collapse

Advertisement


Author Topic: Need a place to test out crampons  (Read 6460 times)

Online Rob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 4431
  • Location: Sandpoint ID
Need a place to test out crampons
« on: April 02, 2013, 06:48:35 PM »
Howdy,

Looking for a place to go test out some crampons this weekend.  The time window to test them out is somewhat limited so It needs to be within an hour and a half of the Seattle area, with no more than a 30 min or so walk from the vehicles.

Would be nice to have a little bit of steepness to play with, but not really intersted in dying in an avalanche just yet!  Mostly we want hard packed now/ice.

Anyone have any ideas on a place to try out?
_______________________________________
Sit tall in the saddle, hold you head up high.
Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Offline snowpack

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2013
  • Posts: 2522
  • Location: the high country
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2013, 07:01:19 PM »
Paradise on Ranier? :dunno:

Offline wildmanoutdoors

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Jul 2009
  • Posts: 2459
  • Location: Port Orchard
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2013, 07:05:21 PM »
Mt Elinor. Steep and quick.

Online Rob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 4431
  • Location: Sandpoint ID
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #3 on: April 03, 2013, 03:30:20 PM »
Those are both great ideas (and thanks!), but was hoping for something closer to Seattle.  Both of those are a bit further than the 90 min drive time constraint we were hoping to hit.

The I-90 or HWY 2 corridor would be great

I have plans to try paradise later in the year, and I will be adding Mt Elinor to our list as well so I appreciate the ideas.
_______________________________________
Sit tall in the saddle, hold you head up high.
Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Offline jackelope

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+27)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 49015
  • Location: Duvall, WA
  • Groups: jackelope
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #4 on: April 03, 2013, 03:40:41 PM »
Do you just want to strap them on and walk up a snowy hill?

You'll need a sno-park pass for this place... $20 I think. You could go to the Gold Creek exit off I-90 on the pass. Take a left off the ramp, go under the freeway and park. Walk up that road straight ahead of you, find a hill that suits your needs, strap on the crampons and go for a walk. If you're looking for a long hike with crampons on, I don't know where to tell you to go other than Mt Adams.

What do you need to try out with the crampons?
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline Ice Cap

  • Political & Covid-19 Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Scout
  • ****
  • Join Date: Sep 2008
  • Posts: 299
  • Location: Central WA
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #5 on: April 03, 2013, 03:47:14 PM »
Just go up to a ski area at Snoqualmie or Stevens.
Lots of snow banks to try them out.

Offline jackelope

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+27)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 49015
  • Location: Duvall, WA
  • Groups: jackelope
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2013, 03:53:33 PM »
Just go up to a ski area at Snoqualmie or Stevens.
Lots of snow banks to try them out.

That idea sounds far too simple to me.

 :)
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline Holg3107

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Sourdough
  • *****
  • Join Date: Oct 2009
  • Posts: 1274
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #7 on: April 03, 2013, 03:55:37 PM »
Find a local ice skating rink. There are a few that are still open and that will be your best test IMO.

Online Rob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 4431
  • Location: Sandpoint ID
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #8 on: April 03, 2013, 09:22:55 PM »
Cool, thank for the input!  I think we will give the snow park a shot.  Or perhaps Snoqualmie pass ski area on our way there.

Some of my buddies and I are going to try to hit Mt St Helens this spring (allegedly not too technical).  We want to at least check our gear for bit and do a little bit of walking to work out any kinks before we backpack into the the glacier.

Appreciate the suggestions!

_______________________________________
Sit tall in the saddle, hold you head up high.
Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Offline JLS

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2010
  • Posts: 4622
  • Location: In my last tracks.....
  • Groups: Support the LWCF!
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #9 on: April 03, 2013, 09:30:16 PM »
What are you trying to test?  Crampons are pretty simple, have you used them before?  Just make sure you get the sized right, just slighty bigger than your boot and tighten them down.  If they're good quality there shouldn't be anything else to worry about.

You just don't want them coming off when you're on a STEEP hill, trying to kick your toes in :yike:
Matthew 7:13-14

Offline Noiro

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Hunter
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jan 2013
  • Posts: 130
  • Location: wa
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #10 on: April 03, 2013, 09:38:25 PM »
I was hoping you would come aerate my lawn until I read you need snow.
The most important thing I remember about crampons is if you step on the rope call it out immediately and get it replaced. Hope to see some photos.

Online Rob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 4431
  • Location: Sandpoint ID
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #11 on: April 03, 2013, 10:03:44 PM »
Never used them (other than in the house).  Thought it best to test them out near the truck rather than on Mt. St Helens!

They are Black Diamond Sabertooth's so I think the quality is OK (not high end, but good starters).

