How do YOU approach in winter conditions?

[sk]

so why would and add say that bindings are good for mountenering or touring but not good for AT if they are the same???

[Crack]

with a full belly, a fat sack and a headlamp. you can do everything in old school plastics.

[EWolfe]

When she's being all cold, I approach carefully.

 

[PaulB]

so why would and add say that bindings are good for mountenering or touring but not good for AT if they are the same???

It depends on the binding you are using, and what your objectives are. Silvretta used to make some bindings (models 300 & 400 I think) that were great for approaching climbs, but you wouldn't be carving any real turns in them. I don't even think they released, and I'm not sure that the heel locked down either.

 

Silvretta 404's were a beefier (i.e heavier) binding meant for going downhill, but they only had rear release. You'll still see a lot of people skiing these beacuse they fit virtually any boot that will accept clip on crampons. Good for people who only want to buy one ski setup that they can use with both mountaineering and ski boots. The newer model 500 is very similar, but uses carbon rails to lighten things up.

 

Bindings like the various Fritschi Diamirs & Freerides, the Silvretta 555 and the Dynafits are more geared towards cranking turns, not approaching climbs. Some (most) of them are not compatible with mountaineering boots.

 

So, while all of the above bindings can be categorized as randonee/alpine touring/ski mountaineering, some are better for downhill skiing, and some are better for touring and/or approaches.

 

When I want to get turns, I use my tele gear. When I want to get to a climb, I have an old pair of Atomic Tourcaps mounted with Silvretta 404s.

Edited November 9, 2004 by PaulB

[cj001f]

555 and the Dynafits are for people who are interested in cranking turns, not approaching climbs. Some (most) of them are not compatible with mountaineering boots.

I've not climbed in the MLT4

But that and some lightweight skis w/Dynafits would be an uberlight combo.

[lummox]

high speed quad works for me.

[specialed]

telepherique to the summit beeotch.

[ken4ord]

Anyone actually CLIMB in Tele boots?

 

I have it and it sucks. You can do like someone suggested, extending the front points, but it really sucks and burn your calves pretty fast.

[Dr_Crash]

In down flip-flops.

 

drC

[mattp]

I have done quite a few climbs in my tele boots (T-2's) and I find them just fine for most of the standard winter climbs around here -- and they are not bad for lots of spring and summer mountaineering where I want to make a ski descent, either. They kick steps well, and hike fairly OK and, when I put Grivel Rambo crampons on them, they work fine on moderate mixed stuff and ice up to WI 4. They sure suck for rock climbing, though.

[jeffh]

After getting sick and tired of watching people skin by and ski down the likes of Hood, Adams, etc. as I slogged on, I decided to start spending the kids college money on some new AT equipment this year. Can't wait to bust it out!

[MtnHigh]

It was actaully not as gay as I had imagined it to be. I actually had fun!

 

Now we know what you and Ivan been up to.

[sk]

so why would and add say that bindings are good for mountenering or touring but not good for AT if they are the same???

It depends on the binding you are using, and what your objectives are. Silvretta used to make some bindings (models 300 & 400 I think) that were great for approaching climbs, but you wouldn't be carving any real turns in them. I don't even think they released, and I'm not sure that the heel locked down either.

 

Silvretta 404's were a beefier (i.e heavier) binding meant for going downhill, but they only had rear release. You'll still see a lot of people skiing these beacuse they fit virtually any boot that will accept clip on crampons. Good for people who only want to buy one ski setup that they can use with both mountaineering and ski boots. The newer model 500 is very similar, but uses carbon rails to lighten things up.

 

Bindings like the various Fritschi Diamirs & Freerides, the Silvretta 555 and the Dynafits are more geared towards cranking turns, not approaching climbs. Some (most) of them are not compatible with mountaineering boots.

 

So, while all of the above bindings can be categorized as randonee/alpine touring/ski mountaineering, some are better for downhill skiing, and some are better for touring and/or approaches.

 

When I want to get turns, I use my tele gear. When I want to get to a climb, I have an old pair of Atomic Tourcaps mounted with Silvretta 404s.

that actualy helps ALOT thank you