[pct-l] ice axe, and shoes...

[CMountainDave at aol.com (CMountainDave@aol.com)]

In a message dated 1/29/04 11:12:58 AM, Steven.Setzer@Colorado.EDU writes:

<< What are instep crampons and how do they differ from regular
mountaineering crampons?  Are these just the non ice climbing crampons?  I
think those would be too heavy to bother with.
 >>

Instep crampons have four points on them and fit in the middle of the boot. 
They are MUCH lighter than eight point regular crampons. They are very durable
  If you use running shoes in snow, it is guaranteed that you will have wet, 
cold feet. It's up to you to decide whether or not that is a comfort issue. If 
you are only occasionally on snow it is, of course, no big deal. You CAN 
waterproof leather boots and the waterproofing will last for several days of snow 
travel. The Vibram soles guarantee good traction. Once again it's a trade off: 
weight vs. utility. I can tell you that people in boots who have kicked steps 
in snow for those in running shoes don't think too highly about the 
experience