Originally Posted By: Tjin
I remember the one time I was in team of 4 roped up and walking up a glacier with crampons and axes. A local guy just walked up next to us like it's a simple hike without crampons and a alpenstock. He was like twice as quick.


Exactly, that was kinda my point though I'm not sure I made it clear enough. When it comes to hiking/climbing aids and economy of movement less is more, generally speaking. And more gear does not necessarily translate into more safety, particularly if you don't know how to use that gear correctly.