Buyers Guide to Crampons

Copyright: Grivel

If you are planning a trip out into a snow and ice environment, then chances are you’ll need to consider using technical winter equipment to keep you safe when the consequences of a slip or fall are high. Hill walkers and mountaineers have been using crampons for over 100 years to stay safe on steep snowy, icy or glaciated terrain, but behind all the tech and design there is a key element in using them safely: you.  

What is the difference between micro spikes and crampons? 

Micro spikes or Spikies are a comparatively modern invention designed to fit most footwear. They are usually small metal spikes linked by a chain and have a large rubber band to hold them onto a shoe or boot. Easy to take on and off, they offer traction for gentle, low risk terrain and compacted snow.  Ideal for exploring well defined paths and tracks, where compacted snow, or a thin layer of ice is present to reduce the chance of slipping. 

Crampons are metal spikes on a solid metal frame which can be strapped or clipped onto stiff boots. They are specifically designed for steeper, high risk, snow and ice terrain where the consequences of a slip can be serious. They attach to your mountaineering boots, provide traction and come in a multitude of options depending on the activity, terrain and boots you will be using. Crampons are often described as 10, 12 or 14 point styles which simply states the number of spikes they have. 

Why are there so many different types of crampons? 

Let’s think about when you may use crampons:  

Perhaps you are heading for a walk in the snowy hills where increased traction will reduce the risk of a long fall, possibly onto rocky terrain, or maybe you are crossing a glacier. This is where walking crampons with 10 spikes, designed to work with a winter walking boot, will offer all the traction you need. A crampon rated C1 would be ideal to use in this situation. 

If you are heading out to climb easy snow gullies (Grade I/II) or ascend steeper, snow and ice, a 12 point crampon designed to work with a stiffer winter walking/mountaineering boot will offer greater traction and support. A crampon rated C2 would work well for this sort of terrain. 

For full winter climbing or mixed climbing involving rock, snow and ice there are different crampons where strength and spike configuration are designed for the unique stresses endured during these sports. These crampons are designed to work only with fully stiffened boots and are rated C3. 

There are also crampons designed specifically for ski-mountaineering, ice fall climbing and dry tooling. 

Will all crampons fit my boots? 

No. 

Some boots will fit certain crampons styles better than others, which is why we suggest either bringing in your boots so we can ensure we fit the correct ones, or buy both at the same time.  

It is vital your crampons are not only compatible with the stiffness of your boots but also fit them properly for safety reasons. No one wants a crampon to fall off on steep terrain! 

How are boots and crampons rated? 

As explained above, C1, C2 & C3 are a method of rating crampons to help determine which styles are best for your activity and footwear.  Correspondingly, you may see B1, B2 & B3 noted against boot descriptions.  

A B1 boot has a stiffened sole unit designed to flex under body weight and protect your foot on a variety of terrain.  This type of boot will work with a C1 crampon for winter walking. C1 crampons will often have 10 points, mostly downward facing, with two forward facing at the front. Their design allows for a little flexibility to aid natural walking gait.  

A B2 boot will have a near rigid sole unit with a ledge on the heel. With a C2 crampon these are a great combination for easy grade winter climbing and mountaineering. They will have 12 points for increased traction with the front four points angled to attack stepper terrain. 

A B3 boot will be completely rigid with ledges on the front and back of the sole unit. Combined with a C3 crampon, these will generally offer the stiffest combination for vertical winter/ice climbing and expeditions. These crampons can have 12 – 14 points depending on end use with a rigid design to offer support when front pointing on vertical terrain. 

B/C ratings are a general compatibility guide. Always check that your chosen crampons fit your specific boots correctly. If you’re not sure – just pop in for a chat. 

Why are there different binding systems? 

Bindings attach the crampon to your boots.  

The stiffness of your boots, the style of your boots, the wear on your boots, and the activity for which you plan to use your crampons, will all determine which type of binding will work best. Some styles of crampons come with different binding options: 

Heel and toe basket bindings (C1) are a great option for winter walking or B1 boots that do not have a ledge on the sole unit. These are secured into place by a tape strap across the top of your boots.  

Heel and toe bail bindings (C3) clip directly onto stiff mountain or B3 boots that have a ledge on the back and the front of the sole unit designed for the purpose. These will have a single ankle strap for added security. 

A crampon with a heel bail and toe basket binding (C2) may fit a broader range of boots from B2 to B3. 

What is an anti-balling plate? 

An anti-balling plate fills the frame of your crampons and sits under the sole of your boot.  

In certain conditions snow can compact and stick to your crampons creating heavy balls of snow that may increase your risk of slipping. Anti- balling plates help reduce this. Giving your crampons a tap with the side of your ice axe will keep any additional build up in check when you’re in really sticky snow. 

Anti-balling plates are on most crampons, but not micro spikes, so it is always worth checking for snow build up. 

Will I need an ice axe and helmet if I use crampons? 

If you are on terrain requiring crampons to reduce the likelihood of a slip, then you will need an ice axe to arrest your fall. The helmet is there to protect your most valuable asset from any impact either from falling or items falling on to you – loose rocks, your mates ice axe etc. 

The winter hill and mountain environment is magnificent, but you have a responsibility to ensure you know how to use your safety equipment in an emergency. 

Top Tips: 

• Ensure your boots and crampons are fitted by someone experienced. (Like our staff team) 

• If you are just starting out, keep your first few trips easy: fitting your crampons at home is very different to putting them on in slippery snow, with gloves on while the wind howls around you! 

• Don’t forget: deciding when to put crampons on and when take them off, can not only make a key difference to the outcome of your day but also to your impact on our precious mountain environment. 

• Walking in crampons requires a different technique. Book an instructor or go out with someone experienced to learn. Trust us – it will save you a lot of money in expensive waterproof trousers in the long run!