The Best Crampons for Your Hike or Climb
When it comes to trekking in the ice or snow, there are a few essentials any well-seasoned explorer will stand behind. A good pair of crampons is one of those absolute essentials. When you're exploring snowy and icy terrain, crampons will keep you far safer and more secure than just simple boots. In fact, crampons were originally designed for ice climbing, so it's no wonder they work well for less technical conditions, too. The one caveat? With crampons, quality really matters. When it comes to safety on more dangerous surfaces, it's paramount to find crampons that fit and stay put, have superior gripping capabilities, and remain that way even after extensive wear. We've selected a few of the best ones out there, so take a look below.
Cimkiz Crampons Ice Cleats
With nearly forty spikes per pair, these stainless steel crampons feature a firm chain system that stays put in a variety of intense terrains. Made with a durable, stretchy TPE material, they remain sturdy even at extreme temperatures, so there’s no need for you to worry about ripping and tearing here. And what’s perhaps the best part about these is that they’re flexible and lightweight, making them ideal for slipping them into a backpack or even a jacket pocket so that they’re at the ready when you need them.
Pros:
- Includes carry bag for increased portability
- Unisex fit
- Won’t snap, even in intense cold down to -45°C
Cons:
- These work best on ice or light snow, as deeper snow can get stuck in the rubber portion
- Order up a size for the best fit
Ceestyle Eleven Spikes Crampons
Low-key adventure approved
Although a pair of crampons with tough spikes might provide better traction in extreme conditions, they’re a bit much when it comes to lighter adventure. These ones from Ceestyle are the ideal solution. Featuring eleven stainless steel spikes similar in size to a screw head, these offer lightweight gripping power for easy backyard adventures. Attached to a thick, cold-resistant rubber and fitting up and over the foot and heel, these crampons offer safety and security in conditions where an aggressive tread and better traction are needed, but spikes would just be too much.
Pros:
- Suitable to temperatures of -45°C
- Durable spikes resist dents and breakage
- Superior placement of spikes makes you more secure walking on icy terrain
Cons:
- The rubber portion fits a bit loosely
- These are not rust-resistant, so make sure to fully dry them after wear
Unigear Traction Cleats for Ice and Snow
Durable, high-quality craftsmanship
When you live in an icy area and venture out for regular outdoorsy adventures, it doesn’t make much sense to cut corners on quality for cost. When safety is important and quality matters yet you don’t want to shell out a chunk of change, what’s the solution? Unigear seems to have the solution with these traction cleats. Durable, well-fitting, and offering superior traction, these crampons go the distance at a cost-effective price point. These are true heavy-duty crampons that offer incredible security in even the worst of conditions.
Pros:
- Heat-treated footbed traction
- Upper rubber locking system that fits over the entire shoe
- Strap for superior fit
Cons:
- Not the most ideal for heavy, slushy snow
- Putting them on is a bit of a hassle
Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats for Snow and Ice
Suitable for everyday walks
When you live in a snowy area, having a pair of everyday crampons is a must. But where heavy, noisy chains and spikes might be overkill, a simplified version with traction coils makes complete sense. Providing a full 360° of traction, these durable rubber tracks easily slip on your shoes for a comfortable, practical fit. A removable foot strap and full footbed fit complete the security detail of these cleats, making them ideal for packed snow and icy conditions on sidewalks and driveways.
Pros:
- Tested and rated to withstand extreme temperatures as low as -41°C
- Unisex fit available in a wide range of sizes
- Lightweight enough for everyday wear
Cons:
- The fit on these tracks are very small, so order up at least one size
- Not for more intense conditions
Kahtoola K 10 Hiking Crampon
Mountaineer-approved
If you like extreme weather and extreme hiking, a casual crampon just isn’t going to cut it. For tough conditions, only tough gear will do. Kahtoola’s hiking crampon features an ultra-lightweight flexible binding that fits expertly to the footbed of your shoe, creating a seamless fit for an essential piece of gear. With durable steel spikes that are a full 3/4″ in length, these will help you navigate icy peaks with confidence.
Pros:
- Lightweight yet durable
- Secure fit and adjustability
- Made in the USA of extremely high-quality materials
Cons:
- These are for more extreme conditions, and the cost reflects that
- The buckles are hard to undo in icy conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
How should crampons fit?
It’s important to have well-fitting crampons; otherwise, they’re pretty useless. Too small, and they’ll roll off your shoe when you need them the most. Too big, and they’ll become a safety hazard for tripping. The trick is finding a pair that has a tight fit, but not so tight that the rubber portion feels like it will snap. It helps when there are upper portions or straps for further adjusting. Still unsure? It can help to head into an outdoor gear store and speak with a specialist who can help you find that perfect fit.
When should you wear crampons?
Crampons are awesome for everything from everyday use to more technical hikes. Because there is a wide range of uses for crampons, there are many different types of crampons out there. From coils to spikes to full-on mountaineering blades, crampons offer the utmost safety in situations where security is needed the most. If you live in an area that sees a lot of snow and ice, it can be beneficial to keep a pair of crampons on hand at all times.