10 Best Crampons For Ice Climbing (2024 Update)

When you shop through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. This educational content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.

Ice climbing is a thrilling yet challenging activity that requires proper equipment and gear to ensure safety and efficiency. Among the essential gear for ice climbing are crampons, which are sharp spikes that attach to the bottom of your boots to provide traction on ice and snow. When looking for crampons for ice climbing, there are five key points to consider.

Firstly, consider the type of ice climbing you will be doing. Different types of ice climbing require different types of crampons, such as vertical ice climbing or mixed climbing. Secondly, consider the fit of the crampons to your boots. A proper fit ensures that the crampons will not come loose while climbing, which could lead to a dangerous fall. Thirdly, consider the materials and construction of the crampons. High-quality materials and sturdy construction will ensure that the crampons are durable and long-lasting.

Fourthly, consider the number and size of the points on the crampons. The more points and the longer they are, the more traction and stability you will have while climbing. Lastly, consider the weight and ease of transport of the crampons. Lightweight crampons are easier to carry and won't weigh you down while climbing.

In summary, when looking for crampons for ice climbing, consider the type of climbing, fit, materials and construction, number and size of points, and weight and ease of transport. By considering these key points, you will be able to find the best crampons for your ice climbing needs.

10 Best Crampons For Ice Climbing

1. Petzl Vasak Crampons – 12-Point Classic Crampons For Mountaineering, Ski Touring, And Glacier Travel With Flexlock.

The Petzl VASAK Crampons are a 12-point classic crampon designed for mountaineering, ski touring, and glacier travel. With its ALPEN ADAPT modular system, you can reconfigure your crampons to fit your adventure, switch bindings, swap out front sections, and install a lighter heel section or flexible linking bars, allowing you to do more with only one pair of crampons.

The VASAK steel crampon excels during classic mountaineering adventures, providing comfort and bite while walking. Its 12-point configuration allows for precise placements and unparalleled traction, ensuring a secure grip on any terrain. The length of the two front points is optimized to enhance grip and prevent slips, making it ideal for challenging ascents.

The Petzl ANTI-SNOW system limits snow buildup in a variety of snow conditions, keeping your crampons lightweight and easy to maneuver. This feature is particularly useful during extended periods of travel on snow-covered terrain, where snow buildup can cause instability and difficulty.

The VASAK LEVERLOCK UNIVERSEL crampons are designed for boots with heel welts, equipped with bi-position linking bars for a large range of boot sizes from 36 to 50. The tool-free length adjustment feature ensures a comfortable and secure fit, allowing you to focus on your adventure without worrying about your gear.

In addition to its versatile design and unparalleled traction, the Petzl VASAK Crampons are also durable and built to last. With proper care, the crampons can be used for years, making it a worthy investment for any mountaineering enthusiast.

Overall, the Petzl VASAK Crampons are an excellent choice for mountaineering, ski touring, and glacier travel adventures. Its modular design, anti-snow system, and unparalleled traction make it a reliable and versatile piece of equipment for any outdoor enthusiast.

2. Grivel G22 Ice New-Matic Technical Crampon, Yellow, One Size

The Grivel G22 Ice New-Matic Technical Crampon is an innovative and highly effective piece of mountaineering equipment that has been designed to provide unparalleled grip and stability on even the most challenging icy terrains. This remarkable crampon is the result of years of research and development, and is the evolution of the highly acclaimed G20 model that has set new standards of lightness in the technical crampon market.

One of the standout features of the G22 is its innovative MONO-RAIL technology, which has been patented by Grivel. This technology intelligently distributes the points of the crampon in an original and highly effective way, providing exceptional grip and stability on even the most challenging of surfaces. The G22 comes equipped with two hot-forged front points, which are designed to provide maximum traction and stability even in the most demanding of conditions.

Despite its impressive performance capabilities, the G22 is also one of the lightest dual point tech crampons on the market, weighing in at just 925 grams with front and rear antiballing included. This is thanks to the use of high-quality materials such as chromoly steel, which provides the necessary strength and durability while also keeping weight to a minimum.

