crampons or snoeshoes?

“I did a 9 mile AT hike in the Berkshires this weekend and got my butt kicked. There was like 6-12 inches of wet snow throughout the hike(it was like walking in cement). I didn't have crampons, snowshoes, or gaitors(just my trusty Vasque SUndowners which were entirely soaked after the 1st mile). Needless to say I was in over my head and the hike was much more challenging than fun. Obviously I need gaitors but what about crampons or snowshoes. Are crampons useful in somewhat deep snow? MAss. AT hiking has mucho elevation changes(up, down, up, down, etc.). I think snowshoes would be too awkward and cumbersome. Maybe no one hikes in these conditions as my footprints were the only visible ones besides the enormous amount of deer prints I saw(fleeing from hunters). Any input? Thanks for listening and as always, God bless.”

“All the macho hardcore hikers that I know, when the snow is deep and soggy, they stay in the kitchen and laundry room doing housework.


j/k :)”

“Crampons just give you purchase on ice or hard packed snow - they wouldn't do a thing for you in those conditions. You don't really ride on top of the snow with snowshoes so they aren't much help at all in 6" but would be in 12". I just cut way back on mileage expectations in winter conditions to preserve the fun.”

“Wolf bro - The gaiters will be the key to keeping dry. When I wear my Sundowners with a knee high Gore-tex gaiter, I can practically go wading in a river without getting wet.

For the terrain, it sounds like snowshoes would be best. Many have a row of 'teeth' for when things get icy”

“Good point, Violin.... you definitely can't expect to do your regular milage, or pace, when things get mucky”

“All pretty good advice. Also, with either snowshoes or crampons, cut your mileage expectations way down. Those things are not exactly easy to dance in.”

“unfortunately, i thought that would be the answer (cutting back on mileage). snowshoes would be a hassle putting them on and taking them off. most of the sections are at least 8 miles. I've been hiking fairly regularly but after those 9 miles in the snow, my knees never hurt so much. thanks for the input.”

“Yeah, what the others said Wolfy. Good advice.

Having both with you is kind of nice. However, I know a knucklehead who had his snowshoes strapped to his pack the entire weekend on a recent Catskills trip. Who was that guy? Pansy something.....”

“Go for the snowshoes dude!

8)”

“I had snowshoes last week, they did no good because the snow was so icy and hard. However, I kept slipping and falling on my butt, so I cut the "crampon" bindings out and used them as crampons. It worked great. I wasn't sad, because I wanted to update the bindings anyway. Turns out that Atlas sells it as a product now!

Snow Trackers

I did 11 miles in 6.5 hours pulling a packed sled with them on mostly ice/icy snow.”

“Another thought... I know others will know this for sure (AmyG for one), but multi use trails in the Dacks / Catskills may require snowshoes because of post holing with bare boots.”