Mountaineering Boots - help needed

[TallTony]

Hello PH.

In July I'm doing a trek up Mount Blanc with some chaps from work, its with a tour company and takes 7 days including training. I've done lots of climbing etc just never anything with glaciers involved so am looking forward to it.

I was hoping that someone could give me some help regarding boots. I haven't found anyone in a shop that really knows what to suggest. The kitlist provided is not particulary helpful either.

I obviously need boots that can fit crampons but there are several types and I'm not sure what's the best. Ideally I'd like some that I can continue to use for normal mountain climbs, ie something with an amount of comfort and flex. Can anyone make any recommendations?

Inital thoughts were: https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/webpoint/webpoint....

[rhinochopig]

TallTony said:

Hello PH.

In July I'm doing a trek up Mount Blanc with some chaps from work, its with a tour company and takes 7 days including training. I've done lots of climbing etc just never anything with glaciers involved so am looking forward to it.

I was hoping that someone could give me some help regarding boots. I haven't found anyone in a shop that really knows what to suggest. The kitlist provided is not particulary helpful either.

I obviously need boots that can fit crampons but there are several types and I'm not sure what's the best. Ideally I'd like some that I can continue to use for normal mountain climbs, ie something with an amount of comfort and flex. Can anyone make any recommendations?

Inital thoughts were: https://www.cotswoldoutdoor.com/webpoint/webpoint....

You want B2 boots and B2 Crampons - these are a general mountaineering boot and crampon. Don not buy B1 or C1 crampons as they are for vertical routes.

You can't buy a bad boot these day, try lots on with the socks you intend to wear and make sure they are comfortable - make sure they are comfortable - make sure they are comfortable. If you can have a trip to North Wales / Lakes where there are an abundance of outdoor shops as you may be lucky and pick up some 09 or 08 model boots for a bargain. You can even rent you know - quite a few places do at they really are only suited to mountaineering - they're too stiff for hiking.

Re: The crampons, I'd go for Grivel as they have a patented anti-balling device. Go for something like the G12.

ETA Given your user name, you may also need to order a longer crampon bar (the bit that joins both ends) if you have biggish feet. The standard bar will not fit above about a 10/11.

ETA2 Are they providing you with an axe? If not, you'll need one of those too.

ETA3 Although I probably shouldn't - as I said try them on - my starting point would be these. http://www.theoutdoorshop.com/showPart.asp?part=PN...

Edited by rhinochopig on Tuesday 19th January 14:53

Edited by rhinochopig on Tuesday 19th January 14:56

[Gargamel]

Usually if they flex then they won't take crampons, which you are likely to need. It is possible to summit Mont Blanc using something like footfangs. But you are making life hard for yourself.

Also, it is very possible to have fresh snow or ice on Mont Blanc even in high summer, so a rocky icey scramble becomes quite technical.

Rigid boot is the best way.

[anonymous-user]

the man said, b2 boots and b2 crampons will be your ideal set up and you can use the boots throughout the year on other trips... http://www.ellis-brigham.com/mountain-footwear.htm is a good guide. if they fit, i would suggest scarpa manta t4 boots and some grivel crampons. if you click on the "C2" button on the ellis brigham website there are plenty to choose from. www.ukclimbing.co.uk has a good forum and a busy for sale section so you might get a pair cheap once the winter season is over...