View Full Version : Jan start: Do I need crampons in GA?
I am planning a mid-January start and while I am definitely planning to carry crampons (strap-ons) in the Smokies, I am wondering if I will need them before then. Many thanks.
You don't need crampons in GA or the smokies. It gets icy but you just learn to deal with it. There are some designed for light hiking that kinda wrap around your boots..I forgot what they're called but they would would be better than real mountaineering crampons.
springerfever
11-24-2010, 16:55
YAKTRAX work fine for short distances over ice. Not near as heavy as full on crampons and they provide decent grip. I know there are a couple of areas in Georgia (Tray mountain for instance) that have a lot of rock surface at the summit, and in January can get a lot of ice build-up. I've used YAKTRAX before in the Smokies in similar situations and they did just fine.
canoehead
11-24-2010, 17:02
these work great
Kahtoola MICROspikes http://www.kahtoola.com/microspikes.php
YAKTRAX
Thats what they're called!
More comfortable to hike in.
www.icetrekkers.com (http://www.icetrekkers.com)
the diamond grips.
yes, I am the rep...Leki too!
More comfortable to hike in.
www.icetrekkers.com (http://www.icetrekkers.com)
the diamond grips.
yes, I am the rep...Leki too!
where are these sold in GA?
Microspikes are much better than Yaktrax IMO.
kayak karl
11-24-2010, 19:36
YAKCRAPS aren't worth the money. instep crampons got me through Jan and Feb. http://www.basegear.com/cmiinstep.html i ditched the traps and just tied on with line. early morns with freezing rain mad rocks slippery.
zip screws in soles will get you over ice in a pinch.
YAKCRAPS aren't worth the money. instep crampons got me through Jan and Feb. http://www.basegear.com/cmiinstep.html i ditched the traps and just tied on with line. early morns with freezing rain mad rocks slippery.
zip screws in soles will get you over ice in a pinch.
Those things look a bit superfluous(I love that word).
I am planning a mid-January start and while I am definitely planning to carry crampons (strap-ons) in the Smokies, I am wondering if I will need them before then. Many thanks.
you don't need them at all much less in GA
kayak karl
11-24-2010, 20:19
Those things look a bit superfluous(I love that word).
what did you use in Georgia in January??????
what did you use in Georgia in January??????
I didn't use anything but I wish I had something. It can be quite icy but it seems to sporadic. I guess get which ever one is lightest but those instep one look like they can make you trip.
kayak karl
11-24-2010, 21:12
I didn't use anything but I wish I had something. It can be quite icy but it seems to sporadic. I guess get which ever one is lightest but those instep one look like they can make you trip.
try them. they dont make you trip and they don't clog up with snow like the YAKCRAPS and micro spikes.
Thanks for all the replies. fwiw, I have a 4 year-old pair of Black Diamond Contacts, but at 2 pounds they are definitely not ultralight. I'm somewhat cautious, especially in winter, so I'm willing to carry *some* extra weight, but not without good reason. From the variety of responses, I'm gathering there is no settled opinion on this issue, but that I can probably get by with something lighter.
where are these sold in GA?
Hi Jermm
Mountain Crossings...