Enchantments

[newbie76]

Hello!

Anyone been to the enchantments here recently...I was lucky enough to get a permit and head out on July 6th and was wondering if I need to invest in crampons or an ice axe?  The last report I saw on the website was from 3 weeks ago.

Thanks!

[Holg3107]

Unless you have boots that accept crampons you're wasting your time there unless you want to buy boots as well. As far as the Ice Axe goes unless you think you will be using it again your wasting your money. IMO the best option for you may be to visit the REI rental shop and rent an Ice Axe and Crampons if they work with your boots. Much cheaper alternative for specialized gear. For me Yak Trax and high quality hiking poles can go a long way.

Both Spokane and Seattle rent mountaineering gear depending on where you are.

[luvmystang67]

Unless you have a lot of experience, I don't know that I'd find myself in a place that requires and ice axe and crampons.  Granted, I do not own these, but the experts say that if you dont know how to use your ice axe to self -arrest then there's basically no point in having them.  If you can't self arrest, you probably don't want to go where crampons will take you (or where they'll be required).  I'd just get some good trekking poles and some microspikes and go to where you feel comfortable.

Now, I say all of this, I've encountered many people on my routes that have crampons and ice axes when I'm rollin in microspikes and poles.  One of us is doing it wrong, and it might be me, so take that for what its worth.

I have had bad luck on serious trips with yak traks.  They're good for pedestrian hiking where occasionally needed and a "nice to have", but microspikes are much more durable.  I've had my yak traks break, which isn't surprising as your hiking along snow and ice with nothing but a rubber band holding on some steel under your feet.  At least the microspikes have chains and can be reworked to reconnect if a link breaks. 

Also, like Holg mentioned, you really need boots set up for crampons to use them, microspikes are a good intermediate solution.

[Holg3107]

  Stang pretty much nailed it, and I do agree micro spikes are far superior to Yak Trax, so if you can find them go with that.

[Special T]

Most info on mountaineering is pretty basic and easily learned. FREEDOM OF THE HILLS is the go to Tomb of knowledge on mountaineering. But one of the new prints or any of the used ones to get the basics down.  $ well spent.

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[newbie76]

Thanks!!!

[jackelope]

A guy slid/fell on Aasgard Pass on sunday and I believe was airlifted. Be prepared. If you're on Facebook, the Washington Hikers and Climbers page is super active with lots of current Enchantments reports.

[jackelope]

Yak Trax are for walking on icy sidewalks....not Aasgard Pass.

[SilkOnTheWetSide]

Yak Trax are for walking on icy sidewalks....not Aasgard Pass.

Come on Josh...live a little! 😂


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