Crampons

Despite the vast selection of crampons available you can quickly figure out the type you need based on the activity and terrain you plan to take on, and the type of footwear you'll be wearing.

• Ice Climbing Crampons
  These are fully rigid or semi-rigid crampons available with single and dual front points. If you are eyeing up super-steep ice or mixed routes, and wearing stiff-soled boots, these are for you.
• Mountaineering Crampons
  The broadest category of crampons, these are usually a semi-rigid design and are versatile enough to take you from low angle snow fields to steep couloirs and gullies.
• Walking Crampons
  Flexible and forgiving, these can be worn with virtually any pair of sturdy hiking boots. Ideal for moderate mountaineering routes, ski touring, and glacier travel.

Ice Climbing Crampons

Rigid frame crampon

Designed for front pointing up steep waterfall ice and overhanging mixed routes, these crampons have aggressive (thin, sharp, serrated) front points and forward swept secondary points. They often have rigid frames that provide a solid platform so you don't fatigue your calves and ankles while hanging out on the front points.

Rigid crampons make glacier walking awkward because they don't allow your feet to flex as you stride. Wearing a fully rigid technical crampon with flexible boots will cause the crampon to fall off or eventually bend, weaken, and possibly break.

Features may include:

• Rigid or semi-rigid adjustable frames. Designed for stiff soled leather or plastic boots.
• Vertically orientated front points and rails.
• Forward-swept secondary often with tertiary stabilizing points.
• Interchangeable single or dual front points.
• Heel spurs to allow hooking.
• Up to 14 points.

Mountaineering Crampons

Semi-rigid, versatile crampons for use on a wide variety of snow and ice routes. They offer enough support to tackle occasional vertical ice pitches. This type of crampon is ideal for 90% of alpine and glacier applications.

The design of mountaineering crampons varies, some are more suited to general mountaineering, including non-technical glaciated, icy and snowy terrain. Some are better for steeper, more sustained climbing.

Features:

• More aggressive mountaineering crampons have some of the components found on ice-climbing crampons, including strong, agressively pointed front points and forward-swept secondary points.
• Less aggressive mountaineering crampons generally have secondary points that point downward, less sharp front points and horizontal rails. Horizontal rails reduce the dangerous build up of snow underfoot, a dreaded condition known as “balling-up”.
• Up to 12 points.

Walking Crampons

Hinged frame crampon

These have flexible or hinged frames that allow a natural walking stride and can be worn with softer boots. Hinged crampons are best for trekking and hiking on low-angle snowfields and glaciers. However, if you encounter some steeper terrain you should be able to get by. Especially if you are wearing a good quality pair of boots.

Features:

• Light and compact to save energy over long distances, but light alloys won't stand up to extended front pointing or mixed terrain.
• Simple strap on binding systems that fit on any boot or shoe.
• Designed to reduce snow collection underfoot.
• Up to 10 points.

Attachment Systems for Crampons

The system you select must be compatible with the boots you plan to wear. If you wear your crampons for anything more than short traverses over snow or ice, you really need boots with substantial stiffness in the sole and thick leather or plastic uppers for support. For step-in crampons, your boots must have prominent welts and attachment grooves in toes and heels.

Take your boots with you to the store when selecting crampons to make sure they fit properly. Once you've got your crampons home, practice attaching them and taking them off. Don't wait until you're on a cold, dark, icy slope with numb fingers and a heavy pack to learn how to adjust your crampons.

Step-in Binding

A wire toe bail fits over the front boot welt and a heel bail with a tension lever snaps into place on the heel welt. An ankle strap is also typically part of the system. Popular due to its simplicity and speed, but requires boots with pronounced heel and toe welts.

• Make sure the toe bail fits the shape of the boot toe and the heel cables are wide enough for the heel to seat securely.
• Toe bails that can be offset slightly can accommodate asymmetrical boots.
• Some bindings have length adjustments and width adjustments on the heel bails for a secure fit.
• Remember to carry any tools required to adjust your crampons.
• Fitting can be tricky. Fit is crucial and secure attachment becomes more challenging if your boots are caked with ice and snow.

Hybrid Binding

Characterised by a flexible front strap (nylon, plastic or neoprene) and a step-in type heel clip.

• Easy to put on and secure even on ice-caked boots and less likely to pop off if incorrectly mounted.
• Requires boots with a distinct rear welt.

Modern Strap-On

Simple and secure, strap-on systems are also versatile because they don't require boots with heel or toe welts. Hinged crampons with strap-on bindings can be worn with hiking boots, although most hiking boots do not have stiff enough midsoles to hold crampons securely for extended periods of time. Also, soft leather or fabric uppers compress easily under crampon straps and can cause discomfort and cold feet. These are useful for winter walking and trekking, but not the best choice for sustained steep-ice.

• Strap-on crampons should fit snug enough to remain attached before you've fastened the straps.
• Newer models may feature a rubber “basket” at the toe and heel cup that is secured with a self-locking strap.
• Compatible with both mountaineering boots, sturdy hikers, and even light hikers.