Dr_Crash Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 Hi, I just bought some mountaineering boots and need crampons for them. The boots have a steel 1/2 shank and a sole that is compatible with all kinds of crampons. I have no idea what to get. From what I've read it looks like some hinged crampons, semi-automatic or automatic, would be good. It looks to me like semi-automatic might be best because 1/ not all boots are compatible with a toe bail, and I have no idea what my next pair of boots will look like in a few years (cancel that argument if more and more boots get the toe thingy those days), and 2/ I've read about automatic crampons getting off on ice with shoes that are not hyper super stiff (even though my boots may not qualify for climbing water ice any time soon because of the 1/2 shank, I've read that about the Makalu for example). But again, I don't know a thing about crampons. I'd like something that works well for my current application (climbing the Cascade volcanoes and glaciated peaks) and hopefully will also be okay for more (water ice as encountered on alpine climbs) as I progress as a mountaineer. Thanks for your advice. As always, links to places where good gear is on sale are appreciated too. drC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alpinfox Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 Picking up crampons? Remember, lift with the legs... For standard routes on the volcanoes, get a pair of alluminum pons you can strap on any pair of boots/shoes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bug Posted June 29, 2004 Share Posted June 29, 2004 I just saw a pair of Petzl/Mozer crampons that were really light. They strapped on with a good looking system that would be easy to fix or jury-rig in the hills. They would be my first choice for the volcanoes. Also do a search on crampons in the gear section. Or go to 2nd ascent in Ballard and ask to talk to someone knowlegable. They fix you up for 20-30 cheaper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashw_justin Posted June 30, 2004 Share Posted June 30, 2004 You can get BD Contacts with toe strap/heel bail, they are pretty light and easily adjustable. Good for boots that have a the heel rib only. http://www.bdel.com/gear/alpinism/contact_clip.php Or if you want to go really light with light hiking boots get some aluminum strap crampons such as: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zoran Posted June 30, 2004 Share Posted June 30, 2004 (edited) Grivel have new line of lightweight crampons. Grivel Air Tech is one which will fit your needs perfectly. Have a look: http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?FOLDER<>folder_id=667991&PRODUCT<>prd_id=744025&bmUID=1088603882019 Edited June 30, 2004 by Zoran Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genepires Posted July 1, 2004 Share Posted July 1, 2004 Can't tell how flexible your boots are or will become with lots of use. I the boot is very flexible, there is only one kind of crampon to use and that is a hinged crampon held on with straps that wrap around your foot. (a strap on crampon- enter joke here) I've been using a simond alligator crampon for many years on any kind of boot imaginable. It has a double hinge and made of steel for durablility. The only drawback is that it has only 8 points going downward (with standard 2 front points) so the middle portion of the boot lacks points. Walking with them is still secure but takes getting used to them if you have been using 12 point crampons for a while. I've used them for climbing ice in crevasses and they work just like any other crampon. They sell them at MEC for cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill_Simpkins Posted July 1, 2004 Share Posted July 1, 2004 Yeah. For volcanoes, I'd go with all straps. Grivel G10 Camp 490 Stubai Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Crash Posted July 19, 2004 Author Share Posted July 19, 2004 Thanks for all the suggestions. I've found the best pair of crampons, which is a pair of borrowed crampons These should work for a while (semi-automatic Grivel) as their owner isn't going to climb for at least a year. I had them with me on Mt Adams yesterday but there really was no reason to use them, but I expect to work just fine. drC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icegirl Posted July 21, 2004 Share Posted July 21, 2004 another vote for the Grivel... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stretch75 Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 I'm a machinist in auburn and I've recently reversed engineered a pair of the Grivel Semi autos. Made them out of mild steel and then had them heat treated. Way tougher than the store bought ones! Tips stay sharper, longer too. I was thinking of buying a sheet of steel, then sending it out to a laser jet shop down the road. I interested..... I can make just about any kind too... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
selkirk Posted July 27, 2004 Share Posted July 27, 2004 Grivel G-12's have my vote.! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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