Ice Climbing Crampons
A crampon is a device used for ice climbing or mountaineering over ice or steep snow fields. They are made to fit special ice climbing boots or welted mountaineering boots for attaching. Crampons can be made of a steel or aluminum frame with 12 to 14 points designed to stick into the ice or packed snow. The points are angled in such a way to give the best grip on the ice. For ice climbing, the front row of points angle slightly downward. The next row are angled slightly forward, toward the toe. This provides the climber the best angles for front pointing. However, if the use of the crampons is for mountaineering, the points are straight down. This provides better traction for traversing packed snow and the type of terrain encountered in mountaineering. Crampons designed for mountaineering, snow and glacier are not good for ice climbing for this reason.
Types of Crampons
 There are two basic types of crampons:
- Rigid crampons. A rigid crampon is best for ice climbing. The rigid frame is better for front pointing, an essential technique for ice climbing. Front pointing is an ice climbing technique used to stick the crampon and climb an ice face. The points of the crampon face forward in two rows at the toe of the boot.
- Hinged crampons. Hinged crampons bend in the same way a shoe bends while walking. This is the preferred type of crampon for mountaineering and traversing relatively level frozen and icy terrain.
Crampon Balling
This is a situation that occurs when snow is packed and freezes at the toe or around the points of the crampon. It is a problem because it prevents the crampon's points from sticking into the ice far enough to get a good grip. The ice climber must use the ice tool to knock off the loose snow has he climbs to prevent accumulation. Many crampons have shaped slabs made of flexible plastic called anti-balling plates. The plastic is a hydrophobic material that prevents snow and ice from sticking.
Crampons
 CAMP USA XLC 390 CramponPrice: $149.90 Backcountry.com More... Camp gave the 13.8-ounce XLC 390 Crampon a telemark boot-compatible toe bail to make it the standout choice for ski mountaineering with telemark or AT gear. Clamp these ultralight aluminum Camp crampons on your boots when the going gets steep, the snow gets hard, and your skis need to ride on your pack. The XLC 390 Crampons weight so little you won't even notice you have them on your boots except for the incredible traction.  Grivel Air Tech CramponsPrice: $156.95 Backcountry.com More... Grivel Air Tech Crampons use shortened underfoot points and full-length front points to roll the advantages of 10- and 12-point crampons into one package. When a mountaineering trip takes you across varying terrain, don't be held back by crampons that are too technical or not technical enough. Tool-less length adjustments allow the Air Tech Crampons to be used on several different boots, and fine-tuned heel adjustments (new matic) assure a perfect fit. Grivel also includes Antibott plates to keep snow from balling up under these crampons.  CAMP USA XLC Nanotech CramponPrice: $179.95 Backcountry.com More... The Camp XLC Nanotech Crampons use an all-aluminum frame for amazingly reduced weight and have steel points for better penetration in hard ice and snow. Although these Camp crampons weight only 16.9 ounces, their performance on hard neve rivals steel crampons. The XLC Nanotech Crampons come in two attachment options to fit either plastic mountaineering boots or your rear-bail spring climbing boots.  CAMP USA XLC 470 Semi-Auto CramponPrice: $149.90 Backcountry.com More... Mountaineering involves carrying too much weight as it is. Lighten your load with the 16.5-ounce CAMP XLC 470 Automatic Crampon. This fully functional 12-point crampon achieves this impressively low weigh thanks to aluminum construction. The XLC 470 would not be a good choice for steep ice, but it's great on hard nieve that you encounter in the mountains. Its newmatic attachment system (clip on the heel, strap on the front) is very secure and easy to put on even when you're wearing big gloves in freezing weather.  CAMP USA XLC 490 Universal CramponPrice: $139.90 Backcountry.com More... The Camp XLC 490 Crampons strap onto everything from trail running shoes to beefy mountaineering boots to provide solid purchase on hard snow and glacial ice. Strap these 17.3-ounce aluminum Camp crampons onto your approach shoes to cross the 200 yards of snow before your alpine rock route, or use them for winter ascents of Colorado 14ers. The XLC 490 Crampons include long horizontal front points for shear resistance on steep snow and the occasional 'shrund crossing.  