My top pick for the best crampons goes to the Petzl VASAK. This is a C2 crampon, so you will need a compatible boot (B2) that fits the clip system at the back. They are ideal for steep winter walking or scrambling on medium angled snowy / icy slopes.
For a good C1 crampon that's ideal for general hiking in snowy / icy conditions check out the Camp Stalker Universal Crampons. You will need a B1 hiking boot (i.e. one that has some flex in the sole).
The best crampon for ice climbing and technical mountaineering, I recommend the Grivel G12 Cramp-O-Matic Crampon.
Best Crampons (Top Picks)
Best C2 Crampon
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Best C1 Crampon
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Best C3 Crampon
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Top Crampons For Climbing (Detailed Reviews)
We reviewed over 16 crampons for this article. Below are the best crampons that made our short list:
- Petzl VASAK Crampons – Best Overall
- PETZL Irvis Hybrid Leverlock – Best Lightweight
- Black Diamond Serac
- Camp Stalker Universal – Best Value
- PETZL Leopard LLF
- Grivel G12 Cramp-O-Matic Crampon – Best For General Mountaineering
Read our complete buyers guide for crampons.
Best Overall Crampons
1. Petzl VASAK Crampons (C2)
The Petzl VASAK Crampons, are great overall classic mountaineering crampons that have been designed with many uses in mind. Whether you are travelling over glaciers or snow couloirs, these are a good choice.
VASAK crampons are intended for the more experienced climber, they are lightweight due to a slimmer frame, easy to strap on and have excellent grip and purchase.
The Petzl Vasak crampons come in a Flexlock or Leverlock Universal version. The Flexlock version enables you to use these crampons on boots which don't have toe or heel welts and is fully adjustable for any boot size. The Leverlock Universal version is used for boots that have a heel welt. The front bale can be changed to work on boots with or without a toe welt as required.
They feature a patented Anti-snow system preventing snow build up that can become dangerous and works well even in knee-deep snow. You will feel stable and secure on your climbing adventure when using these crampons.
These C2 crampons are suitable for technical winter scrambles, winter climbing and alpinism. They will work perfectly with a B2 or B3 mountaineering boot.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
With 12 tempered steel spikes, these Petzl VASAK crampons will make you feel confident and stable on your ice climbing adventure and are the perfect choice for alpine climbs, mountaineering and moderate winter climbing.
2. PETZL Irvis Hybrid Leverlock (C2)
At 570 g PETZL Irvis Hybrid Leverlock comes with a solid antisnow system and is super compact. These crampons have great traction on ice thanks to 10 contact points - the aluminium heel and steel front. This difference in metal seems to help with balancing the weight.
Although made with ski and glacier approaches in mind, IRVIS are good for rock balancing also, and so I good for glacier crosses where ice, snow and rocks are all in a mix.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
3. Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons Militr (C2)
5/5 Overall Rating
Whenever you're climbing ice in frigid, brutal, but fun conditions, you'll need something on your side to make the climb easier, and Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons Militr have everything that you need.
The durability of the Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons Militr makes them reliable and sturdy while the design remains lightweight, making them ideal for alpine approaches.
Made from a lightweight, but sturdy stainless Steel to prevent rust, these very strong crampons can carry you just about anywhere without your body suffering. The horizontal 12 points offer a great deal of stability. A toe strap allows you to
The flexible toe strap fits most non-technical footwear, making it compact and easy to use so you can precisely place your foot in every slippery hold you encounter. . It also includes dual-density ABS.
These C2 crampons have everything that you need this winter. They are suitable for technical winter scrambles, winter climbing or alpinism. They will work perfectly with B2 or B3 mountaineering boot.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
For all the above reasons combined, the Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons has a biting, stable design which makes for great technical alpine climbing.
4. Camp Stalker Universal (C1)
4/5 Overall Rating
The Camp Stalker Universal Crampons are suitable for hiking, trekking, mountaineering, ski mountaineering and backpacking.
Made from a tough chromoly steel that lasts forever and the 12 robust points have excellent traction. These handcrafted crampons are made to fit most mountaineering and hiking boots.
They have a thermoplastic heel and toe harnesses that wrap around your boot and are secured with durable nylon straps. Plus, the flexible linking bars with pre-shaped front platforms adapt as you walk!
While these crampons are slightly heavier than others, this also makes them very sturdy. They work great on beds of rock and steep snow.
The Camp Stalker crampons are very popular among hikers and are easy to use during their winter hiking adventures or high altitude hikes. When climbing across snow and ice over steep inclines (45 degrees), these crampons will work great.
Due to their versatility, durability and affordable price tag, it's easy to see why these are Camp's best selling crampons!
These C1 crampons are suitable for winter walking, glacier traverses and classic mountaineering. They will work perfectly with B1, B2, or B3 graded boots.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Camp Stalker Universal Crampons are made for winter hikes and trails, making them great for hiking; but it's best to consider a higher graded crampon for more technical and intense climbing.
5. PETZL Leopard LLF
PETZL Leopard LLF are made with the softer metal - aluminium, which means they aren't suitable for pure ice ascents as this metal wears off easier than, say, steel. Yet, they are one of the lightest pairs of crampons with a solid track record.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The PETZL Leopard LLF are extremely versatile! If you can afford them, these come highly recommended.
6. Grivel G12 Cramp-O-Matic Crampon (C3)
Grivel G12 Cramp-O-Matic Crampon are our top choice for general mountaineering adventures.
