Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Trekking: Strap in and step up with our favorite crampons

best crampons header 3
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Man isn’t meant to stay indoors — our weekly “Trekking” column can attest to that. It’s a column dedicated to the adventurer inside of all of us, the one pining to ditch the office humdrum for a quick surf session or seven-week jaunt in the Grand Tetons. One day we may highlight an ultra-light stove and the next a set of handmade canoe paddles. Life doesn’t just happen inside the workplace, so get outside and live it.

Winter excursions aren’t for the faint of heart. While the summer months may feature balmy temperatures and dry conditions — that is, depending on your region — peak snow season rarely allows you to hit the trail with simply a pair of cargo shorts and some synthetic-leather boots. That said, crampons are an overlooked necessity when carefully skirting snow and ice, providing you with a secure means of trudging up snow-capped peaks and across treacherous glaciers that would otherwise pose a risk to your well being and that of those around you. After all, safety should always be a priority.

Related: The best base layers for 2016, including the venerable Patagonia R1

These days, most lightweight crampons feature semi-rigid construction and a steel framework, granting the basic devices the utmost versatility and flexibility when it comes to winter walking or moderate climbing. However, while there might be scores of capable offerings on the market specificity designed for activities such as technical climbing and waterfall ascension, choosing the right pair for you is seldom an easy task. Below are three of our favorites to make your decision a bit easier, whether you’re looking for a rudimentary set of crampons or a pair conveniently built for any scenario.

Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampon ($180)

Black Diamond Sabretooth Crampons
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Black Diamond’s Sabretooth is one of the best all-around mountaineering crampons available, constructed of lightweight stainless-steel and outfitted with versatile horizontal front-points. Their sturdy and agile build render them as apt for moderate ice routes as they are alpine slopes, while the aggressive set of secondary points allow for a more stable platform in softer conditions. One-size construction adds to their appeal, too, along with the two binding systems and excellent anti-balling plates.

Hillsound Trail Crampons ($60)

Hillsound Trail Crampons
Image used with permission by copyright holder

You certainly wouldn’t want to take Hillsound’s carbon steel crampons up the frozen walls of Valdez, Alaska, but they’re more than capable of helping you trek across slick trails and icy pavement when you have little cash to spare. The lightweight crampon’s basic harness is easy to apply and adapts to nearly all types of footwear, while the 1.5-inch spikes and extended heel point provides ample traction when moving downhill. Their reinforced-elastomer construction even helps them maintain their pliability in subfreezing temps.

Grivel G-12 New-Matic Crampons ($175)

Grivel G-12 New-Matic Crampons
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If you’ve never heard of Grivel before, you’re not alone. However, the Italian company has been manufacturing climbing equipment for decades, and the G-12 is a testament to its craft. The 12-point crampon is made of chromoly steel and dual-component plastic, which allows it to retain its durability and adhere to the boot at the same time. The one-size-fits-all design is aimed at general mountaineering, too, and makes use of four perpendicular points that work to prevent shearing and and improve stability when the time comes to trudge downward.

C.A.M.P. USA Stalker ($80)

C.A.M.P. USA Stalker Crampons
Image used with permission by copyright holder

The C.A.M.P. USA Stalker function much like the aforementioned Grivel G-12, in that they utilize chromoly steel construction — a trusted mainstay in mountaineering — and benefit from easy size adjustment. Moreover, the universal bindings make use of a thermoplastic heel and toe harness specifically designed to wrap around nearly any hiking or mountaineering boot you have in your arsenal, allowing you to secure them in place with more than a couple nylon straps. They’re even more appealing when you factor in the anti-balling plates, assorted color options, and rock-bottom pricing.

Petzl Irvis ($145)

Petzl Irvis Crampon
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Petzl designed the Irvis with two things in mind. The French company wanted to craft a crampon that provided solid traction, while keeping the number of points to a minimum in order to protect your pants from unwanted crampon attacks. Thankfully, the 10-point Irvis achieves both, with a full-strap Flexlock binding system in tow. The basic design works with most boots — with or without front and rear welts — and capitalizes on anti-balling plates and a linking bar that allows for both flexible and semi-rigid modes. The wide, horizontal front points only further their piercing power.

Topics
Brandon Widder
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Brandon Widder is a journalist and a staff writer for the Manual and its brother site, Digital Trends, where he covers tech…
Apple just gave hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders a great reason to use Apple Maps and ditch Google Maps
Go anywhere and never get lost
Apple Maps update press release photo

Google Maps has long been a dominant player in navigation, known for its comprehensive data and ease of use. However, with the release of iOS 17, Apple has introduced a game-changing feature that's set to make Apple Maps the go-to choice for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers. Apple is finally introducing offline maps, and it's a feature that will revolutionize the way hikers, campers, skiers, and snowboarders navigate the great outdoors.
iOS 17 unveils offline maps for Apple Maps
Apple Maps has come a long way since its initial launch, and it's continually striving to offer users a more robust and feature-rich experience. With the launch of iOS 17 on September 18, 2023, Apple is introducing offline maps, a feature that will be a game-changer for those who love outdoor activities.

Offline maps allow users to select specific areas to download to their phones. Once downloaded, these maps can be accessed and used without an internet connection. This makes it possible to enjoy turn-by-turn navigation and conduct searches even in remote areas where internet connectivity may be unreliable or nonexistent. It works similarly to Google Maps in the sense that you do need a WiFi connection to download the maps, but after that, you're good to go off the grid.
The perfect companion for outdoor adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, this feature is a dream come true. Whether you're hiking in the wilderness, camping in a remote location, skiing down the slopes, or snowboarding in the mountains, having access to offline maps can be a lifesaver. Here's how this feature can benefit different adventure seekers:

Read more
Ultimate relaxation: This massage chair is $3,700 off until tomorrow
A woman sitting in the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair.

Relaxing at home is a much-underrated activity for many of us. That's why we had to highlight one of Best Buy's deals of the day which has a Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair down to $1,799. It usually costs $5,499 so you're saving a spectacular $3,700 off the regular price. Whether you've had a long day at work or you've just got back from a hectic session at the gym, you need a great massage chair to relax into. Here's what we know about it while you decide whether to hit the buy button or not. Remember -- you've only got until the end of today to do so.

Why you should buy the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair
Arriving with no assembly required, the Sharper Image Revival Zero Gravity Massage Chair is far better than any of the best massage guns you may have been considering for your post-workout recovery. It offers the most beneficial position for you to sit with the least amount of pressure on your spine.

Read more
These are the 13 best Brad Pitt movies, ranked
Does your favorite Brad Pitt movie make the list?
Brad Pitt staring across the table

If you were to look up the word "superstar" in the dictionary, it wouldn't be surprising if Brad Pitt's visage was strewn across the page. When you hear his name, it’s hard not to think of his chiseled abs, effortless charm, and distinctively beautiful face. Many may even immediately think of all the media surrounding his romantic entanglements with Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Aniston, but we’re definitely not here to talk about that.

Today, we are here to talk about the many strides Brad Pitt has made in his film career; from war movies to heist comedies, he's taken his physical beauty and made the most of it. While he may not have the reputation of Tom Hanks or Al Pacino, Pitt has become a great performer in his own right. In addition to his prolific acting career, Pitt is also a producer with more than 60 credits to his name. Clearly, there is much more to him than just what meets the eye, which is part of what makes him such a compelling screen presence.

Read more