Grivel Air Tech Light CramponPrice: $165.00 Backcountry.com More... Grivel Air Tech Light Crampons are ideal mountaineering trips where cutting weight is a priority, but you still need acceptable performance. Also a favorite among ski mountaineers who must carry crampons but do not use them often, the Air Tech Light Crampons are made with aluminum instead of steel to cut weight to a scant 16.79oz. Though they shouldn't be expected to climb steep ice, they offer excellent performance on compact nieve. These Grivel crampons also have full-length front points for more secure travel on steeper terrain. Select the New Matic bindings for use with ski and mountaineering boots, or get the New Classic for the ability to strap these ultralight crampons on everything from big boots to running shoes.  Grivel G14 CramponPrice: $224.95 Backcountry.com More... The incredible versatility and supreme technical performance of the Grivel G14 Crampon make it a favorite for steep ice climbing and burly alpine ascents. Its two vertical front points have excellent ice penetration, and hot-forging makes them strong enough to stand up to repeated bashings on too-thin ice. The G14 Crampon can also be configured with a monopoint for mixed and highly technical ice climbingno extra parts required. This Grivel crampon's all-around performance won it the Climbing Magazine Editor's Choice Award in 2004 and made it a favorite of alpine climbers with an eye for good gear.  Grivel G10 CramponPrice: $139.95 Backcountry.com More... The Grivel G10 Wide is the snowboarder's crampon. It's a lightweight, universal 10 point crampon designed to meet classic demands. This version has a wider toe to easily fit snowboard boots, which are generally broader in the toe area. Fits older wider leather boots as well. The crampons are fully adjustable by hand, without tools and one size fits all. See our item no.: GRV0011 for G10 Antibotts.  Black Diamond Raptor CramponPrice: $169.95 Backcountry.com More... The Black Diamond Raptor Crampon bolts directly to your boot to give you a level of ice and mixed climbing performance unavailable with standard crampons. A removable heel spur helps you tackle the steepest roofs around, or you could always take it off and go bareback if hooking isn't your style. The Black Diamond Raptor Crampon isn't for the casual weekend ice climber. This is the choice for serious mixed climbers who would rather be scratching around on rock than swinging into plastic fantastic.  Petzl Vasak 12-Point Mountaineering CramponPrice: $165.00 Backcountry.com More... The classic design of the Petzl Vasak FL Mountaineering Crampons makes them an ideal choice for general mountaineering and glacier travel. The horizontal front points provide excellent shear resistance in steep snow. Petzl gave the Vasak FL Crampons a Flexlock full-strap binding system to allow them to be strapped to any boots or even your trail running shoes in a pinch. Whether you want to climb Rainer or climb Denali, these Petzl crampons get you up there.  Petzl Irvis 10-Point CramponPrice: $135.00 Backcountry.com More... Petzl designed the Irvis FL Walking Crampons to give you excellent traction for basic glacier travel while limiting the number of point to keep you pants safer from crampon attacks. These 10-poing crampons get the job done on any terrain where your only other aid is an ice axe. The Irvis FL Walking Crampon's full-strap Flexlock binding system attaches to any boots. You could even strap these Petzl crampons to your running shoes in a pinch. They also include Anti-snow plates to prevent annoying and dangerous snowballing in wet-snow conditions.  Petzl M10 LLF Modular CramponPrice: $225.00 Backcountry.com More... Take on the steepest ice and mixed terrain with the modular Petzl M10 Crampons. Set them up with mono or dual front points (both included) to perfectly match your terrain and preferences. Petzl gave these crampons a solid frame design for vibration-free kicks and long secondary points for added stability when frontpointing. The M10 Crampons have half-size length adjustments in the underfoot bar and micro-height adjustments in the heel lever to ensure a secure fit on nearly any boot out there.  