Crampon : What is it?
| Crampons are a network of spikes used for traction, stability, and balance when hiking and ice, snow, and glacier climbing. Those made for general purpose are ideal for other mountaineering activities. Usually made of hardened steel, they are attached to the soles of the boots using strap-on or step-in systems. Crampons do not work well in vertical ice climbing and other technical ice climbing because snow balling can occur between the spikes, which can pose serious danger to the climber. |
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Kinds of Crampons include the following: |
Hinged Crampons
Hinged Crampons bend with the natural motion of walking.
They have hinges that allow the feet to flex while walking.
They fit with full shanks to plastic or leather mountaineering boots.
They are ideal for almost all types of mountaineering especially vertical ice, glacier, and snowfield climbing.
They do not work well with steep technical ice climbing.
Semi-Rigid Crampons
Semi-Rigid Crampons are made for glacier climbing.
They provide excellent support in vertical ice climbing.
They can be used on different types of ice and snow climbs.
They usually have flex along the balls of the feet for extra comfort and added mobility.
Some models have plates beneath the side rails and forefoot.
Some models are hinged in place using adjustable lock systems.
Rigid Crampons
Rigid Crampons do not bend.
They are ideal for steep technical ice climbing to keep the heels lowered, especially when front-pointing.
They have a stiff structure that vibrates less than Hinged Crampons.
They are comfortable to wear and untiring to use.
Because they are heavy, they do not work well in mixed terrain.
Most models are attached to stiff, plastic boots, as wearing them with flexible boots causes them to bend and weaken. |
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Boot compatibility: Choose crampons compatible with your climbing boots. Crampons work best with stiff boots made of plastic or leather with three-fourths to one full shank that provide rigidity.
Anti-balling plates: Choose crampons with anti-balling plates to prevent the snowballing effect that can damage their points. These plates should be made of latex or rubber to make them easy to attach to the undersides of the crampons using clips.
Anti-stick property: Choose advanced plates made with anti-stick properties to prevent snow from sticking to the crampons.
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