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#63702 06/22/09 07:27 PM
Joined: Jun 2009
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Are crampons required for travel above trail camp over the next week and if so can you get away with instep crampons or micro-spikes?

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#63709 06/22/09 09:59 PM
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bj
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My experience with 4 point crampons is that they are good for nothing! I carried them on many trips, and whenever I used them, they were inadequate on any type of slope. They will not provide the protection you need and/or desire.

Until the trail is free of snow, most likely sometime in July, you’ll need to carry an ice ax and crampons. Depending in the conditions on the day/time you climb, you may/may not need to use them. If conditions get icy, and you don’t have them, you will not be able to advance safely. If that happens on your ascent, you’ll just need to turn back and you will miss the entire point of you’re trip. If things ice up later in the day, as they often do, you’ll risk your life trying to descend… Cheap trip/life insurance in my opinion.


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bj #63717 06/23/09 12:00 AM
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Nice to have just in case....we didn't use them on June 14th....used our trekking poles a lot though. Good luck!

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Can you RENT or BUY crampons out in Lone Pine, along with an Ice Axe?

I do not do this type of stuff often, but I will be going for it on July 4th. Since I am flying across the country, I want to make sure I am prepared for anything.

Also, are waterproofed shoes essential? Or are any hiking/trekking shoes adequate?

Thanks for the help!


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The snow is melting very quickly. On July 4th, crampons and and axe will be the farthest things from your mind. Gortex boots are nice in case you mis-step on a stream crossing, but not essential. Things dry quickly up there.

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Get waterproof boots. No crampons or ice axes necessary (probably). There is a store on the corner of Whitney Portal Rd and the 395 that rents crampons.....sells ice axes. But as someone else said, you probably won't need them on the main trail in July.


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White Mountain/
Barcroft Station

Elev 12,410’

Upper Tyndall Creek
Elev 11,441’

Crabtree Meadows
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Lone Pine
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Hunter Mountain
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Death Valley/
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Elev. -193’

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