The Grivel G22 is available in one size that fits sizes 37-48 (Women's 6 to Men's 15), making it a versatile option for a wide range of climbers and mountaineers. The crampon also comes with an active antibott included, which helps to prevent snow and ice build-up underfoot, further enhancing grip and stability.

In addition to its impressive technical capabilities, the Grivel G22 is also CE and UIAA certified, ensuring that it meets the highest standards of quality and safety. This makes it an ideal choice for climbers and mountaineers who demand the very best in terms of performance, reliability, and safety.

Overall, the Grivel G22 Ice New-Matic Technical Crampon is a remarkable piece of mountaineering equipment that offers exceptional grip, stability, and performance on even the most challenging icy terrains. With its innovative MONO-RAIL technology, lightweight design, and high-quality materials, it is the ultimate choice for climbers and mountaineers who demand the very best.

3. Brs-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Aluminium Alloy Crampons For Footwear With Ice Gripper For Outdoor Ice Climbing (Golden)

The BRS-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Aluminium Alloy Bundled Crampons Ice Gripper Outdoor Ice Climbing Kits Crampons for Footwear (Golden) is a reliable and versatile outdoor gear designed for ice climbing, ski mountaineering, glacier hiking, and other outdoor activities.

This crampon is made from lightweight 7075-series aluminum alloy frame, making it easy to carry and use. The frame comes with an adjustment bar linking the front and back parts, ensuring a secure fit for footwear of EU 36 – 45 size. With its semi-rigid frame, the crampon offers a degree of shock absorption and greater resistance to strain, making it a durable and long-lasting outdoor gear.

The BRS-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Aluminium Alloy Bundled Crampons Ice Gripper Outdoor Ice Climbing Kits Crampons for Footwear (Golden) boasts a universal and durable strapping system that provides maximum versatility and fits most boots. It features 14 points, including 2 horizontal front points, specifically designed for ice climbing, ski mountaineering, and glacier hiking. These points provide excellent traction and grip on icy and slippery surfaces, ensuring a safe and stable footing in challenging outdoor conditions.

It is important to note that the crampons are tested at the elevation of 6000M, making them suitable for use on high altitudes less than 6000M. This means that the product is reliable and can withstand harsh outdoor conditions, making it a must-have for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals alike.

In conclusion, the BRS-S3 Ultralight 14 Teeth Aluminium Alloy Bundled Crampons Ice Gripper Outdoor Ice Climbing Kits Crampons for Footwear (Golden) is a top-quality outdoor gear that offers excellent traction, stability, and durability in challenging outdoor conditions. Its lightweight and versatile design make it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts and professionals looking for a reliable and efficient crampon.

4. Kahtoola Kts Steel Hiking Crampons With Srs (M/l)

The Kahtoola KTS Steel Hiking Crampons with SRS (M/L) are the perfect accessory for winter hiking and backpacking. These crampons offer a customizable fit while also being highly packable, making them ideal for those who want to move fast and light over a wide range of non-technical terrain.

The K10 hiking crampons feature 10 spikes per foot with a 3/4-inch spike length. This spike design delivers increased stability, making them ideal for all-day hiking and backpacking. They are best suited for use with hiking shoes and boots and can be used on and off mountain trails.

The two buckle closure Quick-Fit-Binding system with independent front and rear bindings allows the tension to remain constant, which increases overall stability. The patented dual-layer stainless steel LeafSpring Flex Bar is specifically designed for use with flexible footwear, allowing the user to move fast and light over a wide range of non-technical terrain.

Kahtoola is a company that was established in 1999 with a mission to build exceptional products that make the outdoors more accessible and rewarding. The Kahtoola KTS Steel Hiking Crampons with SRS (M/L) come with a 2-year manufacturer warranty, and shoes are not included.

