Thanks for starting this thread. Given the 14ers.com automated warnings about starting new threads on old topics, I've been scouring the forums and even PM'ing members for answers, but this seems like a reasonable place to post my remaining open questions and issues.
Plans are to do the Decalibron on Sunday (10/12) with my daughter, leaving the TH around 5AM. We have zero winter climbing experience and no winter climbing gear. I'm monitoring the
condition reports and the
forecast carefully. Per Crestoner, there's currently ~18" of snow on top of Democrat and Axeman reminded us there's more on the way this weekend.
My questions are mostly around gear:
a. Snow shoes -- I have a friend at work who is willing to loan us pairs:
(1) based on what is known about the conditions, do you think we'll need them?
(2) what are the best practices for securing snow shoes to our packs when not on our feet? I'm thinking thin bungee cables or zip ties, but there's gotta be a more elegant solution.
b. Ice axe, crampons and/or Alpine boots (and the training on how to use them) -- from my understanding, we should be OK on this climb in these conditions without these. Let me know if that sounds reckless -- I'm not trying to take crazy chances on our first winter-weather (purple snowflake?) ascent.
c. Packs -- I have a 26 litre and Little H has a smaller one (not sure the size). I *think* they will get us by for this trip, but what size is typical for single day winter climbs (assuming we do progress to the point where we're carrying axes, crampons and snow shoes)?
d. Avalanche training and gear -- I have none (yet), but from my research, that's very low risk for this route at this time of year. Again, please let me know if that sounds unwise -- I will listen to experience.
e. Goggles -- I didn't consider these until this morning (we're not skiers -- yet). Does it sound crazy to do a climb like this without goggles? I found
this thread, as well as
this one for glasses wearing folks (note: never had luck with contacts and LASIK is not an option for me and my thin corneas).
I think I've resolved these:
Clothing and layers -- I think we're OK (not great, but OK for recent North Carolina transplants), except for a face-mask or balaclava, which does fit into this month's budget. I'm sure we don't have the ideal garment selection, but I think it's good enough to "go out, climb, maybe get cold due to non-optimal clothing -- then learn more for next time".
Microspikes -- We've never used them, but from all the research I've done, unless we intend to stop climbing for the year (we don't!), it's probably time to invest. It seems like the Kahtoola MICROspikes are the model of choice here, so I'll plan on making another cap-ex at REI.
Gaiters -- again, sounds like its time to invest.
Ironic note -- one of the reasons I always liked hiking was that it's a relatively inexpensive past time. However, the 'spend vs. time' graph changes when one transitions from hiking into mountaineering, and then hits another inflection point when winter arrives. That, and I'm buying gear for the kids whenever I get something for myself, so costs are multiplied by 2 or 3 (wonderful problem to have).
closing note -- thanks to everyone who posts condition reports for peaks and trailheads. The few minutes you spend posting that info saves others
a lot of time and research.
