CRAMPONS are a key piece of kit in winter. As our literal connection to the ground, they are vitally important in making sure we stay the right way up. It’s interesting to reflect that in the early years of alpinism, they were regarded by some as bad sportspersonship!
The increase in the popularity of micro-spikes over the last few years has led to some confusion as to whether more traditional crampons are still necessary. Can we can get away with something smaller and lighter?
Whilst microspikes find their niche on icy and low-angled paths, crampons are still the tool to use to get us into and around the higher and steeper mountains with confidence.
Crampons come equipped with longer, wider spikes and can be more securely attached to our footwear, allowing superior traction on the slopes, summits and even beyond, into mountaineering terrain.
Here, I have tested three ‘C2’ crampons, which are a great middle ground for being comfortable to walk
