Anyone know anything about Crampons

robj20

robj20

robj20

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The choice is mind boggling, i want a pair for some walks i have planned over the winter.

My boots are size 47, C2 rated and all the ones i look at like Grivel Air Tech say upto 46.

Wont be doing anything too demanding, no climbing, just walking where slipping can cost me my life and some scrambling.
 
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G12 i have looked at just thought the airtechs being lighter with smaller spikes might be a bit easier to walk in. I have emailed Scarpa to see what they say im sure someone has asked the same thing before.
 
Black Diamond are usually lighter (and cheaper) with smaller spikes, but again all stop at 46. The C1 and C2 generally dont have rigid bindings, so it would be worth seeing if you can squeeze them on as they are more flexible, C1 rated ones especially.
 
I'll just say that if possible try to get some practice in on gentle slopes once you have them and have access to snow/ice, they're a bit strange to walk with when you first put them on. Goes without saying but be aware of ropes as you'll not only damage them if you stand on them but they easily catch on crampons and trip you ;)

Make sure you know how to self arrest with them on and practice so you have muscle memory too e.g. if you're sliding towards danger keep your feet up or you'll do what this guy demonstrates :)
 
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robj20 said:
The choice is mind boggling, i want a pair for some walks i have planned over the winter.

My boots are size 47, C2 rated and all the ones i look at like Grivel Air Tech say upto 46.

Wont be doing anything too demanding, no climbing, just walking where slipping can cost me my life and some scrambling.
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I have some grivel air-tecs G12 with the anti-snow ball pad. These are fine for winter hiking. Trouble is I started doing lots of more alpine stuuff and the G12s just dont cut it and it is quite scary hanging donw a blue ice face unable to get the toe points to bite.

TBH, you really need to go into a specialist store and get some proper advice.

Also don't forget an ice-axe,one without the other is far less safe.
 
Col_M said:
I'll just say that if possible try to get some practice in on gentle slopes once you have them and have access to snow/ice, they're a bit strange to walk with when you first put them on. Goes without saying but be aware of ropes as you'll not only damage them if you stand on them but they easily catch on crampons and trip you ;)

Make sure you know how to self arrest with them on and practice so you have muscle memory too e.g. if you're sliding towards danger keep your feet up or you'll do what this guy demonstrates :)
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That is why you need an ice-ax, crampons prevent you falling but if you want to self-arrest it is much safer and easier with an ice-axe.

I use a Black Diamond Raven ultra for non-technical work, nice and light but a steal head which will bite hard enough.
 
robj20 said:
That would be great thanks. Didnt realise they did an extension bar.

Ice axe definitly isnt needed.
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If you don't need an axe then you don't need crampons. From my experience of winter walking/climbing an axe is useful a long time before crampons as it's much easier to either kick steps or use the adze if it's a very short bit of ice.
 
Col_M said:
I'll just say that if possible try to get some practice in on gentle slopes once you have them and have access to snow/ice, they're a bit strange to walk with when you first put them on. Goes without saying but be aware of ropes as you'll not only damage them if you stand on them but they easily catch on crampons and trip you ;)
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best near mis i've had is hit a really deep bit of snow (surface was all smooth but obviously there was a ditch/gully that had filled.


right foot went down to the hip in snow, left leg folded upwards under me with foot o nsurface, ended up standing on one leg with the points of my left crampon pointing up about 1" from my nut sack.
 
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