Re[2]: [at-l] crampons

[cwillett@math.uiuc.edu (Christopher Willett)]

For climbing vertical ice with an automatic crampon, stiff (no flex)
boots helps by providing a stable platform on which to stand.  For
glacier travel or less vertical stuff, one can get away with a
less stiff boot and strap on crampons.  However, the small amount
of flex slowly weakens the crampons.  Over time, this will
probably result in the crampons breaking, particularly if you go
in for aluminum crampons.  Having a crampon break might seem
like a not so major event, but imagine being in the middle of a
rock climb and having the rope break.

Chris

----------------------
Chris Willett
cwillett@math.uiuc.edu
http://www.math.uiuc.edu/~cwillett
Department of Mathematics
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

On Mon, 4 Mar 2002, Bob C. wrote:

>
> "...I believe real climbing crampons require a stiff mountaineering boot to
> mount on. Certainly for toe pointing anyway." reports Bryan.
>
>  All the experts claim so. I wore crampons off and on with semi-stiff Army
>  surplus "Mickey Mouse boots" without problems, but I suspect those who say
>  prolonged use on steep trails will cause the crampons to break in the middle
>  are right.
>
>  I've seen a number of broken crampons being used as improvised snowshoe
>  crampons, as evidence.
>
>  Weary
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> AT-L mailing list
> AT-L@mailman.backcountry.net
> http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/at-l
>