10 Best Mountaineering Crampons – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

Choosing the best mountaineering crampons will help you walk on frozen waterfalls, glaciers, ice-smeared rock, or ascend snowy slopes with more comfort.

With the advancement in technology, heavier crampons are a thing of the past, and most of the new crampons come in light-weight with fit-all-boot size.

Leather and synthetic-leather boots have replaced plastic mountaineering boots. Therefore, manufacturers today are building crampons with semi-rigid construction with horizontal frames. These crampons are lighter and fit better than the ones previously manufactured.

The corrosion-resistant crampons these days are highly durable, designed to bear heavy abuse in the harshest conditions.

Crampons specialize depending on the activity. You should consider the following things before buying crampons.

1. Materials for frames
2. Construction
3. Bindings
4. Points
5. Compatibility with boots
6. Crampon accessories

Materials for Crampons Frames

Basically, three types of materials are used in crampons’ frames.

1. Steel crampons are durable. They are convenient for technical, steep, and icy landscapes.
2. Stainless-steel crampons are corrosion-resistant. They also have similar benefits as that of steel crampons.
3. Aluminum crampons are lighter in weight. They are suitable for alpine climbing. However, aluminum crampons are not very durable.

Today, almost all crampons come with horizontally oriented frames. Such frames have flat steel or aluminum, keeping your feet closer to the ground. These flat bars also prevent snowball formation.

Durable crampons are heavier than light-weight aluminum crampons and are an excellent choice for technical climbs. Aluminum crampons work best for non-technical climbs.

Construction of Mountaineering Crampons

Most of the crampons manufactured today are semi-rigid, while a few remain rigid.

A semi-rigid crampon offers enough flex for winter walking. It is also rigid enough for moderate ice climbing.

Some crampons offer the benefit of adjustment on to the linking bar that can change semi-rigid crampons to a flexible one.

Semi-rigid crampons fit well with different sizes of most boots.

Bindings of Crampons

There are three types of crampons binding – Step-in, Strap-on, and Hybrid.

Step-in

Step-in is the easiest and fastest crampons attachment system. If the boot or crampons fit well, step-in is a very secure system.

The toe is held in place by a wire bail. The crampon is attached to the heel with a heel cable with a lever. This system makes putting on crampons with gloves on in snowy conditions easy. You can adjust the front bail with front points as per the terrain.

Strap-on

Strap-on features a pair of nylon webbing straps. Such bindings work with almost any shoes or boots type. The downside is, it is time-consuming.

Feel free to use multiple boots with the same crampons. But be prepared for a little movement in the space created between boots and crampons.

Hybrid

Also called mixed or semi-step crampons, hybrid crampons have a toe strap with a heel lever. To hold the heel lever, stiff sole and heel-groove featured boots are required. Toe straps are comfortable to put even with gloves on.

Points

Usually, crampons have 10 to 12 points. You can adjust the front bails of the crampons for the right extension of points. The number of points can be higher according to the activity you indulge in.

10 or 12 point crampons are used for glacier travel, climb volcanoes, traverse climbing, or ski touring.

Technical ice and mixed climbing crampons have adjustable and replaceable front points.

While mountaineering, crampons with less front point makes walking easier. However, you should opt for longer front points for technical climbing.

Vertical front points are stiff. They are easy to adjust and replace according to the need. Although they do slice through snow, snow-balling underfoot is normal.

Horizontally-oriented footpoints are made for alpine climbing. Snow-balling is relatively very less compared to their vertical counterparts.

Monopoints are popular for mixed climbing, thin ice, and technically difficult terrains. They stick well even into a small crack in the ice, allowing you to shift your position while holding your stance.

All points are either modular or non-modular.

Modular crampons’ front points have replaceable teeth. They can also be reconfigured according to the need for your activity.

Non-modular points have no moving parts. They are tighter than the modular ones. However, they get shortened with multiple uses.

Anti-balling, also known as antibott plates, is designed to prevent a snowballing effect. Some crampons come with attached anti-balling plates. These work best in wet, snowy areas.

Our List of Best Mountaineering Crampons

There are many mountaineering crampons in the market. We have compiled a list of some of the best ones you would love to use for your next expedition. Let’s take a look at them.

1. Petzl Dart

Petzl Dart is semi-rigid crampons. These crampons feel more precise due to their horizontal structure that makes the sole stay closer to the boots. The added mono-points makes these comfortable during your mountaineering expeditions, especially in ice.

These crampons are best for mixed and technical climbing.

