Crampon pants
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- Wildernessjane
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Re: Crampon pants
I only ever wear actual gaiters when I’m concerned about post-holing and getting snow in my boots. I don’t even wear gaiters for ice climbing anymore. I agree with the advice of wearing pants that will fit snug around your boots. Also be mindful to maintain a slightly wider stance when you walk, take a little bit smaller steps and avoid high stepping. The OR Cirques are great but a little warm for this time of year since they don’t vent.
“Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” -David McCullough?
Re: Crampon pants
Well took a gear testing morning due to iffy looking forecast up high and the $11 gaiters worked ok but not the greatest for staying tightly cinched at the top (had to readjust a few times).
Only had one minor snag this time (using real crampons on Scarpas this time - with inserts to not kill my heels so bad) and that was when high stepping (which, upon reflection, I think that was when some of my worst gashes before had come from).
Unfortunately, in certain circumstances high stepping is by far the most efficient way to get up some steep scrambles - guess I'll just have to be doubly mindful and cautious in those instances.
Also noticed that it was easier to maintain proper form with stiff mountaineering boots on because I could step in a much more confident and secure fashion regardless of the terrain, so keeping my feet properly spaced was much easier (the boots I had on my recent go at the Narrows were worn out Keens that were way too flexible to confidently do what I was attempting).
Figured I'd post these tidbits so anyone else still somewhat early on the learning curve of significant snow climbing can learn from my blundering progress.
Only had one minor snag this time (using real crampons on Scarpas this time - with inserts to not kill my heels so bad) and that was when high stepping (which, upon reflection, I think that was when some of my worst gashes before had come from).
Unfortunately, in certain circumstances high stepping is by far the most efficient way to get up some steep scrambles - guess I'll just have to be doubly mindful and cautious in those instances.
Also noticed that it was easier to maintain proper form with stiff mountaineering boots on because I could step in a much more confident and secure fashion regardless of the terrain, so keeping my feet properly spaced was much easier (the boots I had on my recent go at the Narrows were worn out Keens that were way too flexible to confidently do what I was attempting).
Figured I'd post these tidbits so anyone else still somewhat early on the learning curve of significant snow climbing can learn from my blundering progress.
- Wildernessjane
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Re: Crampon pants
Sure…I’ll give you that. There are times when it makes sense to do. But in general if you’re climbing up a steep snow slope and high stepping you’ll be much more likely to snag your pants. Because I’m short, I tend to high step a lot when I’m rock climbing out of necessity. However, high stepping involves much more powerful moves and is not a very efficient way to do things when it’s not necessary. I had to break this habit when I started ice climbing. It’s just something to keep in mind.
“Climb mountains not so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.” -David McCullough?
Re: Crampon pants
Yes, it's a lot more tiring too so I generally don't do it a lot on a big day but I guess I'll need to be extra judicious about it when hiking with crampons.Wildernessjane wrote: ↑Sat Jun 03, 2023 10:41 amSure…I’ll give you that. There are times when it makes sense to do. But in general if you’re climbing up a steep snow slope and high stepping you’ll be much more likely to snag your pants. Because I’m short, I tend to high step a lot when I’m rock climbing out of necessity. However, high stepping involves much more powerful moves and is not a very efficient way to do things when it’s not necessary. I had to break this habit when I started ice climbing. It’s just something to keep in mind.
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Re: Crampon pants
If I'm not on actual steep water ice, which isn't frequently these days, I keep my "big toe" point a little duller then the others.
If you're just on snow, it doesn't matter even a little if they're sharp, just need to be triangle shaped.
If you're just on snow, it doesn't matter even a little if they're sharp, just need to be triangle shaped.
- blazintoes
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Re: Crampon pants
This is why golfer's bring two pairs of pants.
Haaaaaa!
Proprioception is what ThatBenGuy was referring to. Over time and after many outings crampon placement becomes second nature and you'll know exactly where all ten pon points are. More couloir climbing for you! That's an order. Ten hut!
Haaaaaa!
Proprioception is what ThatBenGuy was referring to. Over time and after many outings crampon placement becomes second nature and you'll know exactly where all ten pon points are. More couloir climbing for you! That's an order. Ten hut!
Re: Crampon pants
Coming back with a confession. Yesterday I snagged on my ski pants while booting up the V on Atlantic. Sticky snow was causing major balling and I snagged while trying to kick some off.k_fergie wrote: ↑Thu Jun 01, 2023 12:47 pm I also tend to avoid gaiters, they are for post holing and post holing is sad . In snow, I am usually wearing my ski pants (internal gaiter) or in the early summer I just wear shorts. No snags in either situation with care taken. A bare calf snag would be less than ideal, but that cool breeze is very ideal and worth it. And that good thigh tan, also very worth it.
I'll echo what I saw someone else say. No need to have super sharp points for snow climbing. I've had my crampons for over 5 years and never even considered sharpening them. The rip I made yesterday was only about 1cm
I thought, I taught, I wrought
- justiner
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Re: Crampon pants
My current crampons,
- Bale
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Re: Crampon pants
Lol justiner, what do you climb in those, Mt Butter? I can’t stand dull crampons and axes, but then again, I climb real ice. Spend enough time in ‘pons, and you’ll learn to walk differently, but unfortunately, you WILL occasionally snag your pants. IMO, tight fitting pants/ gaiters FTW.
The earth, like the sun, like the air, belongs to everyone - and to no one. - Edward Abbey
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Re: Crampon pants
Lol
I did say triangle, not trapezoid!
But yes, the point stands. And even on actual ice, unless it's pretty thin technical stuff, having razors on your toes doesn't really seem necessary.
- justiner
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Re: Crampon pants
Mostly Longs Peak.
Re: Crampon pants
Maybe not actually needed but when I went back and did Longs today and crossed the Narrows at 8am, I was sure glad I had sharp points and not justiners butter pons!
And I only snagged a few times today, lol, mostly while walking horizontally across the Ledges.