What are mountaineering crampons? Learn about the different types, how to choose them, and how to wear them!
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Climbing snowy mountains can be dangerous as it can involve slipping on fluffy snow or hard-packed ice.
Crampons are essential in such situations.
Crampons, which act as anti-slip footwear, not only make climbing snowy mountains more comfortable but also significantly safer.
This time, we will introduce the types of crampons, how to choose them, and how to wear them!
What are crampons attached to hiking boots? Check out the different types
Crampons are a type of gear (mountaineering equipment) that are metal claws attached to the soles of your shoes.
They provide a non-slip surface when walking on ice or packed snow.
They are also called "eisen" in German, and crampons are the English and French names.
Crampons come in a variety of sizes, from 4 to 12 prongs, depending on their intended use.
Crampons with 4 to 6 prongs are used for hiking in snowy low mountains and walking on snowy fields in the summer.
They are also called "light crampons" and are often lightweight because they have fewer spikes.
Since there are no nails on the toes, they are not very effective at preventing slipping when walking on steep snowy slopes, so they are best suited to places with gentle slopes and soft snow.
Types with 10 to 12 nails also have nails on the toes and are used for traverses in mid- to high-mountain areas with heavy snowfall, as well as ice climbing.
Compared to ice skates with 4 to 6 prongs, these have longer prongs and are equipped with barbs and notches, which allow the prongs to grip deeper into the ice and prevent slipping or falling.
In addition to the number of prongs, crampons are also categorized by how they are attached.
We'll explain the differences in installation methods in more detail below!
There are three main ways to wear crampons! What are the features of each?
There are two types of hiking boots: those with a part called a "wet" for hooking crampons, and those without.
Depending on whether or not they have a welt, crampons can be attached in three main ways: band type, semi-one-touch type, and one-touch type.
We will introduce the characteristics of each, as well as their advantages and disadvantages.
Characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the band type
The band type is a method of attachment for hiking boots that do not have a welt.
This type of crampon usually has 4 to 6 pieces and uses a band to secure the crampons to the shoe.
- Pros: Compatible with a variety of hiking boots
- Disadvantages: Requires some effort to install, and may cause the shoe to move slightly if not fastened properly.
Features, advantages and disadvantages of semi-one-touch type
The semi-one-touch type is a method of attachment for hiking boots that only have a welt on the heel.
The heel is secured with a buckle and the toe with a band.
- Advantages: Quicker installation than band type
- Cons: If the buckle is not fastened properly, it may come off.
One-touch type features, advantages and disadvantages
The one-touch method is used for attaching hiking boots that have welts on the toe and heel.
Secure the crampons using the metal fittings and levers.
- Pros: Easy to put on and take off
- Disadvantages: If the shoes are not compatible or are attached incorrectly, they may come off during climbing.
Each mounting method has its advantages and disadvantages.
If you already have hiking boots, first check what method of wearing them is available.
Be sure to also check out how to choose crampons for mountain climbing and what to be careful of!
As mentioned above, there are different types of crampons, but some people may be wondering, "How do I choose the right crampons for me?"
We will introduce some points to consider when choosing crampons for mountain climbing and some precautions to take when using crampons, so please use this as a reference!
Tips for choosing mountaineering crampons
When choosing crampons for mountain climbing, it is important to first determine what kind of mountains you will be using them on.
Generally, crampons with 4 to 6 spikes are used for hiking in snowy low mountains or walking on snowy fields in summer, while crampons with 10 to 12 spikes are used for traversing or climbing in mid- or high-mountain areas with heavy snowfall.
Not only the number of nails but also the direction and shape of the nails are important points.
For different activities, for example, when hiking, the front claws are sideways and have a hook to make it easier to walk.
When ice climbing, you will be digging the blade into the ice wall, so a tool with a vertical notch on the front claw is suitable.
If you are buying crampons to match your hiking boots, it is important that they are compatible with those boots.
In particular, one-touch types may come off during use if they are not compatible.
If possible, bring your own hiking boots to the store so you can try them on and find the perfect fit.
When doing so, make sure that the toes and heels fit snugly, that there are no gaps between the crampons and the sole of the shoe, and that the width of the crampons and the sole of the shoe fit snugly.
Precautions when using crampons
When using crampons, please keep the following points in mind:
Attaches securely to hiking boots
If there are gaps between your crampons and hiking boots, snow can easily get stuck.
Make sure to fasten it firmly, even if it feels a little tight.
Remove snow from the soles of your shoes
When you walk on wet snow, the snow sticks to the soles of your shoes.
If you leave it as it is, you may slip, so be sure to hit it off with an ice axe or walking sticks.
We also recommend using crampons with anti-snow plates that prevent snow from sticking to the soles of your shoes.
When carrying, store it so that the nails do not come into contact with it.
The claws that grip the snow firmly are sharp, so if they are exposed when carrying the snowboard, you may get injured.
Especially when traveling on public transport, store your gear in a hiking backpack or special case.
If you attach a protector to protect the claws, you don't have to worry about damaging your backpack or other items.
Carefully clean after use
After using your crampons, be sure to rinse them with water to remove any dirt or mud, then dry them before storing them.
To prevent the metal parts from rusting, please use rust prevention spray or apply care oil or wax.
If you feel that the blade has lost its sharpness, use a metal file to sharpen it back to as close to its original angle as possible.
Crampons are an important item when climbing snowy mountains.
Find the perfect one for your purpose and shoes!
Use mountaineering crampons correctly and climb safely!
Mountaineering crampons are metal spikes attached to the soles of your shoes to provide traction when walking on ice or packed snow.
Crampons with 4 to 6 prongs are used for hiking in snowy low mountains and walking on snowy fields in the summer, while those with 10 to 12 prongs are used for traverses in mid- to high-altitude mountains with heavy snowfall, and for ice climbing.
There are three types of attachment methods: band type, semi-one-touch type, and one-touch type. You can choose the type based on the activity and compatibility with your shoes.
If they are not compatible with your shoes, they may come off during use, so if you want to match them with your existing hiking boots, it is a good idea to bring them to a store and try them on.
The prongs on crampons are sharp, so please be careful when carrying them and enjoy climbing snowy mountains!
As an outdoor brand, Teton Bros. offers a wide range of clothing and backpacks suitable for climbing snowy mountains.
There are also clothing items made from materials that can prevent damage from sharp objects such as crampon prongs, so be sure to take advantage of them!