Best Mountaineering Crampons for Winter Expeditions

Serious winter hiking requires some serious winter traction devices. When the snow-covered mountains call to you, just begging to be climbed, there’s no greater friend to have than a solid pair of crampons.

But how do you know what will actually get the job done well for vertical ice climbing versus more leisurely glacier travel? We’ve laid out everything you need to know below, in addition to some of the best mountaineering crampons out there to keep your feet from sliding after every step.

If you’re in a hurry, check out this quick list of our favorite crampons – otherwise, keep on scrolling to get to the full reviews!

What are Mountaineering Crampons?

Crampons are a type of traction device that can be attached to your boots. They have a number of thick spikes that are used to dig into the snow and ice, granting you traction in places that no amount of rubber would stick to.

While they can be used for hiking or backpacking, crampons are usually found among mountaineers who need to scale large walls of frozen terrain. As such, they usually have 2-4 horizontal spikes near the toe that are used to dig into steep slopes.

Crampons vs Microspikes

In some circles, you may hear “crampons” and “microspikes” used interchangeably. However, they aren’t the same thing, and you’ll be in a pickle if you decide to get microspikes instead of crampons for your next mountaineering adventure.

Microspikes have shorter points that are connected by a latticework of chains. These chains attached to a rubber or elastomer harness that can be stretched over most types of footwear, making them easy to put on and take off. Generally speaking, they can be used on a variety of terrains, including snow, ice, rock, and dirt. However, due to the smaller size of the spikes, they’ll only help so much when it comes to traction.

Crampons, on the other hand, are far more robust. The spikes are thicker and longer, able to dig into the terrain more effectively than microspikes. They’re a bit harder to put on, though, and they’re not fun to wear when you’re walking on anything other than snow or ice. However, for mountaineering purposes, there’s nothing better than these.

Important Features

Material

Since they’re on the bottom of your feet, biting into snow, ice, and rock, crampons need to be made out of durable materials. Generally speaking, steel and stainless steel are going to be the most common, but there are a few aluminum options out there as well. These are for ultralight crampons that you’ll use on fast missions with minimal ice, since aluminum is far less durable than steel.

On the other hand, steel is the strongest crampon material out there. It’s also the heaviest, setting most mountaineering crampons into the 1.7-2.3 pound range, which is noticeably heavier than their microspike counterparts. However, because steel is so tough, it’s the only crampon material that I feel comfortable recommending.

Stainless steel isn’t much different than regular steel, though it is a little lighter and slightly less durable. You also won’t have to worry about rusting quite as much, though all steel crampons are still prone to this phenomenon. Also be sure to give them a good rinse when you’re done using them, to prevent rust from accumulating.

Bindings

The bindings are what attach the crampons to your boots. Universal bindings, also known as strap-on bindings, are designed to fit any type of boot, making them a versatile option. On the other hand, automatic crampons are specifically designed for mountaineering boots with heel welts.

Automatic crampons are considered to be more secure, which is why technical crampons can only be found in this style. However, if you don’t own a pair of mountaineering boots (and you don’t feel like buying them), universal bindings are the way to go. They’re ideal for moderate and easy mountaineering objectives that don’t require a lot of vertical climbing along a technical route.

Points

In general, more points (spikes) equals better traction. That being said, most crampons will either have 10 or 12 points, though some more technical models can have up to 14. For example, the Petzl Lynx and Black Diamond Sabertooth mentioned below have 14 points, making them perfect for tricky, vertical climbs. The horizontal front points really dig into steep ice walls, giving you some much needed stability while climbing.

Almost all of the other models in our lineup have 10 points. The front pair of spikes on most of these designs are angled slightly downward, instead of horizontal, to give you more security on gentle, downward facing slopes. Therefore, the model that you get will depend on the type of mountaineering you plan on doing.

Mountaineering Crampons Comparison Table

Crampons	Weight (lbs)	Bindings	Material	Best Use
Petzl Lynx Leverlock Modular Crampons	2.4	Step-In	Steel	Ice Climbing
Grivel G-10 EVO New-Classic Crampons	1.9	Strap-On	Chromoly Steel	Hiking
Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro Crampons	2	Step-In	Stainless Steel	Hiking
Petzl Irvis Hybrid Crampons	1.1	Step-In	Aluminum, Steel	Glacier Travel
Kahtoola KTS Steel Crampons	1.5	Strap-On	Steel	Trail Hiking
Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons with ABS Plates	1.8	Strap-On	Stainless Steel	Hiking
Kahtoola K 10 Hiking Crampons	1.4	Strap-On	Steel	Hiking
C.A.M.P. Skimo Tour Crampons	0.9	Step-In	Aluminum	Skiing

Best Mountaineering Crampons – Reviewed

Petzl Lynx Leverlock Modular Crampons ↟

As one of the best modular crampons out there, the Petzl Lynx doesn’t disappoint whether you’re climbing a glacier or hiking on mixed terrain. With 14 spikes on each foot, you’ll have enough traction for mild slopes, vertical walls, and everything in between.

