View Full Version : crampon recommendations?
thejackal
12-02-2008, 10:11
hello,
i am in need of a pair of crampons for winter hiking in the catskill mountains in ny. honestly, i probably won't use them too often OUTSIDE of the catskills. maybe the adirondacks. anyone familiar with the mountains will know how the trails can turn into ice chutes, etc. so, any advice? i assume the cheap yaktrax things i've seen won't cut it. in the winter i wear midweight backpacking boots (vasque summit gtx) and would need to wear the crampons over them. and of course, i'm not looking to break the bank here. your help is appreciated.
thejackal
12-02-2008, 10:12
also, i was going to post this on viewsfromthetop but i guess you need to be sponsored to become a member. if anyone wants to sponsor a man, let me know...
Recommend checking this thread (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=33013&highlight=traction+devices) out.
If you need more use the search function and type in traction devices.
Recommend checking this thread (http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?t=33013&highlight=traction+devices) out.
If you need more use the search function and type in traction devices.
Woo! Hurray for using the classic "SEARCH BEFORE YOU POST" maneuver.
The post is 10 months old, he might be seeking current information. I'm sure newer products have been made since February.
Telling somebody to search is just an unproductive as posting redundant threads.
Ps. Have you discovered "LetMeGoogleThatForYou.Com (http://letmegooglethatforyou.com/)" ? It's right up your alley.
Slo-go'en
12-02-2008, 13:00
Most good crampons are designed for use with plastic double boots. What you need to look for are 8 point crampons. These have 4 points in front, 4 points in back and a flexable steel connecting strap. This type works best for the mixed rock/ice conditions found in NE. You will also need to find a pair which attach with straps, instead of the step into type. It will take some searching to find what you need.
thejackal
12-02-2008, 13:44
hey everyone,
thanks for responding. i am obviously new to this. however, i have searched here and elsewhere and have not yet found what i am looking for specifically. correct me if i am wrong but it seems to me that crampon selection is very terrain specific. i will not be crossing glaciers and will not be climbing waterfalls (although some of the catskill trails do end up resembling waterfalls). i am NOT going to be doing anything crazy in the whites. what i'm looking to avoid is trampling vegetation along the stretches of trail that become ice sheets after a bit of thawing/freezing.
Slo-go'en', thanks for your response. this seems like more or less what i need. i guess i'll do some research to see if i can find such a product. thanks.
Depending on the level of technical snow/ice if all you are doing is crossing snow and gentle slopes - and just need traction look into a pair of Kathoola Microspikes. They work well for what you are describing and stay on your boots.
sherrill
12-02-2008, 14:03
You can only get them if you dress like this:
:D
Woo! Hurray for using the classic "SEARCH BEFORE YOU POST" maneuver.
The post is 10 months old, he might be seeking current information. I'm sure newer products have been made since February.
Telling somebody to search is just an unproductive as posting redundant threads.
Ps. Have you discovered "LetMeGoogleThatForYou.Com (http://letmegooglethatforyou.com/)" ? It's right up your alley.
I see where you are from, that about says it all except... i can only please one person a day and today ain't your day so crawl back into your own alley a hole.:D
taildragger
12-02-2008, 14:23
I have a pair of black diamond neve's. I'd consider something like this for just trail hiking. However, mine are aluminum, so I'd suggest getting steel if you're using them on rocks (will keep the points better longer).
Also, unless you plan on wearing plastic boots, get ones that will fit over whatever. I can put mine my trail runners if I wanted to.
Just Jack
12-02-2008, 14:28
Are crampons ever needed on the PCT?--or would you be better off
to just leave them behind?
taildragger
12-02-2008, 14:30
Are crampons ever needed on the PCT?--or would you be better off
to just leave them behind?
An ice ax (or whippet) would be more important. If you hit the Sierra's really early, they might be advantageous, but I've rarely heard of anyone actually using them on the trail.
hey everyone,
thanks for responding. i am obviously new to this. however, i have searched here and elsewhere and have not yet found what i am looking for specifically. correct me if i am wrong but it seems to me that crampon selection is very terrain specific. i will not be crossing glaciers and will not be climbing waterfalls (although some of the catskill trails do end up resembling waterfalls). i am NOT going to be doing anything crazy in the whites. what i'm looking to avoid is trampling vegetation along the stretches of trail that become ice sheets after a bit of thawing/freezing.
Slo-go'en', thanks for your response. this seems like more or less what i need. i guess i'll do some research to see if i can find such a product. thanks.