It is an older crampon but has stood the test of time and is proven to perform! It's the perfect all-rounder and is coated with plastic to melt snow foster. This, combined with the anti-balling plates means snow won't be a hassle at all.
It has a semi-rigid design which allows for compatibility with a variety of boots and is designed using lighter chromoly steel to keep you moving at ease. Plus, it's hand adjustable and folds away easily!
This is a durable and excellent quality crampon, which also features 2+2 front points, 3D relief stamped for increased rigidity and a horizontal frame to reduce flex.
The Grivel G12 Cramp-O-Matic is a C3 crampon and works well for ice climbing and technical mountaineering. They will only work with a B3 graded boot.
Main Features
What we like
What we dislike
Key Takeaway
The Grivel G12 Cramp-O-Matic Crampon crampon comes in a New-Matic version which is a C2 graded crampon that can be used for winter climbing and apline climbs. It is a great option for less technical climbs and work with a B2 or B3 boot.
Crampons Buyer's Guide
Crampons are totally necessary if you plan to climb glaciers and icy terrains. What kind of crampons you purchase should ultimately depend on the activity you want to use them for, and there are several aspects to consider per activity.
They are designed with a specific purpose in mind and are graded according to their purpose and fit. Different grades are compatible with specific boots. It is highly important to have the correct crampons for your boots and that the crampons are reliable when climbing on slippery and steep icy surfaces!
Use our guidelines below to find the right pair for you.
Crampons & Boots
Boots
Boots are graded according to their suitability for certain terrains and activities. they rank from B0 (not suitable to use with crampons) to B3 (the most technical mountaineering boots).
Crampons
Crampons are also graded according to the technicality of your climb and to the binding of the crampon to your boot.
- C1 Crampons are suitable for winter hikes and glacier traverses. They are compatible with B1, B2 or B3 boots.
- C2 Crampons are suitable for technical winter scrambles, winter climbing and alpinism. They are compatible with B2 and B3 boots.
- C3 Crampons are suitable for ice climbing and technical mountaineering adventures. They are to be used with B3 boots only!
Crampon Frames & Material
Crampon frames depict the durability and strength of the overall crampon design. The 3 characteristics that you should take note of in a crampon frame are its material, weight and alignment. Crampons made of steel offer durability that makes them necessary for technical, steep and icy terrain.
Steel crampons are generally the best for mountaineering.
Stainless-steel crampons have the same benefits, as well as being rust-resistant and extremely strong.
Aluminium crampons are better for approaches and ski mountaineering and tend to be the lightest, but with a typically decreased durability rate and less strength. Therefore, their lightness makes them ideal for alpine climbs, but they will wear out faster than steel on technical, rough climbs.
As for frame alignment, modern crampons have progressed to generally have horizontally oriented frames, which can flex for walking and keeps your feet closer to the ground than vertical frames would (which increases stability).
Points/Spikes
Traditionally, crampons have 10 underfoot points and two front points that can be vertically or horizontally oriented – so 12 twelve points altogether. 10-point crampons are usually reserved for basic snow travel and ski mountaineering, with a limited capability for intense climbing.
The nature and shape of your crampon’s front spikes are where you should focus your attention to when buying crampons.
Vertically oriented front points are rigid and sharp to act as an ice-tool pick. They are much more precise than horizontal points, with the ability to slip easily into cracks and fraction ice less. They are generally adjustable and replaceable and preferred for steep mixed climbs.
Horizontally oriented points are amazing for alpine treks. They navigate through snow much better than vertical points and can perform really well on vertical ice.
Points are either modular (adjustable), which you can reconfigure to support your type of activity, or non-modular (fixed).
Binding Type
The binding type of the crampon is the way it attaches to a boot, and it is important to take note of what shoes you plan to wear so that you can correlate your crampons accordingly. Bindings comes in 3 types.
The first is called hybrid, which feature a heel lever and toe strap. To use a hybrid, you need a boot with a stiff sole and heel groove or welt to hold the heel lever. Hybrids are nice and easy to use.
The second is the step-in binding. Here, a wire bail holds the toe in place and a heel cable with a tension lever connects the crampon to the heel – this results in a very secure system. Commonly an ankle strap is included in this binding. To use this binding you need boots with rigid soles and a 3/8” or larger welt or groove on the heel and toe.
Lastly, the strap-on system contains a pair of nylon webbing straps and can be used with any boot or shoe. This makes them great if you are using multiple boots with the same crampon.
Intended Use & Conditions
The last major point should draw back to what activity you would like to do.
Snow Walking
Opt for aluminium or steel crampon frames with 8-10 points, including fixed horizontal frontpoints, and strap-on binding.
Hiking
Steel crampons with 10 points, with fixed horizontal frontpoints, is ideal, and any type of binding can be used. The same applies to technical mountaineering, although we recommend aiming for 12 points instead of 10.
Waterfall Ice and Mixed Climbing
Steel crampons with 14+ points, including modular vertical frontpoint, with either a hybrid or step-in binding is recommended.
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you showed campons whitch seemed to have some sort of chain fixing .whati need will be used for light wheight us perhaps you can help
Hi Geoff, not sure I understand your question, but for basic hill walking in snow you might be looking for yak tracks -> https://www.amazon.co.uk/Yaktrax-Traction-Device-Extra-Large/dp/B0094GO7PU/