>>1740945Do not get an HMG pack ffs...get a pair of light mountaineering boots to start, heel welt preferable. I would recommend salewa Rapace's or scarpa zodiacs, or something similar. Skip the microspikes, you won't ever need them. BD raven is fine axe, Corsa a little too light for all around mountain use. Stick with your current backpack as that will be fine.
As for crampons, if you can afford them, get them to suit whatever boots you get (front or rear welt, or both). For general spring/summer mountaineering, you don't need crampons as long as you're smart. Yes they are invaluable in the mountains WHEN they're needed, but choose your routes when they're in season and pick the right day and you'll be kicking steps without crampons and having a much better time. This is in regards to the anon saying axes/crampons always go together. I would say peakbagging here in colorado, only rarely am I wearing my crampons, and that's up to 50 degree snow. Unless you run into sections of boilerplate or black ice (late summer/N face conditions usually) you generally won't need crampons. You should likely be turning back anyway as a beginner if you run into these conditions. Have them if you'd like and practice with them, but they're not always required.
