Ursack, Rocky Goretex Socks & Snowfield Traction

Still way too early to tell for sure. Check with snotel when it gets closer to time. (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/snotel/Wyoming/wyoming.html)

I am spending time in the high country mid July and am planning on taking crampons and an ice ax. I won't use a ursack when I spend time in brown bear territory. I prefer a BV500. But to each there own.

There won't be much snow in August unless you plan on going to Gannett or Dinwoody Glacier area. Just a few high passes. I have never taken goretex socks, crampons, or an ice axe on any of my many Winds trips except to climb Gannett and another sled trip in early May. YMMV. I also just used bear hanging methods for my food. Never had any trouble except the occasional pika and marmot poking around. Above tree line I have always used a counter-balance hang on a big boulder. Never had any problems. Mosquitos might carry you away in August, though.

Henry, I also am going to the winds for the month of July. I have no experience in the Winds, but based on my research, it seems dependent on the routes you'll take. If you are hiking off trail passing over high alpine passes and especially mountaineering the axe and some sort of traction device sounds prudent. Unless, you're doing some serious peak bagging, then I'd imagine that microspikes like kahtoolas should be fine on the high passes. I plan on taking microspikes and an axe because I've read that i'll need them on my routes even mid-summer…..specifically, I've heard that it'll be needed crossing knifepoint glacier, doing passes like "bloody hell pass", and hiking the brown cliffs area.

This is the current snow based on THE AVERAGES FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR. They may very well have plenty of snow in August. Just keep an eye on it.

I know how much most hate carrying a BV, but as the brown bears move south from the GYE it's becoming more the norm than not.

Peace