Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Crampons to Trail Camp? (ice cleats??)

I'm going up on Friday May 20th. We're planning on going up to Outpost Camp and shooting for Trail Camp on the second. Is this a feasible goal? Does it require crampons, or will ice cleats and/or Yaktrax be ok going up. (just trying to save the wear on the calves if I can).

After this weekend I'm sure someone will come back with beter beta on conditions, but here's my thought. For the most part it is still winter in the Sierras. Meaning there is tons of snow everywhere and proper equiptment AND training on how to use it are necessary. The trail may be packed down all the way to Trail camp, thus making crampons only useful in the early morning if it is very icy. Though, if you do not know how to use crampons, they can be dangerous and a false sense of security. In my opinion Yaktrax are not backcountry items, they seem to be better suited for icy roads and driveways. My thoughts.
Eric

There is a lot more wear and tear on your body if you can't self arrest during a fall...;-)

Ice axe, crampons and the knowledge of their use will a requirement on this trail into July this year...and don't think those 4 point crampons are going to cut it; they won't.

Vis-a-vis crampons - do you have any particular brands to recommend? Bla*ck Diamond seems to be ubiquitous (though I have a hard time with my big feet getting anything stock - the REI gal just shook her head and laughed at me last time)

If you are looking for something that fits generic boots(non-mountaineering boots) the ***** diamond contact straps and Grivel G10 or G12(strap models) are nice. They work best with a stiffer boot. Not sure how the sizing compares, are you having a problem with the length of the crampon, if so try special ordering a longer extender bar.
Eric

Thanks for the tip! I saw a deal on some solid looking "French Army" surplus ones - "crampons laprade" - but my French is as bad as my fall-arrest skills (why, yes, that is a 4" scar on my left foot), and I noticed they were fixed length. Never thought of the extender as a discrete, seperate item. Thanks again.