Petzl Dart CramponPrice: $200.00 Backcountry.com More... The Petzl Dart Crampons' fixed mono point gives it the low-profile design and low weight to excel on burly ice and mixed routes. Petzl's Sidelock system provides a level of security unmatched by traditional bindings at a fraction of the weight, and now the Dart crampon comes with a Flicklock system for climbers who like more traditional crampons. These technical crampons feel incredibly light on your boots and allow precise footwork on technical terrain. A steeply angled front point on the Dart Crampons provides secure edging while the aggressive secondary points increase security on pure ice.  Kahtoola KTS CramponPrice: $158.95 Backcountry.com More... Use the Kahtoola KTS Crampon with your trail runners, backpacking boots, or snowboard boots for grip in icy conditions. Its innovative, flexible traction system aggressively bites into sketchy terrain. Kahtoola made the KTS Crampon's ten-point gripping system from strong anodized aircraft aluminum or virtually indestructible Chromoly steel. Quick-release buckles make getting in and out of the Kahtoola Traction System a smooth process. The 3/4-inch points maintain a natural stride and reduce snagging, whether you're hiking, adventure racing, ice-fishing, or salting the driveway. And at 19 ounces per pair for the aluminum, the KTS Crampons won't weigh you down.  Petzl Sarken CramponPrice: $189.95 Backcountry.com More... Petzl designed the Sarken Crampon for those who crave versatility when heading into variable, mixed terrain. This 12-point crampon features T-shaped front points for easy penetration in hard ice, and structural reinforcements on both sides of the frame to create a stable platform. The four rear teeth give you stability while descending down icy slopes, and lateral points give you grip while traversing. The Sarken's linking bar can be set for flexible or semi-rigid to adapt to different environments and boot flexibilities. Boots larger than size 46 require the large linking bar (sold separately).  Stubai Ultralight - Universal CramponsPrice: $119.95 CampSaver.com More... STUBAI ULTRALIGHT UNIVERSAL CRAMPONS: Built to handle a myriad of different climbing pursuits, the Ultralight Universal is our best selling crampon. This crampon lives for trekking, glacier travel, or steep couloirs and snowfields. Totally adjustable Zytel straps make this crampon durable and easy to use. Fits everything from moon boots to flip-flops. This is Stubai's lightest crampon available.  C.A.M.P. Vector Nanotech Dual Point CramponsPrice: $279.95 CampSaver.com More... C.A.M.P.'s Vector Nanotech Dual Point Crampons are the lightest, most technologically advanced ice climbing crampons in the world! Constructed primarily from innovative Sandvik Nanoflex 3/4(R) steel, a steel alloy that is significantly stronger and harder than regular chromoly steel (see page 26). Sandvik Nanoflex 3/4(R) steel reduces the thickness of the side walls from 2.75mm to 1.8mm, thereby reducing weight and improving the penetration and grip of the side points. The positon of the replaceable, forged steel front points can be customized (dual, mono, offset, centered). The front bail has three positions and the rear bail has two positions plus a micro-adjustment dial on the lever for a custom fit to any boot (no tools required).  C.A.M.P. C14 CramponsPrice: $199.95 CampSaver.com More... The modular C14 Crampon features six points of adjustment so climbers can customize their crampons for their preferred style of climbing. The wide spacing of the dual points promotes stability and helps prevent clogging with ice chunks. The C14 can also be configured as a monopoint (centered or offset). For overhanging mixed climbing, an optional heel spur (#3020) can be attached. The side points are designed to give the climber secure foot placements on ice, rock, and snow.  Kahtoola KTS Aluminum CramponsPrice: $148.95 CampSaver.com More... Gain traction and save pack weight with the Kahtoola KTS Aluminum Crampons. With 7075 Aircraft Aluminum, their durability will give you added traction across a wide variety of icy and snowy terrain yet keep your pack (and feet) light as they weigh a mere 19 ounces per pair. These aluminum crampons won't be pack hogs, either - they fold down to a compact 3.5 x 3.5 x 8 inches, meaning you have plenty of room for freeze dried meals,camera gear and all the other things that make your days outside worthwhile.  