Features:

Weight – Light

Material – Steel

Number of points – 11

Construction – Semi-rigid

Bindings – Step-in

Comfort

This Petzl Dart is specially designed for ice climbing, and it shines on micro edges or scrappy ice. The front points are thin and provide better ice-penetration. You can stand securely on small edges on mixed grounds.

The second and third points are angled to provide better support and security. The Leverlock Fil binding fits on your boots properly with welts placed on the front and rear.

The mono point in Petzl Dart is fixed. They are quite light compared to other modular crampons, which equals to the lesser weight that helps to wale easier.

Anti balling plates can only be put on the back section.

Durability

All crampons face major problems when coming in contact with rocks. The points get blunt rather quickly. Petzl Dart crampons are designed with sturdy metal to overcome this challenge.

The front unit can be replaced even though the front points cannot be.

Three years guarantee that comes with this product assures the confidence the company has in this product.

In summary

• Petzl Dart is one of the best crampons in the market for mixed and technical climbing
• They provide stable support on varying icy terrains
• These crampons are very light and have thin and long front points that provide firm ice-penetration.
• The anti-balling plate can be placed only on the back section
• The Leverlock Fil binding system makes the crampons fit well with the boots.

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2. Petzl Vasak

Another Petzl product to make into our list is Vasak. If you are looking for crampons to walk on icy surfaces or mixed pitches, Vasak is the one you need. The twelve-points light-weight Vasak will provide your mountaineering quiver with better arsenal while traveling through glaciers.

The strap-on binding, along with anti-balling plates gives you fantastic support during mountaineering.

Features:

Weight – Light

Material – Steel

Number of points – 12

Construction – Semi-rigid

Bindings – Strap-on

Comfort

The thin frame of the Vasak keeps the weight to a minimum.

The trademark Antisnow system of Vasak makes sure snowballing should not concern you during your mountaineering.

Apart from mountaineering, Vasak crampons are also compatible with boots used for skiing or hiking. While glacier traveling with these 12 point crampons on, you will have one less thing to worry about.

The points are spread across the foot including a horizontally mounted foot that prevents slipping when you are on ice.

Due to the Universal strap system, these crampons attach finely to any of your mountaineering boots or shoes. They work perfectly fine with both flexible and rigid boots.

These crampons are easy to adjust while wearing gloves, and when you are transitioning between snow, ice, and rock.

Durability

The toe bail of the crampon is rubberized and fits all kinds of boots. Similarly, the heel bail is made of light and stainless steel. These are quite strong and are made to last for many climbs.

The points are relatively narrow and penetrate ice or snow pretty well. They are hard enough to survive heavy abuse on snowy or rocky terrains.

The steel is electroplated which increases the durability of Vasak crampons.

Similar to other Petzl products, Vasak also comes with a three-year guarantee.

In summary

• Petzl Vasak crampons are suitable for walking on the icy surface, glacier travels, or mixed pitches.
• They have 12 points and are lightweight.
• Snowballing is not of concern, thanks to Vasak’s Antisnow system.
• These crampons have a Universal strap system making them easy to attach to any mountaineering boots or shoes.
• Guaranteed for three years, Vasak crampons have electroplated steel and are strong enough to last many climbs.

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3. Grivel G12

Tested by time, loved by mountaineers and used by beginners and professionals alike, Grivel G12 crampons is one of the best allrounders. If you have never handled this beauty before, then you are in for a treat.

Excellent point placement, anti-balling plates, and versatility along with improvements are what make the G12s a solid performer.

G12 is a 12 point Grivel’s product, designed especially for mountaineering, alpinism, mixed ice, and rock climbing.

Features:

Weight – Light

Material – Steel

Number of points – 12

Construction – Semi-rigid

Bindings – Step-in

Comfort

Grivel G12 has been long in this business to know what they are manufacturing. Already an excellent product, G12, has been improvised over the years to improve its performance.

The rear points are placed well so that climbing down will be relatively more comfortable. The perpendicularly placed rear points will protect snow shearing, increasing security while descending.

The anti-balling horizontal plates are good enough to reduce snowballing and repel loose, wet snow. The Accordioned coating of the plate has further reduced the chance of snow sticking.

Apart from this, the G12 can be easily folded when you need to pack them. They are also simple to adjust.

Durability

One thing is sure that any crampons will wear down sooner or later. Since all crampons are built to bear the abuse of working in harsh conditions, some crampons break earlier while some last longer. G12 falls on the latter.

The three-dimensional relief stamping of the frame has increased the strength and rigidity of G12.

You may find a little wear on the tips after a couple of seasons, but you will find less space to complain about rustiness or adjustment issues.

