Planning on going up some 4,000 footers this winter in the white mtns. Starting with some shorter mountain hikes for practice. I have lived in New England my whole life and the majority of my hiking is done in the white mtns. I mainly do three season hiking but have been up and have hiked in the mtns when there was snow in the spring. I've postholed more than i'd like to admit.
Aside from a climb up tuckermans in the dead of winter, I want to climb some of the other more moderate hikes. Layafette, twins, zealand for example.
My question is really gear. I know how to prepare when it comes to clothes. Layers and such. I have enough proper winter clothing to do some hiking. I do not own mountaineering boots and will be hiking in regular merril hiking boots.
When it comes to traction, will snowshoes and katahoola microspikes be sufficient? I also am going to put a set of snow baskets on my trekking poles.
Do I need crampons for regular on trail hikes up there?