Kahtoola KTS Steel CramponsPrice: $158.95 CampSaver.com More... The Kahtoola KTS Steel Crampons are made of chromoly steel and boast points that are 1/4 inch longer than the aluminum model, meaning they'll take you through the most rugged of conditions. Rocky terrain and choppy ice won't be a problem with this tough alloySteel on your side. Still an ultralight crampon, the steel model weighs-in at a mere 23.3 ounces for the pair and folds down into a compact package to save pack space when they're not in use on the trail.  Black Diamond Cyborg Pro CramponsPrice: $199.95 Backcountry.com More... Designed for technical ice routes and steep mixed climbing, the Black Diamond Cyborg Pro Crampons now feature a lightweight stainless steel design that gives you added durability and protection against rusting and snow balling. The adjustable, hooded front points bite hard in water ice and provide precise edging while dry tooling, and the rear heel clip features a micro-adjustment system for a secure fit. Black Diamond also included dual-density ABS plates to keep snow from collecting underfoot.  Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro CramponPrice: $169.95 Backcountry.com More... With 14 vicious fangs that tear up everything from vertical water ice to mixed alpine climbs, the Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro Crampon is the all-around favorite for versatile winter performance. With a new stainless steel design, the Sabretooth now features lower weight, higher durability, as well as added protection from rust and snow balling. The step-in attachment system clamps securely onto technical mountain boots with front and rear welts, and a low-profile micro-adjustment system helps you dial in the perfect fit.  Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip CramponsPrice: $169.95 Backcountry.com More... Not only is the Sabretooth Black Diamond's best all-around crampon, but its new stainless steel design gives you lighter weight, higher durability, and added protection from rusting and snow balling. The heel clip and flexible toe strap accommodate any mountain boots with a heel welt, and the versatile 14-point design handles steep and moderate terrain with equal bite. The rear heel clip also features a low-profile adjustment system to dial in a secure and precise fit.  Black Diamond Contact Strap CramponPrice: $129.95 Backcountry.com More... For general mountaineering, icy bootpacks, or mountain treks that included snow or glacier travel, the Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampon gives you durable, lightweight dependability. Black Diamond redesigned the Contact with stainless steel to lower its weight and ward of rusting. The flexible toe strap fits nearly any kind of footwear and the included ABS plates keep snow from balling underfoot.  CAMP USA Stalker CramponPrice: $99.90 Backcountry.com More... Hike to the snowline in your hiking boots, strap on the CAMP USA Stalker Universal Crampon, and continue towards the icy summit. The Stalkeras 12-point configuration adds sure steps to spring ascents and glacier hikes, and the thermoplastic harnesses with nylon straps secure the crampon to all hiking and mountaineering boots with easy, tool-free adjustment. Integrated wear indicators on the side points inform you when they need to be replaced and anti-balling plates prevent dangerous snow and ice build-up while hiking.  Black Diamond Neve Pro Crampons w/ABSPrice: $159.95 Backcountry.com More... Whether you're booting up a snowy couloirs or making a quick glacier crossing, the Black Diamond Neve Pro Crampon cuts weight without sacrificing performance. When steel crampons are too much, this 10-point crampon's aluminum construction trims ounces while it's included ABS plates keep snow from balling underfoot. The Neve Pro also features a step-in front design for use with your ice, telemark, or AT boots.  Black Diamond Neve Strap Crampons w/ABSPrice: $149.95 Backcountry.com More... If lingering snow covers your summer summit route, bring along the lightweight strap-on Black Diamond Neve Strap Crampons with ABS and cross it with confidence. Attach the straps to your hiking or approach shoes and get ten tough points of aluminum to dig into the hard snow slope, as well as stronger (for 2010) rails to add structure to your careful steps. These crampons feature anti-balling plates so ice doesn't build up between them and your shoe, and are easily adjustable without tools thanks to a center steel spring bar. The walk-oriented Neve Strap Crampons won't get you to the top of the Eiger in January, but they will help you walk over vast glaciers and snowfields on unforgettable summer hikes through the mountains. Selected Crampons On Sale
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