In summary

• A time-tested product, G12 has been improving and providing excellent service for anyone looking for do-it-all crampons.
• Grivel G12 is a 12-point crampon perfect for climbing ice, glacier routes, or mixed climbings.
• The versatile antibott plate prevents snowballing
• Special attention is paid for down climbing activities.
• Three-dimensional relief stamping has increased the strength of G12.

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4. Grivel G20 Plus Crampons

Grivel’s G20 Plus Crampons are designed for ice climbing and pushing yourself to the limits of high snow-covered mountains. These are one of the lightest crampons in the market.

Grivel has been producing climbing gears since 1818, so they know what mountaineers need for their expedition.

Currently, Grivel has more than 26 crampons options, the most in the industry by a single company. They are also the frontrunner in winter gear innovation worldwide.

Features:

Weight – Light

Material – Steel

Number of points – 14

Construction – Semi-rigid

Bindings – Step-in

Comfort

The bail fits closely with a variety of mountaineering boots. The shorter monopoint and horizontal front point carve lesser ice and maintain excellent stability.

The G20 Plus is very easy to put on or adjust. All you need to do is pull the clip and slide!

The narrow front point is reliable and provides you more advantages when you need to slide your footing into smaller cracks.

The monopoints are replaceable, but in comparison to its competitors, G20 Plus crampons’ monopoints are on the higher end when it comes to cost.

These G20 Plus are not suitable for glacier travels because of the monopoints’ weakness on flat ground. Horizontal front points are adept in such conditions.

One of the significant downsides of G20 Plus is that it lacks the front anti-ball plate. However, the heel has an antibott plate. Don’t be surprised if you notice snow chunks on the base of these crampons.

However, the front point is slightly down-turned that eventually reduces the stress on your calf.

Durability

The G20 Plus comes with the replaceable front point.

You always have the option to keep your gear in top shape as the parts can be easily removed for cleaning.

These crampons can be folded in half, and their lighter weight makes them easy to carry and maintain.

In summary

• Grivel has been manufacturing climbing gears since 1818 and has built a good trust among mountaineers worldwide.
• Grivel G20 Plus is your go-to crampons for ice climbing during cold weather.
• The heel has an antibott plate, but the front is prone to snowball.
• One of the lightest crampons in the market, G20 Plus is a high-end crampon that is tough and dependable.

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5. Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip Crampon

One of the leaders of the game, Black Diamond, calls the Sabretooth one of their best products.

Even though Sabretooth is climbing crampons, they perform excellently even during glacier travels or a mixed route.

Sabretooth comes in two models, Clip and Pro. The Pro version has toe welts whereas the Clip version has flexible toe strap instead of a front toe welt.

With very little to distinguish between them, we will be reviewing the former model, Sabretooth Clip crampons.

Features:

Weight – Light

Material – Steel

Number of points – 12

Construction – Semi-rigid

Bindings – Strap-in

Comfort

Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip crampons are one of the best allrounder crampons for climbing ice, mountaineering routes, or technical alpine ascents.

The distinctive three-dimensional frame of this 12-point spikes provides improved stability. The front points provide a better grip.

Unlike the Pro version’s toe welt system, Sabretooth Clip features a toe-strap.

The stainless steel and lightweight construction resist snowballing.

Durability

Be it in the icy terrain or classic mountaineering routes, these stainless spikes have overcome the nasty challenges posed by all – landscape, weather, or the wearer.

Sabretooth’s construction of distinctive steel is rustproof, resists snowballing, and above all, is more durable.

The crampons are resistant to abrasion, and the points remain sharp even after multiple uses.

In summary

• Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip crampons are a great allrounder that will help you overcome the icy, snowy, or mixed routes.
• Sabretooth is a 12 point crampons made with stainless steel that resists rust and prevents snowballing.
• These Sabretooth crampons also resist abrasion.
• Horizontal front points assist ascension while the secondary points provide added support while descending.
• These crampons feature toe straps without a toe welt.

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6. Black Diamond Cyborg Pro

Cyborg Pro crampons are made for technical ice and mixed climbing. The modular feature provides you two front points or just one mono point. The easily adjustable design comes as a one-size-fits-all.

The semi-rigid structure keeps the sole of your foot closer to it. They provide additional control on the hard mountain routes. The stainless steel spikes do not rust and last long.

