crampons: strap-on or step-in??

[soillroots]

Hey, just wondering, what is sufficient for alpine climbing in the Cascades, strap-on crampons or step-in? I'm planning on doing lots of alpine rock this summer, so I need something that's going to get me across moderately steep to easy snow and possibly ice. I'm not planning on doing any steep/waterfall ice where tools are necessary. I'm thinking that any time I have on crampons...I won't be tied in. Do I get boots and step-in crampons or go lite and stick with hiking shoes and strap-ons? What would the alpine climber that wants to get routes done in single day pushes do?? Thanks for the input!!

[Alex]

aluminum strap on

[ken4ord]

Second that. I have also used them for ice as well though they don't climb as good as my step ins. Also going light you will not want to wear boots and strap-ons are the only thing you are going to get attach to sneakers.

[tvashtarkatena]

Third that. Definitely the preferred solution for what you want to do.

 

Think about picking up a pair of six point aluminums for traversing easier snow/ice as a second pair at some point. At 7 oz/pr, you can't beat 'em for climbs that involve only a little slippy terrain.

[Bill_Simpkins]

I'd get strap ons. That way you can use them with your tennies

[Thinker]

I'd get a strap on. That way you can use it with your teenies

 

Is that legal?

 

 

 

Another vote for aluminum strap ons.

[Alpinfox]

Don't listen to these people. They are crazy.

 

 

You need to get some aluminum strap-ons.

 

 

[olyclimber]

I saw some sweet aluminum strap on crampons at Promountainsports that had steel front points on them....seem like a pretty good way to go.

[bstach]

Why are aluminum strap-ons so expensive? Seems to me, something made out of recycled pop cans should be cheaper.

[Jamin]

If you cross any rock at all and I guarantee that you will, the aluminum crampons will dull faster than steel. Get steel strap on crampons.

[Alpinfox]

If you cross any rock at all and I guarantee that you will, the aluminum crampons will dull faster than steel...

 

So?

 

 

[ericb]

If you cross any rock at all and I guarantee that you will, the aluminum crampons will dull faster than steel. Get steel strap on crampons.

 

Jamin's got first "hand" knowledge about the importance of sharp crampons.