buckchaser
FNG
- Joined
- Nov 12, 2013
- Messages
- 74
One cautionary note about crampon use - what goes up, must come down. Crampons (especially models with aggressive front points designed for mountaineering/vertical ice) make climbing steep snow/ice very secure once you are comfortable with them. The issue can be retracing your steps and descending, especially with a heavy load. If it is truly steep "don't fall" terrain you'll want to be very comfortable with front pointing your way back down steep slopes with your axe or have a length of rope and a rappel device to descend.