Features:

Weight – Light

Material – Steel

Number of points – 12

Construction – Semi-rigid

Bindings – Step-in

Comfort

The lightweight of Cyborg Pro, although slightly heavier compared to its counterpart Sabretooth, supports you while climbing mountains. The stainless steel crampons are designed for steep waterfall ice, mixed climbing, or traveling hard mountain routes.

The Cyborg is also more resistant to snowballing.

The option to configure between mono or dual front points while climbing provides you with versatile performance according to your needs and preferences.

The availability of the low-profile micro-adjust heel lever offers a precise fit.

Boots that have toe welts are compatible with the Pro version. And these crampons will feel like an extension of your feet rather than additional weight!

Durability

The interchangeable and replaceable front points make sure that your crampons stay with you for long.

The stainless steel is rustproof and does not wear out as quickly as many crampons in the market, thus making your points more durable.

In summary

• Cyborg Pro crampons are an excellent choice for steep ice and mixed routes climbing.
• The 12 point Cyborg has stainless steel construction.
• With semi-rigid construction, these crampons are rustproof and repel snowballing.
• The front points can be configured as mono or dual points.
• The front points are also replaceable, prolonging the overall life of the crampons.

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7. OUTAD Traction Cleats/Crampons

The OUTAD Traction Cleats/Crampon are your reliable partners at low temperatures. These lightweight crampons are made of aluminum.

One of the unique features is the multi-directional spikes is that they provide 360-degree traction even in heavily snow-covered landscapes.

Features:

Weight – Light

Material – Aluminum

Number of points – 14

Construction – Semi-rigid

Bindings – Strap-on

Comfort

Be it walking, hiking, or even running on snowy trails, the OUTAD will not disappoint you. You can easily adjust the size by a double row of rivet studs.

The back straps make OUTAD fully adjustable, although people with big feet might find a tight fit. Make sure to check the fitting size for your boots before purchasing.

One of the best things about the OUTAD is the 14-point spikes, which are multi-directional and make sure you have a stable stand. These spikes point to multiple directions from the base of your foot to help you even in the worst weather conditions.

The OUTAD is also easy to fold, and they fit well in your bag, saving you space. They are also light so that you will not feel the extra weight on your back.

It is very easy to strap on with gloves, and the semi-rigid construction helps keep the foot closer to the crampons.

Durability

The OUTAD crampons are designed to be your reliable support in low temperatures. They are made of aluminum components for less weight and better durability.

The aluminium spikes are abrasion-resistant as well.

These crampons have TPR rubber which makes them fit most boots or shoes, are elastic and durable, and comes with a net bag that is easy to carry around.

In summary

• The OUTAD Traction Cleats/Crampons are aluminium crampons.
• These lightweight crampons have multi-directional 14 spikes that provide better balance and stand even in the worst weather conditions.
• The OUTAD fold easily comes with a net bag and is easy to carry.

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8. CAMP Stalker Universal

The Stalker Universal is the best-selling CAMP crampons for glacier travel and mountaineering. These beautiful spikes have a universal binding with thermoplastic heel and toe harnesses with strong nylon straps that fit most mountaineering shoes and boots.

The Stalker Universal is a great go-to crampon for general mountaineering. This 12-point crampon is made of strong and durable steel. The Chromoly steel construction makes Stalker Universal last longer than other similar products.

Features:

Weight – Light

Material – Steel

Number of points – 12

Construction – Flexible

Bindings – Strap-on

Comfort

The best aspect of the Universal binding feature of any crampon is that it makes sure the crampons fit on most of the mountaineering shoes or boots. The CAMP Stalker Universal has such binding, probably due to which these are the best selling CAMP crampons.

The 12 point spikes work best for general mountaineering and glacier crossings whenever technical climbing is less required.

These crampons have dynamic anti-balling plates to prevent snowballing or ice buildup. They are also easy to adjust with gloves on.

The thermoplastic heel and toe harnesses fold well for compact storage.

In addition, these crampons come with a carrying case for storage to prevent the points from getting tangled with other gears.

Durability

The storing case for Stalker Universal protects from unnecessary damage it might endure while traveling.

The spikes are made of durable Chromoly steel. These points will, comparatively, keep performing at their best for longer.

In summary

• The CAMP Stalker Universal crampons are your go-to crampon for general mountaineering.
• These crampons give their best while mountaineering and moving across glaciers.
• The dynamic anti-balling plates keep away snowballing.
• These 12 point spikes are made of Chromoly steel, which makes them strong and durable, and they come with a protective case.

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9. CAMP USA XLC Nanotech Crampon

This CAMP USA XLC Nanotech aluminium crampons are lightweight and come with 12 points. However, the front points are made of stainless steel so that they do not get shredded, which is relatively common with aluminium points.

