Hello all, long time lurker and first post
This summer I will attempt the Hornli route on the Matterhorn with a guide. That of course put me over budget on our vacation. :) So I am hoping to get by with the gear I have. In particular boots and ice axe, though I could rent an axe.
In the past I have either climbed harder routes or easier routes. I usually do this sort of moderate 4th class as just part of something more technical and so do so wearing boots or shoes geared towards the harder pitches.
For boots I have a pair of Raichle 80 Degree boots, now out of production. Here are some pictures http://www.campandhike.co.uk/raichle-boots-80-degree-gtx-lsms/. These have fully rigid soles and weigh about 5lbs, so rather heavy. I use them for snow/ice gully climbs on Mt Washington, waterfall ice, mixed climbs like the Black Dike. I have hiked in them like the approach to the gully climbs in Huntington Revine on Washington (about 3 miles), and across talus slopes, but not something like the long 4th class ridge on the Hornli. These seem like they might be overkill and more weight than required.
I also have a pair of moderately heavy hiking boots: https://www.rei.com/product/774690/zamberlan-vioz-gt-hiking-boots-mens. These are rather stiff at my massive weight of 145lb, and weigh 3.5lb. I use these primarily for winter hiking and snowshoeing. I would pair them up with Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons. But these are not really mountaineering boots. On the other hand, at my weight and given the modest technical difficulty of the route they might be just the ticket.
I have a longer hiking ice axe though I think that is out. For steep ice and mixed climbing I use a pair of Trango Scorpions (http://www.moosejaw.com/moosejaw/shop/product_Trango-Scorpion-Ice-Tool_10027315_10208_10000001_-1_) , which are moderately curved and 50cm long with a modest pinky rest. Would that be appropriate?
Any thoughts welcome.
Thank you.