Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Boots in June

i still need some advise on what boots for a all out hell day asalt in june. Should i go mid weight for crampons or risk it???

Help

also what is the best hotel to stay at night before and after?

leroux

Mid weight as in La Sportiva Makalu's or mid weight as in a semi rigid light hiker. You don't need a boot like the Makalu's for use with step in crampons, just get the strap on kind. Make sure you get a boot that doesn't bend at the fore foot like a sandal, you want some resistance. Also make sure you get a boot with a Gore-Tex lining, this, I feel, is most important. REI has five or six boots that are semi rigid, that have a G-tex lining and cost under $160. My recommendation is the Asolo Fugitive; light weight, Gore-tex, reenforced toe, and $160. You can get a boot without Goretex that is $90. Hope this helps. As for crampons, get the Stubai Ultralight Universal before they go from $99 to $145. That's all you need, a light weight, low cost, no frills set up. Try your luck on Ebay, you can always find deals.

As for places to stay, the Dow Villa is in the center of town and is generally regarded as the motel of choice. There is a modern motel and a historic hotel. The hotel was built in the 20's or 30's. At the south end of town, the Alabama Hills motel is highly spoken of. There are a number of smaller motels that are basic and adequate. See a list of places to stay at:

http://www.lonepinechamber.org/