Good call on the rope.  I have also been told to never use them to arrest a fall or you ankles will shatter....  thats what the ice axe is for.
_______________________________________
Sit tall in the saddle, hold you head up high.
Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Offline jackelope

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+27)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 49015
  • Location: Duvall, WA
  • Groups: jackelope
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #12 on: April 03, 2013, 10:07:45 PM »
I wore them last year on Adams. Never before. Very straight forward. Got the rentals from Marmot in Bellevue and had them strapped onto my Meindl perfekt hunters. Everything went smooth.
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Online Rob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 4431
  • Location: Sandpoint ID
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #13 on: April 03, 2013, 10:23:34 PM »
cool!  Looking forward to messing with them and the future hike.

My buddies and I want to do Adams later in the year and then work our way up to Rainer in a year or so.  Working on putting the pieces together little by little.

I want to take the Basic Alpine class the Mountianeers offer along with the basic navigation class.  Both are supposed to be outstanding.
_______________________________________
Sit tall in the saddle, hold you head up high.
Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Offline JLS

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2010
  • Posts: 4622
  • Location: In my last tracks.....
  • Groups: Support the LWCF!
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #14 on: April 03, 2013, 10:29:50 PM »
Yes, if you fall with crampons, keep your feet UP.  As you said, use the ice ax.  That's what you're carrying it for.

Don't step on the rope, and don't pee on it either.

Have fun and take lots of pictures.
Matthew 7:13-14

Offline jackelope

  • Administrator
  • Trade Count: (+27)
  • Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2007
  • Posts: 49015
  • Location: Duvall, WA
  • Groups: jackelope
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #15 on: April 03, 2013, 10:31:21 PM »
We're going up again July 13th. Can't wait...
:fire.:

" In today's instant gratification society, more and more pressure revolves around success and the measurement of one's prowess as a hunter by inches on a score chart or field photos produced on social media. Don't fall into the trap. Hunting is-and always will be- about the hunt, the adventure, the views, and time spent with close friends and family. " Ryan Hatfield

My posts, opinions and statements do not represent those of this forum

Offline kentrek

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Mar 2012
  • Posts: 3379
  • Location: west coast
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #16 on: April 03, 2013, 10:33:11 PM »
when on helens dont let crevasse (plural ??) slip your mind...esp if your going in the spring 

have fun  :tup:

Online Rob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 4431
  • Location: Sandpoint ID
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #17 on: April 08, 2013, 10:38:43 AM »
As a follow up for anyone who might reference this thread later.

We went up on Sunday to Alpental.  WE drove to the end of the parking area and walked down the trail towards Snow lake.  This is a great place to go to test alpine gear (although check the avalance reports as this is an area prone to them). 

My buddy and I walked around in the trees on steep stuff.  the heavy snow made it not the best place to try out crampons, but the tree wells were nice and crunchy.

_______________________________________
Sit tall in the saddle, hold you head up high.
Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Online Rob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 4431
  • Location: Sandpoint ID
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #18 on: April 16, 2013, 07:09:26 PM »
As requested, some photos from our venture to Mt St Helens yesterday.

Crampons were a hoot and worked well.
_______________________________________
Sit tall in the saddle, hold you head up high.
Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

Offline JLS

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Nov 2010
  • Posts: 4622
  • Location: In my last tracks.....
  • Groups: Support the LWCF!
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #19 on: April 16, 2013, 09:27:33 PM »
Great photos, looked like you could have used some snowshoes?
Matthew 7:13-14

Online Rob

  • Non-Hunting Topics
  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Frontiersman
  • *****
  • Join Date: Apr 2009
  • Posts: 4431
  • Location: Sandpoint ID
Re: Need a place to test out crampons
« Reply #20 on: April 17, 2013, 08:37:40 AM »
you could have used snow shoes for about 3/4 of the Mt, but in the steep icy stuff the crampons were a must!
_______________________________________
Sit tall in the saddle, hold you head up high.
Keep your eyes fixed on where the trail meets the sky.
Live like you ain’t afraid to die.
Just sit back and enjoy your ride
  - Chris Ledoux

 


* Advertisement

* Recent Topics

Springer 2024 Columbia River by WSU
[Today at 08:31:10 AM]


Average by lhrbull
[Today at 07:31:56 AM]


Let’s see your best Washington buck by Pathfinder101
[Today at 07:22:11 AM]


Walked a cougar down by Loup Loup
[Today at 07:16:30 AM]


CVA optima V2 LR tapped hole for front sight by Remdawg
[Today at 07:09:22 AM]


Bearpaw Season - Spring 2024 by duckmen1
[Today at 06:52:09 AM]


Which 12” boat trailer tires? by timberhunter
[Yesterday at 08:22:18 PM]


Lowest power 22 round? by JakeLand
[Yesterday at 08:06:13 PM]


1x scopes vs open sights by JakeLand
[Yesterday at 07:29:35 PM]


Long Beach Clamming Tides by Encore 280
[Yesterday at 05:16:00 PM]

SimplePortal 2.3.7 © 2008-2024, SimplePortal