying crampons and an axe I will also bring a helmet. I've got this thing about not being film at 11. I know I am atypical most hikers who attempt to summit in the spring/early summer.
The only and only time I have backpacked up the MMWT with the intentions to summit was in May 2007. I carried the above gear. I use light 3-season synthetic mountaineering boots in the winter because I do not want to haul an extra pound or two up water up the trail...which means this what I would use in the spring here...they are lighter than my Kayland Contact 1000s.
During that trip many, and the sample was not all that big, most climbed the chute to Trail Crest in 4 pts. and trekking poles. That is insanity to me.