In summary, the Kahtoola KTS Steel Hiking Crampons with SRS (M/L) are ideal for winter hiking and backpacking. They offer a customizable fit, are highly packable, and provide increased stability with their 10 spikes per foot spike design. The LeafSpring Flex Bar allows for fast and light movement over a wide range of non-technical terrain. The two buckle closure Quick-Fit-Binding system with independent front and rear bindings ensures the tension remains constant, increasing overall stability. With a 2-year manufacturer warranty and the backing of Kahtoola's exceptional products, these crampons are a must-have for any winter adventurer.

5. Cassin Blade Runner Crampons – Size 2

The Cassin Blade Runner Crampons are the pinnacle of technical ice climbing gear. They are designed to provide maximum versatility for climbers who need a crampon that can handle a variety of terrain and conditions.

One of the standout features of the Blade Runner Crampons is the patented heel slide design. This innovative system integrates the benefits of both vertical and horizontal frame crampons, providing the best of both worlds in terms of stability and agility. The heel slide is constructed from a proprietary Sandvik Nanoflex steel, which offers the optimal blend of strength, flex, and lightweight performance. This means that climbers can rely on the Blade Runner Crampons to provide the support and grip they need without weighing them down or impeding their movement.

Another key feature of the Blade Runner Crampons is the interchangeable front points. These points are easy to switch from dual to mono, centered or offset, depending on the specific needs of the climb. This means that climbers can customize their crampons to suit the terrain and conditions they are facing, ensuring that they have the best possible grip and stability at all times.

In addition to the interchangeable front points, the Blade Runner Crampons also come with optional snow points. These points are designed to optimize the crampons for alpine terrain, where snow and ice are common. By using the snow points, climbers can ensure that they have the best possible grip and stability on snow and ice, making it easier to navigate tricky alpine terrain.

Overall, the Cassin Blade Runner Crampons are the most versatile technical ice crampon on the market. With their innovative heel slide design, interchangeable front points, and optional snow points, they are the perfect choice for climbers who demand the best possible performance from their gear. Whether you are tackling steep ice, mixed terrain, or alpine routes, the Blade Runner Crampons will help you stay safe and secure every step of the way.

6. Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons

The Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons are a high-quality and durable option for those seeking reliable traction while mountaineering or ice climbing. Made from stainless steel, these crampons are built to last and resist rust while also being lightweight for ease of use.

One of the standout features of these crampons is their lower-profile fit, which allows for better contact with modern boots. This means that users can expect a more secure fit and improved stability while navigating steep and icy terrain.

Another key aspect of the Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons is their flexible toe strap, which is designed to fit most types of footwear. This means that users don't have to worry about purchasing specialized gear just to use these crampons, making them a versatile option for a range of outdoor activities.

Despite their sturdy construction, the Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons are also compact and easy to use. They can be quickly and securely attached to boots, making them a convenient option for those who want to spend less time fussing with gear and more time exploring the great outdoors.

To further enhance their performance and safety, these crampons also come with dual-density ABS. This feature helps to prevent snow balling, which can be a major hazard while climbing or traversing snowy slopes.

Overall, the Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons are an excellent choice for anyone who needs reliable traction while exploring icy and steep terrain. With their durable construction, versatile fit, and convenient design, these crampons are a top-quality option for outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.

7. Brs Teeth Ice Crampons With Carabiner For Snow Hiking And Climbing.

The BRS S1B Teeth Ice Crampons Snow Skid Spikes Winter Snow Boots Shoe Cover Clips with a Carabiner are a must-have for anyone who enjoys outdoor snow hiking and climbing. These crampons are designed to provide excellent traction on various cold surfaces, ensuring maximum stability and grip for the user.

Made of high-strength steel nail chain and elastic wire harness, these crampons are designed to withstand extreme cold temperatures while maintaining their shape and stability. The durable elastic wire harness ensures that the crampons are firmly fixed onto the shoe, providing maximum grip and stability even in low temperatures.

These crampons are made of high-density manganese steel and chrome spray paint, which makes them highly durable and long-lasting. The high hardness and good toughness of the steel make these crampons effective in complex outdoor environments, providing maximum grip and stability on even the most challenging terrain.

