You are planning a hike in the snowfields or want to climb alpine peaks over glaciers? Crampons give you the necessary grip in the most difficult weather conditions. So you no longer have to look where you are stepping, but can concentrate completely on the beautiful view.
You can find out everything about binding, material and size in our checklist. Our product recommendations offer a safe selection of crampons for your next mountain hike.
- Crampons allow walking on ice or frozen snow (firn). The main distinguishing feature of the different crampon models is the binding.
- Classic crampons have a strap binding with which they are lashed to the shoe. This allows them to be attached to any standard mountain boot. This binding is simple and sufficient for flat terrain.
- In the case of the binding with a cup with toggle, you slip with the shoe in the front cup and fix the rear part with a toggle on the heel spur of the boot. For this binding, you need crampon-proof high touring boots. There are also crampons that have an automatic binding, similar to that on a ski.
- Which crampon is right for you depends on what you plan to do with it: For a simple, not too steep glacier traverse or a flat firn slope, a light crampon will do just fine. For steep terrain or for ice climbing, however, the strap binding is not suitable because it does not fit tightly enough.
- Most crampons are either made of aluminum or steel. Some very expensive models are also made of titanium, which is even lighter than aluminum but much harder.
- Aluminum is light and sufficient for use in not too severe conditions. However, for long passages on blank ice, climbing in mixed terrain (i.e. alternating ice and rock), or real ice climbing, aluminum is too soft, it would wear out too quickly.
- Universal crampons are made of specially hardened stainless steel and are also well suited for demanding use. For even tougher conditions, there are so-called expedition or ice climbing crampons.
- For ice climbing, there are special crampons with particularly steep front teeth. In crampons for ice climbing, the front prongs are usually made of forged steel and are therefore particularly hard and reliable.
- When you walk over snow with crampons, the snow collects between the prongs and “clogs” them, it “stolls”. That’s why almost all crampons today have pre-mounted or insertable anti-stud plates that reliably prevent studding.
- Crampons should be adjusted to the size of the crampon resistant shoe.
- The rail, which is often called the bar , connects the front and rear parts of the crampon. Generally, a normal bar should be used for shoe size 36 to 44, and a long bar for shoe size 45 and larger.
Recommended Crampons
Here you will find the top 8 among the most popular crampons.
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The Best Sellers Of Crampons
We have compiled the most popular crampons for you in this bestseller list.
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Current Offers For Crampons
Here you will find a selection of offers that are currently available in the crampons section.
FAQ About Crampons
Cheap crampons cost about 30 euros. Good, stable crampons made of high-quality material cost between 100 and 200 euros.
A crampon is a piece of equipment for mountaineers. They are mounted on the shoe and ensure a safe walk over snow and ice, even on steep mountain slopes.
Sturdy crampons made of steel or titanium are suitable for high altitude tours, as they are subjected to greater stress here than, for example, a hike in the lowlands. Aluminum crampons are unsuitable here.
You must be clear before buying what you need the crampons for. For long hikes in the highlands, sturdy crampons made of steel or titanium are recommended. For short, rather easy routes, aluminum crampons are sufficient. Furthermore, before buying, you should see if the crampon is compatible with your shoes, or if your shoes are crampon resistant.
Any crampon-compatible shoe is suitable for a crampon.
Crampons are used as soon as glaciers, snowfields or firn ridges lead over alpine peaks. They provide the necessary grip for hiking if the ground becomes too hard or too steep.
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