Thread: crampons?

Go to an outdoor store for advice, like Bivouac. I doubt if the salesman at H&F have much technical knowledge of crampons and ice axes. If you have crampons you HAVE to have an ice axe. If you slip while wearing crampons you have to have an ice axe to be able to self arrest. With crampons only the crampons will probably dig in and then you will start tumbling end over end.
An ice axe with a 75 -80cm shaft is probably what you are after. One that will just about reach the ground when you are standing up right.

Once you have got those then learn how to use them before you go hunting. Doesn't take long, a morning if you are on to it. The technique for self arresting is pretty easy to pick-up but there are a few does and donts. Crampons are a bit different to walk in than just boots. Once again a few tips/tricks but nothing too difficult.