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Microspikes?
#3722 04/24/10 07:07 AM
Joined: Apr 2010
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epeon Offline OP
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Joined: Apr 2010
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O.K., I finally found out that my overnight date on the main trail is June 15th. Now the question is crampons & axe, or are kahtoola microspikes and poles sufficient?

Re: Microspikes?
epeon #3727 04/24/10 09:31 AM
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Maybe. It depends in how much snow and ice are still there (which we can't predict in April), your skill level (which you didn't tell us), and the time of day you'll be on the snow (which we also don't know).

An experienced climber going up and back in the middle of a warm day with stiff mountaineering boots can probably sneak by without crampons, spikes, or an axe. A newbie starting really early and/or finishing after the slush turns to ice in the afternoon probably needs an axe and real crampons.

The snow and ice conditions vary a lot from year to year and from hour to hour. If enough snow melts, you may just need trail runners. If the snow stays around and ices up, you may need crampons, climbing boots, and an axe.

Last edited by bobpickering; 04/24/10 09:35 AM.
Re: Microspikes?
bobpickering #3728 04/24/10 12:17 PM
Joined: Nov 2009
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Look here just before your trip. http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/ If there is ANY white stuff be ready to wear crampons and to use an ice ax. Have all your gear with you and ask about conditions before you begin to hike. Carrying an unused ice ax and an unused pair of crampons isn't much of a burden but not having them could be a show stopper.


Mike
Re: Microspikes?
Mike Condron #3734 04/25/10 08:49 AM
Joined: Sep 2009
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If there is exposure and snow and ice, you need an axe.

Personally, the only place I see a use for microspikes are on flat broad trails with no exposure but I'm the chicken of the hills...or I've seen people trying to take me out like ten pin on their way to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.


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