[pct-l] crampons, ice axe, etc.

["James R. Bruton" <jbruton@northlink.com>]

Hi to everyone. I'm new to the list and I have so far really enjoyed
reading the discussions. This is a great forum for hikers to share thoughts
and info.

I'm a person who does "academic section hiking," which is my term for a
teacher who spends his summers covering the biggest sections of trails he
can. Are there others on the list who do this? Already I've hiked the AT
south-to-north in four summers.

With the days getting longer, I'm getting in the spirit to prepare for this
summer's PCT section hike. Here in west-central Arizona, at about 4,000
ft., the winter never was very brutal to begin with. So I'm getting back on
the hills, starting to train.

Last summer I started in Campo around July 6 and covered the 450 miles to
Agua Dulce. Yes, it was hot as hell. On the other hand, the water sources
last year were running later in the season than normal, judging by the
handbook. 

This year I want to hike onward about 1,000 miles or so in ten weeks (had a
short season last year due to changing jobs). 

One - assuming I begin around June 1 this time, would I be nuts to attempt
the desert section just N of Agua Dulce? I'm considering skipping it and
filling it in on some winter break in the future. Any thoughts?

Two - the snow-slope seft-arrest issue. I intend to purchase crampons, but
am wondering whether the combination of these with Leki trekking poles
would be enough to tackle the snow fields. Can I self-arrest with a
well-aimed trekking pole or do I want to purchase an ice axe? All I want to
avoid here is extra weight. 

I can anticipate one response already - "Go test it out!" I might do that,
but I'm hoping somebody has already tried it! Can I teach myself the
technique, or do I need an instructor? 

Three - How warm a bag is needed? I figure that my current 45-deg. down bag
is not enough, but is a 15-deg. down bag too warm? What have folks found
works best?

Four - has anyone any comments on the Walrus Micro Swift tent? Have been
using a bivi sack, but think for about a pound more a solo tent might be
worth it. 

Looking forward to meeting some of you out there. 

- Jim B.
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