Because they have step-in bindings, you can use them aggressively without worrying about them falling off. The snug and secure fit is one major benefit to having a pair of modular crampons like these, but just remember that they only work with mountaineering boots. The heel bails on the crampons match up with the welts on your mountaineering boots, creating that secure attachment. On the front, you’ll notice that the toe has a similar bail/welt configuration. However, if your boots aren’t compatible with the front, steel wire, you can switch it out with a flexible binding that works with any style of boot.

The Lynx are incredibly durable, and the sharpness of the points won’t really deteriorate over time. You can use them on both ice and rock without issue, allowing them to use them…well…pretty much anywhere. In my opinion, these are one of the most versatile pairs of mountaineering crampons that you’ll find, easily becoming the “be all, end all” option for anyone who likes winter sports.

Grivel G-10 EVO New-Classic Crampons

Moving from one of the most expensive pairs of crampons in our list to one of the cheapest, the Grivel G-10 crampons are great for moderate use. In terms of functionality, they aren’t going to help you scale sheer ice walls, but they get the job done well for glacier hiking and other similar activities.

The Grivel G-10 are fairly basic as far as crampons go, but what I really like about them is how adjustable they are. A single pair can accommodate the shoe sizes of both adults and children, without compromising on strength and the secureness of the fit. So, if you’re worried about their compatibility with your boots, don’t be. These crampons can fit everything between a US size 4-12 without a hitch.

You also don’t need mountaineering boots in order to wear them. With classic bindings, all you have to do is secure the single strap, after you’ve slotted your footwear into the toe and heel pieces. They might not be the most aggressive crampons out there, but mountain switchbacks, glaciers, and mixed terrain won’t pose a threat anymore. The 10 spikes cut into the snow and ice, giving you more than enough traction to ascend (and descend!) safely and comfortably.

Black Diamond Sabretooth Pro Crampons

The Black Diamond Sabertooth crampons are another step-in variety, like the Petzl Lynx mentioned above. As such, they give you a more secure fit, in exchange for being compatible with a relatively small number of boots. The exclusivity of these crampons, in addition to the somewhat blunt frontal spikes, are what make me sad about this product.

Even so, if you’ve got a pair of mountaineering boots that can accommodate the Sabertooth crampons, they’re well worth the cost. With a little bit of force, the spikes dig into the snow and ice without issue, giving you enough traction to climb ice walls and descend steep slopes and switchbacks. Overall, it’s a great option for glacier travel and mountaineering, with durable spikes that stay sharp long after they’ve been taken out of the box.

Like most crampons, the toe bails are going to be a pain to take off, but that’s to be expected with step-in traction devices. Thankfully they’re much easier to get on, so you shouldn’t have too much trouble while you’re on the mountain. ABS plates work to prevent snow from building up underneath your feet too, giving you a consistently solid grip after hours of hiking.

Petzl Irvis Hybrid Crampons

As a rock climber and mountaineer, I’ve used a lot of Petzl gear in my life. It’s a good brand, and I’ve trusted it with my life, but I’ve always thought of it as equal (or slightly inferior) to Black Diamond. But when it comes to crampons? Petzl takes the cake, without a doubt.

At just over a pound, the Irvis Hybrid crampons are one of the lightest in our review. In fact, they’re fairly equal in weight to their lighter and more minimalistic cousins – microspikes. The difference comes with the materials used, as the Irvis combines some of the lightest building blocks possible: aluminum and Dyneema. Unlike the traditional steel used in most crampons, the spikes under the heel are made from aluminum to reduce pack weight. The toe spikes are still made from steel, though, for long term durability.

Bear in mind that these are step-in crampons, so you’ll need a pair of boots with heel welts. Toe welts are optional, since the Irvis crampons can be adjusted to fit boots with or without a toe bail. Either way, they’re very easy to put on and (relatively) easy to take off. While not for hard core ice climbing, they work well on glaciers and moderate mountaineering routes with snow, ice, and mixed terrain.