For this check out the Petzl Crab 6. http://www.ems.com/1/1/12286-petzl-crab-6-instep-crampon.html
It is about perfect for walking on those sheets of ice.
taildragger
12-02-2008, 15:21
I'd get an 8 at least over a 6, gives you front claws for ascent, descent
http://www.bdel.com/gear/neve.php
Depending on the level of technical snow/ice if all you are doing is crossing snow and gentle slopes - and just need traction look into a pair of Kathoola Microspikes. They work well for what you are describing and stay on your boots.
Agree.
I see where you are from, that about says it all except... i can only please one person a day and today ain't your day so crawl back into your ghetto a hole.:D
Cranky boy. He can't help where he's from.
The link Woodsy provided covers alot of different types. Worth reading.
An ice ax (or whippet) would be more important. If you hit the Sierra's really early, they might be advantageous, but I've rarely heard of anyone actually using them on the trail.
That's about right.
As for what kind of traction to get, for those who need just an extra grip in non-technical conditions, the microspikes are well rated.
The link Woodsy provided covers alot of different types. Worth reading.
totem: The post is 10 months old, he might be seeking current information. I'm sure newer products have been made since February.
At least i offered something other than BS :rolleyes::D
hello,
i am in need of a pair of crampons for winter hiking in the catskill mountains in ny. honestly, i probably won't use them too often OUTSIDE of the catskills. maybe the adirondacks. anyone familiar with the mountains will know how the trails can turn into ice chutes, etc. so, any advice?
I hike in the same general area (Adirondacks and Greens) and decided on a pair of Kathoola 10 point crampons a couple of years ago. Since they weren't needed on a regular basis I went for the lighter weight, and slightly less agressive aluminum. They've worn well, although if I had ended up being on rock surfaces more often the steel version would have been better. Either are excellent and can be used on lightweight boots, or even trail runners. I've heard generally good things about Kathoola's MicroSpikes, but have never personally used them.
Mooselook Marty
12-02-2008, 18:12
I hike in the same general area (Adirondacks and Greens) and decided on a pair of Kathoola 10 point crampons a couple of years ago. Since they weren't needed on a regular basis I went for the lighter weight, and slightly less agressive aluminum. They've worn well, although if I had ended up being on rock surfaces more often the steel version would have been better. Either are excellent and can be used on lightweight boots, or even trail runners. I've heard generally good things about Kathoola's MicroSpikes, but have never personally used them.
Kahtoola Steel crampons are a really great choice for where you are hiking. They are easy to walk with, but give you the grip that you will need. Microspikes or equivalent are great, but better suited for shoulder seasons (like fall and early spring).
Check out Zappo's to see if they are still having a sale.
For this check out the Petzl Crab 6. http://www.ems.com/1/1/12286-petzl-crab-6-instep-crampon.html
It is about perfect for walking on those sheets of ice.
These worked for me at Glacier NP last June. Yes, in June. The passes were still snowed in.
leeki pole
12-02-2008, 18:50
For what it's worth, now remember I'm from the South, but we get occasional ice storms. I took a pair of old running shoes when we got iced over and I just had to train, took out the insoles, drilled 1 inch wood screws through the soles, like 7 in the forefoot and 4 in the heel, duct taped over the heads of the screws inside the shoe and replaced the insoles. Worked fine on icy roads and trails. Cheap but I don't know how long it would hold up. Did okay for about 10 miles.
Toolshed
12-02-2008, 19:49
PM Me if you need someone to sponsor you over at VFTT. also check out ADKhighpeaksforums. there are a bunch of us that hike in the Cats as well.
If you are doing a lot of hiking in the Cats, I would recommend something along the lines of the Grivel newmatic series, Semi-rigid but with a 10 point design.
These aren't your grandma's strap-ons as, they have a front ring harness that quickly attaches over your boot toes to the heel strap. On or off in several minutes, rather than many minutes like the old time semi's with 2' long rubbers straps.
As I understand Grivel may have just gone under, but there is still Camp, BD, Petzl and a few other companies making a similiar crampons. You don't need 12-points and I know a few folks who file down the front fangs on their 10-points to save on their gators or goretex.
Petzl Irvis FL Walking Crampon (http://www.backcountry.com/store/PTZ0207/Petzl-Irvis-10-Point-Crampon.html?CMP_ID=SH_FRO001&CMP_SKU=PTZ0207&mv_pc=r126)
BD Contact Strap Crampon (http://www.ems.com/catalog/product_detail_square.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=8455 24442591842&emssrcid=GoogleBase)
BD Neve. (http://www.altrec.com/black-diamond-equipment/neve-strap-crampon)