Crampons are a framework of spikes that are attached to boots to provide traction on snow and ice. General purpose crampons designed for most mountaineering and glacier travel are not well suited for ice climbing. For ice climbing, specialized crampons that provide better support for front pointing is advised. Most crampons require welted boots to ensure proper fitting.
Crampons with 10 points were first introduced by Europeans in the early 1900s. In the 1930s, two additional forward-slanting points were added, thus creating today's 12-point crampons. While 12-point crampons are now the norm, a few 10 point crampons can still be found on the market. The two additional front points further reduced step-chopping and allowed the climber to "front-point" up steep snow and ice. The angles of the first two rows of points also determine the best use for a particular set of crampons. If the first row (front points) bend downward and the second row is angled towards the toe, this reduces calf strain by allowing the boot heel to be lower. In this case, these crampons are better suited for front-pointing. When straight points are used instead, the crampons are much better suited for general mountaineering.
Instep (4/6 point)
Scramblers and backpackers who have the need to cross an occasional low-angled snow field, can purchase smaller four or six point instep crampons. Since these style of crampons do not have points on the heel or toe, they do not work well for mountaineering, steep snow slopes or ice.
Hinged versus Rigid
There are also two types of crampons: hinged and rigid. Hinged crampons provide flex at the instep and bend with the natural motion of walking and thus are the preferred style for almost any type of mountaineering except steep technical ice climbing. A rigid crampon does not bend at the instep so when climbing up steep technical ice, they allow the climber to keep their heel lower when front-pointing, thus less tiring as a result. However, rigid crampons tend to be heavier and will not perform as well in mixed terrain. Generally, most people will use hinged crampons.
Crampons are a framework of spikes that are attached to boots to provide traction on snow and ice.
While crampons are an invaluable tool for a mountaineer, they were not used as often as today until the development of plastic-shelled climbing boots, because the straps used to affix the crampons to early mountaineering boots (which were made of leather) had a tendency to restrict bloodflow to the feet of the wearer.
Crampons are usually made of hardened steel, but lighter weight aluminum crampons are popular for alpine ski touring where the need for them is less frequent and counterbalanced by the need for a light pack yielding fast, efficient travel over long distances.
Crampons can be divided into five categories according to the type of terrain they are designed for: waterfall ice; general mountaineering; technical alpine ice; trekking/hiking; and ski mountaineering.
This is because of the great tendency of waterfall crampons to "ball up" when walking on snow, creating a platform of snow on the bottom of the crampon that destroys all traction and balance.
These crampons are quite specialized, but if you contemplate a lot of off-trail travel on non-technical ground where snow and ice have to be crossed, the light weight of these crampons is worth a great deal.
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