Spikes or crampons?

[bichito]

I recently tried to summit bierstadt from the NW flats. I didn't quite made the hop to the base of the nw gully. The snow was ankle high and I could start feeling the ice underneath. I had summer shoes, good but summery and a pair of poles. My gut tells me that there was not enough depth for crampons but a good pair of spikes would have sufficed. Am I correct?

[davebobk47]

I've rarely used crampons in CO however microspikes are worth their weight in gold. I'd suggest carrying a pair for shoulder seasons. Mid-winter snowshoes may be more appropriate.

[summitseeker91]

It's been my experience that spikes work well for many of the winter ascents out here in the Rockies. Until you start to delve into technical winter climbs, spikes will get the job done the majority of the time. Most of my winter experience comes from the ADK's back east, crampons are typically a must as the winters are fairly wet and many summits are ice coated. I was pleasantly surprised with the fairly dry and wind-swept conditions out here.

That being said, the need for crampons vs. spikes can vary based upon the terrain, route, geographical face climbed, weather, etc. Never a bad idea to grab some beta before heading out on a specific route.

[bichito]

Thanks!

[alpha]

You likely won't need crampons in CO unless you start doing steeper couloir type climbs (or actual ice climbing)
Spikes should cover most things outside of that.

[Doug Shaw]

You likely won't need crampons in CO unless you start doing steeper couloir type climbs (or actual ice climbing)

Or to put it another confusing and perhaps slightly condescending way: you'll only need crampons on things you won't be climbing until you have enough experience to know that you'll need crampons on them.

[alpha]

You likely won't need crampons in CO unless you start doing steeper couloir type climbs (or actual ice climbing)

Or to put it another confusing and perhaps slightly condescending way: you'll only need crampons on things you won't be climbing until you have enough experience to know that you'll need crampons on them.

Hahahahaha well said

[12ersRule]

Or to put it another confusing and perhaps slightly condescending way: you'll only need crampons on things you won't be climbing until you have enough experience to know that you'll need crampons on them.

People say I'm condescending. That means i talk down to people.

[polar]

People say I'm condescending. That means i talk down to people.

Damn! I always thought you were codescending, like, descend together.

[thebeave7]

What's been said above. I've used both quite a bit, so it just depends on what you are intending to do.

Non-technical stuff like most winter/spring 14ers and front range peaks (Boulder, Green Mt and Bear Pk) just use microspikes.

If you need to be front pointing/standing on your toes or are expecting any actual ice (not on an easy trail) then crampons and an ice axe/tool are the more appropriate gear.

Eric

[smoove]

By the way, spikes = crampons. Microspikes = microspikes.

[Scott P]

By the way, spikes = crampons.

Source? I've never heard of crampons referred to as spikes (including here on 14ers.com or anywhere else). Micro-spikes are often referred to as spikes.