The sophisticated design is suitable for mountaineers and mixed climbers alike who prefer better penetration on hard ice via front points.

Due to CAMP’s long history in manufacturing climbing gears like ice axes, harnesses, carabiners, and crampons, mountaineers trust this brand and its standard all around the world.

Features:

Weight – Light

Material – Aluminum (frame), Steel (front points)

Number of points – 12

Construction – Semi-rigid

Bindings – Step-in

Comfort

The super lightweight XLC Nanotech crampons are sure to reduce the effort required for your hike. They are ideal for snowy and icy routes where balance and control are highly desired without adding extra weight to your feet.

These light crampons work best in hard and firm snow. These are also great for ski touring.

The front toe-points provide the best performance when you encounter steep water ice. They hold up better than other competing aluminium crampons.

In spite of the performance, the buckles are not sturdy enough to rely on when you are out in the wilderness for long.

Since these crampons do not fit all boots, make sure to check the size you are comfortable with before purchasing.

Durability

Steel crampons are always more durable than aluminium spikes. The XLC Nanotech’s frame is made of aluminium, whereas the front points are made of steel.

Aluminium needs extra care to extend their life whereas the steel will hold longer even after you drive the points into varying surfaces with plenty of force.

CAMP claims that steel alloy is used to make the points that are stronger than regular steel.

In summary

• One of the lightest crampons found in the market, XLC Nanotech has an aluminium frame, and the front points are made of steel
• The different materials used in the construction of these crampons are durable and dependable for mountaineering activities.
• The XLC Nanotech crampons offer better balance and are ideal for traveling on snowy and icy routes.
• The buckles are not very reliable for longer journeys.

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10. Cassin Blade Runner Crampons

Cassin Blade Runner is one of the most versatile technical ice crampons on the market.

The wide array of features include full-length rigidity, excellent fit, adaptability to alpine conditions and variety of front points and toe bail configurations. These make the Blade Runner an innovative representative of the mountaineering crampons in the market.

This highly rated Blade Runner provides you with secure stability even in the toughest conditions while mountaineering.

Features:

Weight – Mid-weight

Material – Steel

Number of points – 13/14

Construction – Semi-rigid

Bindings – Strap-on

Comfort

The Blade Runner’s versatility can be proven from the fact that it is widely used for various mountaineering activities like ice, mixed, technical mixed routes, and alpine climbing.

If you are front-pointing on vertical ice, the Blade Runner provides more stability. The front platform offers desired rigidity when flexible performance can insecure your stance.

Thanks to the Sandvik Nanoflex steel, the heel slide is thin and light but unbelievably strong. This slide also adds flex, making alpine climbing more comfortable.

The anti-balling is included in the front plate in the Blade Runner and thus reduces snowballing.

The formation and disposition of the 13/14 points on these crampons help to increase better contact with the ground in icy or snowy terrains.

Durability

The front points of Blade Runner are interchangeable between a dual or mono-point setup. You can adjust between a centered or offset position as per your requirement while wandering along the various routes with a few turns of a hex key.

Also, the Chromoly steel, which is used in making these crampons, has an illustrious history of being a durable material.

In summary

• Cassin Blade Runner is a versatile technical ice crampon that provides excellent support to the mountaineers.
• The proper downward curve on the front point keeps your feet properly planted in the ice.
• The interchangeable front points between dual and mono-point setup provide added mileage for traveling in varying landscapes.
• These anti-balling crampons have 13/14 points that provide improved walkability in various terrains.

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Comparison Table of 10 Best Mountaineering Crampons in 2020

Here is a brief outlook of the ten crampons we have reviewed above.

Conclusion

Always make sure that your mountaineering gear inventory is well equipped. Crampons, though neglected by beginner climbers, play an important role in mountaineering activities.

There is an old backpacking rule of thumb – “One pound on your feet equals five pounds on your back.” This means you need to choose your crampons precisely so that you save yourself from a difficult and painful journey in the mountains.

For anyone who wants to travel through snowy and icy terrains, crampons will be one of your best friends. They help you to walk over snow and ice with relative ease.

In other words, if you are planning to go on a mountaineering expedition, crampons will make sure that your shoes or boots will turn into snow boots and provide you with better stability and grip in challenging terrains.

One of the important factors to consider before buying crampons is the size. Although most crampons come with a universal fit, it is advised to try them with your shoes or boots before buying. And always, consult your mentor or other climbers so that you don’t end up with wrong crampons for the particular climb you are venturing into.

Happy climbing!