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hansol04
Jul 16, 2009, 2:07 AM
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Registered: Jun 16, 2007
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Hey guys,
I'm new to the"mountaineering" thing, and as such am starting small with my outings. I'm going to be doing some summer scrambling in the Alberta Rockies here soon, and was wondering if anyone could pitch on what would be some good scrambling-specific equipment, as well as lend any applicable advice. I have read FOTH, but am looking for a little less "technical" advice now.
I obviously have the essentials (a pack, compass, waterbottle, guidebook, etc), but am curious about any other "unique" gear that one might take with them. I borrowed some advice from another thread, and have a 30m static rope, along with some 8' and 6' slings and a couple carabiners. I also have an ice axe and will be getting crampons here very soon as well for future "difficult" climbs.
Anyways, I suppose this is a long winded way of saying if there are any scramblers here on the forum, let me know if there are any bits of advice/gear that you've found helpful for the summer scrambling months.
(This post was edited by hansol04 on Jul 16, 2009, 3:07 AM)
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skiclimb
Jul 16, 2009, 4:48 AM
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Registered: Jan 11, 2004
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Many of my favorite days have been with a very simple kit.
A tiny grivel 45cm mini ice tool (for arrest or maybe a quick stick if needed)
trail runner shoes and a pair of strapon crampons that fit em.
A fanny pack with a bit of food and a half liter waterbottle and iodine tabs .
oh and a windbreaker and cap that fit in the fanny pack.
sunglasses socks shorts t-shirt,... underwear optional.
(This post was edited by skiclimb on Jul 16, 2009, 4:50 AM)
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harpo_the_climber
Jul 17, 2009, 12:24 AM
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Registered: Feb 26, 2005
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If you use hiking poles, look at the Black Diamond whippet. It saved my life one (self arrest) when I didn't think I would need an ice axe. You can get a two piece lower from BD as a spare part.
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hafilax
Jul 17, 2009, 12:56 AM
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Registered: Dec 12, 2007
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A helmet and an ice ax. A lot of scrambling involves loose rock as well as rockfall from melting snow and ice. My first scramble was Mt. Temple and one in our party was hit in the helmet with a sizable rock. We plunged out way to the summit and not being able to self arrest would have been deadly.
If you haven't already, you can check out http://www.clubtread.com which is mostly a BC hiking board with some stuff on Alberta as well as scrambling, climbing and mountaineering. The local scrambles guide author flattered us with praise as the best hiking and scrambling resource for BC because of the detailed TRs.
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hansol04
Jul 17, 2009, 1:03 AM
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Registered: Jun 16, 2007
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Hey Guys,
Thanks for all the advice so far. My friend and I attempted to tackle Mt. Kidd today. We have done a few relaxing easy scrambles on well-marked trails before, but this would be the first time attempting a "real" mountain.
Needless to say, Kidd kicked our asses. We made it 500m from the summit before we had to turn around due to incoming weather and a "gut feeling". The loose scree was brutal, both on the ascent AND descent. But it was still fun nonetheless, and after the blisters and sore bones heal, we'll try and tackle another one. It was a good showing I think for a first outing with no real experiencein our pockets.
The Mountain
The Gear
High Point of the Day. (Summit is just to the right of the "chimneys" in the background.)
Cheers!
(This post was edited by hansol04 on Jul 17, 2009, 1:06 AM)
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skiclimb
Jul 17, 2009, 5:40 AM
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Registered: Jan 11, 2004
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Sounds like a fine day in the mountains.. The most important thing to take with you is good judgment.. no summit really matters..
judgement allows any n00b to survive..knowing when you are above your head..
tough calls.. desire to go up with that nagging feeling your getting into trouble...
adventure.. what it is all about...
knowledge and skills gained will make you early trips seem elementary...but theres always a challenge available beyond
continue on as you are
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Scooter12ga
Jul 17, 2009, 1:06 PM
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Registered: May 6, 2008
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Alpine gaiters and/or trail gaiters will keep the occasional snow, mud, and scree out of the boots. At this time of year, they help to keep grass seeds and burrs out of the socks. Also, gaiters will add a bit of warmth in winter - but you'll be using them anyway for the snow.
(This post was edited by Scooter12ga on Jul 17, 2009, 1:08 PM)
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skiclimb
Jul 18, 2009, 2:21 AM
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Registered: Jan 11, 2004
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Scooter12ga wrote: Alpine gaiters and/or trail gaiters will keep the occasional snow, mud, and scree out of the boots. At this time of year, they help to keep grass seeds and burrs out of the socks. Also, gaiters will add a bit of warmth in winter - but you'll be using them anyway for the snow.
Duct tape works too
hehe
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