With 14 teeth, these crampons are the most common teeth among professional crampons. They offer excellent grip enhancement and stability, making them ideal for light climbing of snowy mountains and summer ski trails. The strong grip effect ensures that the user is always safe and secure, even on steep slopes or uneven terrain.

The BRS S1B Teeth Ice Crampons Snow Skid Spikes Winter Snow Boots Shoe Cover Clips with a Carabiner also feature high temperature resistant TPU, ensuring that the plastic parts remain stable in extreme temperatures ranging from -50℃ to 60℃. This makes them ideal for use in all weather conditions, ensuring that the user is always comfortable and safe.

In conclusion, the BRS S1B Teeth Ice Crampons Snow Skid Spikes Winter Snow Boots Shoe Cover Clips with a Carabiner are a must-have for anyone who enjoys outdoor snow hiking and climbing. With their excellent grip and stability, long-lasting durability, and high temperature resistance, these crampons are the perfect addition to any outdoor enthusiast's gear collection.

8. Grivel G20 Plus Crampon One Color, Cramp-O-Matic

The Grivel G20 Plus Crampon is an essential tool for ice climbing, mixed climbing, and dry tooling enthusiasts. The crampon is designed to provide reliable traction on icy surfaces, making it an ideal choice for adventurous climbers.

The Grivel G20 Plus Crampon is made of steel and forged steel, making it a durable and long-lasting tool. The front points are made of forged steel, which ensures maximum penetration on hard ice. The plastic components of the crampon provide a comfortable and secure fit, making it easy to wear for extended periods of time.

The Grivel G20 Plus Crampon is certified by CE EN 893 and UIAA 153, ensuring that it meets the highest safety standards. These certifications provide peace of mind to climbers, knowing that their equipment has undergone rigorous testing and meets strict safety guidelines.

The Grivel G20 Plus Crampon weighs 845g (29.8 oz), making it lightweight and easy to carry during climbing expeditions. The crampon is available in sizes ranging from 37-48, ensuring a comfortable fit for a wide range of foot sizes.

The Cramp-O-Matic binding system on the Grivel G20 Plus Crampon is designed for a secure and easy fit. The binding system is easy to adjust and does not require any tools, making it convenient for climbers to make adjustments on the fly.

Overall, the Grivel G20 Plus Crampon is a reliable and durable tool for ice climbing, mixed climbing, and dry tooling. Its high-quality construction, certifications, and lightweight design make it an essential tool for any adventurous climber.

9. Petzl Irvis Leverlock Universal Crampons – 10-Point Crampons For Ski Touring And Glacier Travel

The Petzl IRVIS Leverlock Universal Crampons are a versatile and modular system designed to adapt to various types of adventure. With the ALPEN ADAPT system, users can easily switch bindings, front sections, and linking bars to customize their crampons for different activities. This means that with one pair of crampons, you can do more and have the right gear for every situation.

The IRVIS steel crampon is ideal for glacier travel, ski touring, and classic mountaineering adventures. Its 10-point configuration provides excellent stability on ice, while the 2 wide front points help you tackle steep snow. The crampons are optimized for small to medium size boots and feature compact front sections that minimize bulk and make it easier to transport.

One of the standout features of the Petzl IRVIS Leverlock Universal Crampons is the ANTI-SNOW system. This system is designed to limit snow buildup in various snow conditions, ensuring that you can maintain good traction and stability. This feature is particularly useful when traversing deep snow or wet conditions, where snow buildup can be a real problem.

To ensure that you get the right fit, the IRVIS LEVERLOCK UNIVERSEL crampons are designed for boots with heel welts. This means that they are compatible with most mountain and ski boots, but you should double-check before purchasing to ensure that they will work with your specific boots.

Overall, the Petzl IRVIS Leverlock Universal Crampons are a top-performing option for anyone looking for a versatile and adaptable crampon system. Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or just starting out, these crampons will help you tackle whatever adventure comes your way.

