CRAMPONS

Crampons are metal traction devices that attach to the soles of mountaineering or winter boots. Their sharp, toothed design provides secure grip on ice and hard-packed snow, making them essential for winter hiking, mountaineering, glacier travel, and technical climbing where extra traction and safety are needed. 

Crampons are generally categorised as C1, C2, or C3.

• C1: Flexible, strap-on crampons for winter walking and glacier hiking, compatible with B1, B2, and B3 boots.
• C2: Semi-rigid, multi-purpose crampons for winter mountaineering and alpinism, compatible with B2 and B3 boots.
• C3: Rigid, technical crampons for steep ice climbing and high-altitude mountaineering, only compatible with B3 boots. 

Boot and crampon compatibility is crucial. C1 crampons work with most 3-4 season hiking boots (B1, B2, B3), C2 crampons require boots with a heel welt (B2 or B3), and C3 crampons need the stiffest boots (B3) with both heel and toe welts. Always check your boot’s rating before purchasing crampons. 

Steel crampons are durable and best for technical, steep, or icy terrain. Stainless steel offers corrosion resistance. Aluminium crampons are lighter and suitable for ski mountaineering or approaches but are less durable for technical climbing. 

Anti-balling plates are plastic or rubber inserts fitted beneath crampons to prevent snow from sticking and building up underfoot, which can reduce traction and increase slip risk. Most crampons come with anti-balling plates, but replacements are available if they become worn or lost. 

No, microspikes are lighter, flexible traction devices designed for icy paths or light winter walking. They slip over regular shoes or boots but are not robust enough for technical mountaineering or steep, icy conditions where crampons are required.