Kahtoola KTS Steel Crampons

Another fairly lightweight option, the Kahtoola KTS crampons are great for moderate difficulty mountaineering. The spikes aren’t good enough for near vertical climbing, and they’re a bit too long for mixed terrain, but they work wonders on deep snow and ice.

With a flexible design, these mountaineering crampons work with a wide variety of boots. Slip them on without too much difficulty, and feel the heel bend and pivot with your foot as you walk. It’s a sensation that you won’t often find with “traditional” crampons, which tend to be fairly inflexible, but the extra flex lets you walk more comfortably across flat surfaces.

The crampons compress together nicely, allowing you to safely pack them away when they aren’t needed. Even so, I’d recommend getting a bag to carry them in, since they don’t come with one. This acts as another layer of protection against the spikes digging into other gear in your backpack, ripping holes in things that aren’t supposed to have holes!

Overall, they aren’t going to win the “best crampon of the year” award, when looking at sheer functionality. However, for people who don’t have mountaineering boots, there are few better options available.

Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons

A versatile pair of crampons, the Black Diamond Contact crampons give you the flexibility to wear your footwear of choice. With strap-on bindings, they can easily be slipped onto both hiking boots and mountaineering boots without much difficulty. They aren’t secure enough for high angle ice climbing, but for something of a lower grade, glacier hiking, or walking mountain trails with mixed terrain, they work like a charm.

You’ll have to crank the strap pretty tight to keep the crampons from slipping around, but that’s a small price to pay for the universality of this traction device. The teeth have quite the bite, digging into thick ice with minimal effort. They’re also quite durable, and retain their sharpness for a long time, even after being exposed to a wide variety of terrains.

Sizing can be a challenge, though, and you may need to purchase an extender if you wear a Men’s 11 or larger. However, once you’ve got the right size, they’re easy to adjust and get on and off. For a pair of steel spiked crampons, they’re also on the lighter side, making them ideal for longer hiking expeditions.

Kahtoola K 10 Hiking Crampons

If you’re looking for the cheapest pair of crampons in our review, look no further, because you’ve just found them. And as the cheapest option, it’s good to keep your expectations realistic when evaluating what the Kahtoola K-10 crampons have to offer.

With strap-on bindings, the K-10 have a near-universal compatibility with all types of trekking footwear. Once you’ve adjusted them to fit the size of your foot, slip them over your favorite boots and cinch them tight. They’re quite easy to put on, and just as easy to take off again, making them very similar to a pair of microspikes. In fact, I would basically just consider these a pair of glorified microspikes, with longer, thicker spikes and a more secure grip.

Great for snow and ice, they work well on frosty trails of all elevations. However, it’s worth noting that they don’t do well on mixed terrain, so try to stay off the rock as much as possible. The stainless-steel points will need some sharpening after your trip if you walked directly on rock for any significant amount of time. You’ll also need to give them a good wash in between uses to prevent the accumulation of rust, but that’s good practice for any crampons that you end up buying.

C.A.M.P. Skimo Tour Crampons

As the lightest pair of crampons in our review, the C.A.M.P. Skimo Tour crampons are for a very select group of people. Made from aluminum, it’s not surprising that these are lighter than their steel counterparts. However, as we know, aluminum isn’t nearly as durable as steel, which is why I consider this to be a very niche product.

What niche, you might ask? Well, the Skimo Tours were designed for ski mountaineering, which values fast, lightweight efficiency. As such, I wouldn’t recommend them using for most mountaineering pursuits that require extended hiking over rough terrain. The aluminum spikes won’t hold up well in the long run with that kind of beating.

Some ski boots have toe and heel welts, which can be attached to the bails on the crampons. This makes it easy to switch between skis and crampons when you’re out exploring the backcountry. And if you want to shave the weight down even more, consider getting the Dyneema linking straps that allow the crampons to fold in on themselves for easier packing. With those straps, you can bring the weight down to 0.77 pounds instead.

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FAQ

Final Thoughts

Without crampons, many mountaineering expeditions would be impossible to complete. Even for something a bit milder, like glacier hiking, crampons can move the needle enough to get you out of immediate danger. However, not all of them are created equal, with some being ideal for vertical ice walls and others working best on low grade slopes.

The best mountaineering crampons are the ones that meet your needs the best, and that’s something that only you can decide. That being said, we believe that the Petzl Lynx are the toughest and most versatile crampons out there, effectively meeting the needs of most mountaineers and hikers.