What gear change did Krakauer make to reduce his load?

• A. Exchanged crampons for skis and cut 15 lbs off the load
• B. Added extra crampons and heavier rope
• C. Switched to heavier boots
• D. Used decorative poles to lighten the pack

Answer: (A)

Reducing pack weight through gear substitutions is a common tactic in demanding mountain travel. Krakauer’s note about exchanging crampons for skis to shave about 15 pounds from his load illustrates this idea in action: crampons, while essential for certain icy sections, are bulky and heavy, and in stretches where skis can serve or replace that function, making the swap lowers overall weight without losing critical mobility. Lighter gear means less energy spent carrying the pack over long approaches, which can improve endurance and safety on a climb.

This choice makes sense because it directly shows a deliberate trade-off to lighten the load. The other options would either increase weight or aren’t practical gear decisions for reducing load.