My friend wants to head up to Mt. Washington next weekend. I tend to keep my winter hikes below tree line, and I have no mountaineering experience… not that Washington is true mountaineering/ice climbing/etc (depending on the route I suppose).
I have plenty of remote subzero hikes under my belt, all below tree line. I have “lightweight” hiking boots I generally only use in deep snow, mostly with VBLs. Also have microspikes and winter gaiters. I do not currently own crampons.
For this time of year, would the best combo be:
a) The full outfit of boots, gaiters, strap in crampons
b) Boots, microspikes, gaiters
c) Runners, VBL for warmth, microspikes, gaiters
(d?) Runners, VBL, crampons, gaiters — not sure if this can be done comfortably
e) You are totally off base, please revert to BSA Tenderfoot, stay away from hills forever and always
f) Wear flip flops, real UL’ers don’t feel pain
Obviously I am completely new when it comes to this, and will take any and every piece of know-how.
Also curious if an ice axe is a good idea (a relatively lightweight general purpose like the Camp Corsa).
Thank you!!
