Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board boots

I'm hiking whitney May 5,6,7..what type of boots do I need for crampons I have been looking at Asolo- TPS 520 GTX..La Sportiva - Glacier..I don't want to spend over $250.00 any others??

Since most of the strap on flexible crampons will fit over any boot, I would recomend a good set of waterproof leather boots that are not too heavy. You would want to be able to use them during other parts of the season also. Remember 1 extra pound on your feet is like 6 pounds on your back. Early may will still have significant snowfall but it is not winter. A good set of hiking boots with gators works good that early in the summer.

An example of such flexible crampons would be at
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores...ductId=27066670

If you go with a very heavy boot/ snap on crampon system they will be a little too heavy for other times in the year. Unless you are a strong tank, why carry the extra weight and spend the big money.

Those Asolo Fugitive GTX boots you mentioned

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7134394.html?zv=3

look just about right.

or perhaps

http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7134392.html?zv=3

Check our mountaingear.com They have a lot of crampons...***** diamond and Trango make pairs to fit any boot, like flexible waterproof hikers...which will probably be all you need. I saw each of the above pairs for around $100.00.

Good Luck

Sorry,

I meant check OUT mountaingear.com... it's not my website....(sheesh...i gotta get the hang of this place..)

I think it depends on how much mountaineering you'll think you'll be doing.

You can get a pair of Kahtoola crampons that will fit many different kinds of boots. If you don't think you'll be doing a lot of snow ascents these combined with any waterproof boot with a good set of gators and warm socks should do, and the Khatoolas plus the boots would be cheper than the high end mountaineering boots.

But if you see yourself doing mountaineering more then it's probably worth the investment of double layers plastic mountaineering boots. Rent them before buying so you know what you're getting into.

If you're planning on renting the crampons check into what type they rent out. Many places only rent the type that requires a stiff soled mountaineering boot.

I actually have both combinations as the mountaineering boots are heavy (though they're wonderfully warm.) They're Koflaches that I got on eBay.

Ellen

Plastic boots are overkill for the Sierra (possible exception of the Mendel ice couloir) in May. The only place in the US I've ever climbed with my Koflach's was on Rainier in spring, but in retrospect they were too hot and heavy.

markjwpcp: For Whitney, stick with a more traditional boot like the Asolo's you mentioned. You can go to the heavy side if you anticipate more spring or even winter Sierra climbing, but still should have no problem staying under your $250 bogey. If you're planning a trip to the Himalaya, Karakoram, Ellesworth, Andes, Alaska Range, etc., then spring for the plastic.

Buy this months GEAR GUIDE (i think it's Outside magazine), tons of great info.

My advice, don't scrimp on boots, if the expensive ones feel the best on your feet, go with them. The alternative is nasty!

I have Garmonts, great!.

Good luck,
Lance

Hey Markjwpcp, Are you the Mark from So Cal with the sister in Elk Grove? , Mike

hey fastpack yes it's me my email is aguilarmark@msn.com I called elkgrove tonight to tell my sister happy birthday.. about ready to buy boots for May trip either going up main or MR route,don't know yet..a friend Randy might go if he goes we go main route if not than I go MR route.I am thinking about leather boots the
asolo tps520gtx. I only go in snow twice a year for a total of 4 or 5 days.I have crampons already as I did whitney last year in May..So how have you been?? Want to go??

thanks san franman and iron mike for your input
I am going with waterproof leather going to check out lowa boots..