Best Crampons For Climbing – Expert Reviews

Updated: February 12, 2024
Best-crampons

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

PETZL VASAK Flexlock Crampons - 12-Point Classic Crampons for Mountaineering, Ski Touring, and Glacier Travel

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Camp Stalker Crampons - Universal

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Grivel G12 Cramp-O-Matic

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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:

  1. Petzl VASAK Crampons – Best Overall
  2. PETZL Irvis Hybrid Leverlock – Best Lightweight
  3. Black Diamond Serac
  4. Camp Stalker Universal – Best Value
  5. PETZL Leopard LLF
  6. 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)

PETZL VASAK Flexlock Crampons - 12-Point Classic Crampons for Mountaineering, Ski Touring, and Glacier Travel

5/5 Overall Rating

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
  • Fits European boot sizes 36 to 50 and in the US will fit Men from size 5 to 15
  • 12-point, tempered steel crampons
  • Thinner frame reduces weight
  • Horizontal front points
  • Available in Flexlock or Leverlock Universal versions
  • Low-profile plates that obstruct sticky snow and don’t allow balling without getting in the way of the points
What we like
  • ANTISNOW system limits snow buildup in any conditions
  • Flex lock bindings making it possible to attach to any type of boots with rear and front welts or without
  • Easy and fast to put on and take off, even when wearing gloves
What we dislike
  • Thinner frame may restrict shoe choices
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)

PETZL Irvis Hybrid Crampons with Steel Front Section and Aluminium Heel Universal Leverlock System, for Ski Touring and Glacier Travel, One Size

5/5 Overall Rating

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
  • 570g with ANTISNOW system
  • 10-point configuration for good grip
  • Aluminium heel together with high-moldus polyethelene (HMPE) CORD-TEC linking system
  • Modular thanks to ALPEN ADAPT system
What we like
  • LEVERLOCK universal binding system fits boots with heel welts
  • Ultralight and the front is very durable
  • Good antisnow system
What we dislike
  • Aluminium heel needs more care during use as can wear off easier (it's a softer metal too reduce weight) than steel front

3. Black Diamond Contact Strap Crampons Militr (C2)

Black Diamond Equipment Contact Crampons - Black

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
  • Distinctive stainless steel construction
  • New lower profile fit for better contact with modern boots
  • Flexible toe strap fits most footwear
  • Includes dual-density ABS
What we like
  • Great traction
  • Compact and easy to use
  • Doesn't rust and is more durable
  • Resists snow balling and saves weight
What we dislike
  • Heavier due to 12 points
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)

CAMP Stalker Universal Crampons

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.

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Main Features
  • Dynamic anti-balling plates to prevent snow build up
  • Made with chromoly steel
  • CC4U wear indicators on the side points which show when it is time for replacement
  • Fits boots of European sizes 36 to 48 or US 5.5 to 15
What we like
  • Carry case included
  • Size adjustment requires no tools
  • Affordable
What we dislike
  • A little heavier (948 grams)
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 Unisex – Adult Verticality Crampons, Multi-Colour, 40 cm

4/5 Overall Rating

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
  • 384g only
  • 10 point configuration
  • The linking system between the front and rear is flexible
  • FLEXLOCK binding system helps to fit on hiking boots and approach shoes without toe and heel welts
  • Aluminum crampons and high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) CORD-TEC linking system
  • Tool-free length adjustment
What we like
  • Ultralight and compact
  • Versatile (can be used with almost any mountaineering or hiking boots)
  • Includes a tote bag for storage
What we dislike
  • Costly
  • Aluminium isn't ideal for longterm wear
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

4/5 Overall Rating

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
  • Anti-balling plates coated with plastic
  • Lighter Chromoly Steel
  • Three-dimension relief stamping increases strength and rigidity of the frame
  • Fits European sizes 36 to 47
What we like
  • Very durable
  • Hand adjustable and easy to pack away
What we dislike
  • On the heavier side
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.

Crampons

About the author 

Mark Whitman

Mark has trekked extensively in Asia, Europe, South America and Africa. He founded Mountain IQ in 2014 with the sole aim to be the best online information portal to some of the most popular mountain destinations around the world. When not writing for Mountain IQ, Mark is out exploring the outdoors with his wife!

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