Best Crampons For Ice Climbing FAQs

How do you choose the right crampon for your ice climbing needs?

Choosing the right crampon for ice climbing is crucial to ensure maximum safety and performance. Firstly, consider the type of ice climbing you'll be doing, as different types of crampons are designed for different activities. For example, vertical ice climbing requires crampons with vertical front points, while mixed climbing needs horizontal front points. Secondly, look at the material of the crampon. Steel crampons are durable and long-lasting, but heavier, while aluminum crampons are lightweight but less durable. Thirdly, consider the fit of the crampon. It should fit snugly on your boot and not slip off. Finally, think about the ease of use and adjustability of the crampon. Some crampons have quick-release systems or adjustable bar lengths, which can make a difference in the ease of use. Ultimately, it's important to choose a crampon that fits your needs and skill level, and to consult with a professional if you're unsure.

How do you properly fit and adjust crampons for ice climbing?

Properly fitting and adjusting crampons for ice climbing is crucial for safety and performance. First, ensure that the crampons are compatible with the boots and the activity. Next, adjust the length of the crampons using the heel clip and front bail to fit snugly on the boots. The front points should be centered under the ball of the foot, and the secondary points should be aligned with the boot sole. Adjust the tension of the straps or chains to ensure a secure fit without causing discomfort or restricting circulation. Test the crampons by walking on flat ground before using them on the ice. Make sure to periodically check and readjust the crampons throughout the climb to maintain optimal performance and safety. Properly fitting and adjusting crampons requires attention to detail, patience, and knowledge of the equipment.

What are the best types of crampons for ice climbing?

There are different types of crampons available in the market, but the best type for ice climbing would depend on the kind of terrain you will be traversing. Generally, there are two types of crampons – strap-on and step-in. Strap-on crampons are usually more versatile and can be used with various types of boots. They are also easier to adjust and are more affordable than step-in crampons. On the other hand, step-in crampons offer better security and are more stable, but they require a specific type of boot with a toe and heel welts to attach them properly.

For ice climbing, you would need crampons with horizontal front points that are shorter than those of mountaineering crampons. This feature allows for better precision and stability when climbing vertical ice. Additionally, you should consider the material of the crampons. Stainless steel is more durable and rust-resistant, but it can be heavier than aluminum.

Ultimately, the best type of crampons for ice climbing would depend on your experience level, budget, and the type of ice climbing you will be doing. It is essential to do research and consult with experienced climbers to choose the best crampons for your needs.

What are the key features to look for when buying crampons for ice climbing?

When buying crampons for ice climbing, there are several key features to consider. First, the type of front point is important. A mono-point is best for technical ice climbing, while dual points are better for general mountaineering. Second, the material and construction of the crampons should be considered. They should be made of durable materials such as stainless steel or chromoly steel, and have a strong, reliable construction. Third, the fit of the crampons is important. They should fit securely and comfortably on your boots, and be easily adjustable for different sizes. Fourth, the anti-balling plates should be effective at preventing snow and ice buildup. Finally, the weight and packability of the crampons should be considered, as they can add significant weight to your gear and need to be easily transportable.

What are the safety considerations when using crampons for ice climbing?

When using crampons for ice climbing, safety considerations are crucial to ensure a successful and safe climb. Firstly, it is important to ensure the crampons fit properly and are securely fastened to the boots. Secondly, one should inspect the crampons for any signs of damage, wear and tear, and ensure that the points are sharp and in good condition. Thirdly, wearing a helmet, harness, and appropriate clothing is essential to protect oneself from potential falls or ice debris. Fourthly, one must be aware of the terrain and potential hazards such as loose rocks or unstable ice formations. Finally, it is vital to have the necessary skills and experience to use the crampons effectively, including self-arrest techniques, rope handling skills, and knowledge of the surrounding environment. By following these safety considerations, ice climbers can minimize the risk of accidents and enjoy a successful climb.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sharing is caring!