Anyone know anything about Crampons

ooops sorry, friend was round and didn't go till late, completely forgot to get some pictures >.<

As mentioned further up, the DMM Cirque is a good axe, that's the one I have.

I've only used them the once so far (GF isn't in to winter walking haha) but found them to make a big difference when I did need them. Other people were getting up without them but I felt a whole lot more secure! Next thing I need to invest in is liner gloves so I can put crampons on without hands going numb :)
 
Still not sure on the axe but everyone seems to agree that its a wise tool to take. There both items that are you would rather have them on and not need them than need them and not have them.
 
robj20 said:
Have you actually read any of the thread or just the title? And i dont care about REALLY needed, i want to make it as easy to stay upright as possible.
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It is a recommendation from the Helvellyn guides that you should go prepared during all winter months and crampons and a walking axe are part of their recommendations. Even if they stay strapped to the back of your pack for all of the day, I would not venture out above the snow line without them.

They are awkward, and ripped gaiters from stabbing yourself in the calf can be a hazard until you are used to them. You need to walk with feet spaced apart a bit more and it can be tiring on ankles and knees, so factor that into your daily mileage with the days being so short. You are also lifting an additional 0.5-1kg with every step you take. It is a big relief at the end of the day to walk the last mile or two without them on your feet, it feels so light.

I use a black diamond axe 0.55m long with a straight aluminium shaft, I am 5' 10" tall.

Talking about light, dont forget your headtorch and spare batteries.

Enjoy.
 
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I got some crampons last night, but I think that was something to do with the chicken madras I had, it was a bit ropey................
 
D.P. said:
That is why you need an ice-ax, crampons prevent you falling but if you want to self-arrest it is much safer and easier with an ice-axe.

I use a Black Diamond Raven ultra for non-technical work, nice and light but a steal head which will bite hard enough.
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So you live in the alps then? bit extreme for this country.
 
nkata said:
It is a recommendation from the Helvellyn guides that you should go prepared during all winter months and crampons and a walking axe are part of their recommendations. Even if they stay strapped to the back of your pack for all of the day, I would not venture out above the snow line without them.

They are awkward, and ripped gaiters from stabbing yourself in the calf can be a hazard until you are used to them. You need to walk with feet spaced apart a bit more and it can be tiring on ankles and knees, so factor that into your daily mileage with the days being so short. You are also lifting an additional 0.5-1kg with every step you take. It is a big relief at the end of the day to walk the last mile or two without them on your feet, it feels so light.

I use a black diamond axe 0.55m long with a straight aluminium shaft, I am 5' 10" tall.

Talking about light, dont forget your headtorch and spare batteries.

Enjoy.
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Thanks for the advice, got my head torch and a normal torch as well. I always take some glow sticks as well. Weight isnt a problem, i usually have my tent on my back as well, but were just going for a day long walk. Probably take the stove with me, nothing like a hot drink at the top.

HAz said:
So you live in the alps then? bit extreme for this country.
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People with that mind set are usually the ones wasting the rescue services help by going up in t shirts and trainers.
 
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HAz said:
So you live in the alps then? bit extreme for this country.
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Not really extreme at all, they're just what you need if you go walking in winter conditions in the UK. Scotland receives some of the toughest, most varied and unpredictable winter conditions in the world, just because it's relatively low altitude doesn't mean it's easy!
 
robj20 said:
I totally understand that i will only be using them for the top few hundreds of meters.

Scarp got back and said the Air Tech in New Matic fitting will be perfect but will need the extension bar.
Think i will take everyones advice and go to Cotswolds, think there is one in town.

Reason im wanting them is that last time i went with just my boots and it was horrible trying to stay upright, my mate had them and was fine.
Snowdons popularity was its curse the paths at the top being so walked made everywhere very slippy and no fresh snow to walk in, those that have been this way will know its only a case of slipping and your gone.

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if you live near by there's loads of good shops in betws-y-coed otherwise pop in after your day out to look for next time :p

but to point out in that picture, if you go off either side without an axe (or without a roped up mate to leap of faith off the oposite side for you) you ain't stopping till a sufficiently big and spiky rock obliges to be your break.
 
robj20 said:
Still not sure on the axe but everyone seems to agree that its a wise tool to take. There both items that are you would rather have them on and not need them than need them and not have them.
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remember though, ice axes and crampons (tbh more climbing axes rather than walking ones though) are also excellent fun for climbing trees with :p
 
robj20 said:
Thanks for the advice, got my head torch and a normal torch as well. I always take some glow sticks as well. Weight isnt a problem, i usually have my tent on my back as well, but were just going for a day long walk. Probably take the stove with me, nothing like a hot drink at the top.
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A bothy bag can come in useful for winter stops/if someone's hurt. They look a little like a parachute that you take a hold of in a circle, lift over your head and sit on it, creating an instant igloo/tent like affect! With a few people inside they warm very quickly.

You might already be aware of it but in Scotland you can check the SAIS website for avalanche information. They have teams that go out into each area every single day to gather snow pack information and use this in conjunction with previous snowfall/weather data to give an indication as to the risks on each slope aspect. I was about to write that it was worth its weight in gold but then remembered it was just information so doesn't weigh very much at all.... It's really useful info!!!!
 
Tefal said:
remember though, ice axes and crampons (tbh more climbing axes rather than walking ones though) are also excellent fun for climbing trees with :p
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Plus axes are cool. Why would you pass up on a legitimate opportunity to carry an axe?!

Mont%20Blanc%20Summit%20Pic.jpg
 
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yak.h'cir said:
Plus axes are cool. Why would you pass up on a legitimate opportunity not to carry an axe?!
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plus after a while you can sit in the garage with the door open sharpening an axe with a whetstone and grinning maniacally at passersby :p
 
Thanks, i went to try them on, was going to buy them but they wouldnt price match so i will be ordering soon from the internetz.
 
Well got my Airtechs and an axe, went to Crinkle crags and bowfell did a bit of practising, surprisingly easy to walk in them. I know what you were all saying about the axe being very usefull, the real test will be this Saturday when i go up Helvellyn and Striding Edge. I did a few practise self arrests from various position and i feel confident that i can stop myself now.
 
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