Hiking Crampons

[Scotzman]

I'm looking to pick up a pair of crampons for hiking/mountaineering purposes, not for any ice climbing and am strongly leaning towards BD Contacts. Anyone have them and able to give me feedback on them? Other possible option I'm looking at is BD's Sabretooth, which is a little more heavy duty, and more expensive...

Thanks!

P.S. Sidenote, any suggestions for an ice axe for the above listed usage. Nothing too technical or expensive.

 

[DSettahr]

I have both the Contacts and the Sabretooths.

The contacts are pretty much all you need for casual winter hiking in the northeast. They are a strap on model, so they will work with any boot.

The sabretooths are for more technical climbs, such as on glaciers or above treeline, but not for ice climbing. The sabertooths come in two models, step in, and clip. The step ins are designed to be used with a plastic boot, and snap on to the boot using a system similar to ski bindings. The clip model is a hybrid that requires boots that have a heel welt (a protrusion in the back of the boot that a plastic part of the crampons can rest against). Most winter boots have this heel welt.

It really depends on what you want it for... the contacts will get you to the summit of pretty much any mountain in the northeast, if you're using a marked trail. But if you're planning on spending a lot of time above treeline, the sabretooths might be better.

Edit: I see you live in Clifton Park, so I'm guessing you want them primarily for the High Peaks. The Contacts should be fine for use in Adirondacks, they're what I carry with me on my winter trips in the High Peaks. They also work great in the Catskills.

 

[nartreb]

One pair of crampons is pretty similar to another. Things to look for:
-price
-weight
-attachment system (straps fit any boot, clips are more stable and more convenient)
-antibot plates (or make your own)

I almost always carry crampons because you never know when you might encounter sections of real ice, but in New England I frequently end up only using Microspikes, or the semi-crampons built into my snowshoes.

As for axes, you want a general mountaineering axe. Make sure you get one that's long enough to reach the ground when you hold the head by your side. Take a look at the BD Raven as a standard for the style, weight and price you want, but don't hesitate to get a different brand if you can find something cheaper. And most important, learn and practice self-arrest before taking the axe into the hills.

 

[DSettahr]

As for axes, you want a general mountaineering axe. Make sure you get one that's long enough to reach the ground when you hold the head by your side. Take a look at the BD Raven as a standard for the style, weight and price you want, but don't hesitate to get a different brand if you can find something cheaper. And most important, learn and practice self-arrest before taking the axe into the hills.

I use the black diamond raven pro, which is similar to the raven in every way except weight and cost.

I, too, carry both crampons and an ax with me on all winter hikes in the High Peaks. More often than not, they stay strapped to my pack, but they were there when I need them (and the extra weight is giving me a better workout when I don't need them! ).

 

[una_dogger]

I had a pair of BD contacts and they were ok. Cons were getting them adjusted snugly. I wear lightweight fairly flexible winter hiking boots, and the contacts just didn't work well with them.
I now have a pair of Grivel G10 with antibot and they are awesome, light, snug and secure fitting and feeling, and no snow balls.

However, in most cases, I have found in both the Whites and ADKs that the crampon in my MSR Denali Evo Ascent snowshoes have been sufficient and I have only had to wear crampons in a few select places.
I have my contacts away to someone on this board, hopefully they are getting some use or regifted to someone in need!
IIRC, Silverfox wears a pair of Katahoula four pointers, so that may be something you might look into as well.

 

[Scotzman]

The contacts are pretty much all you need for casual winter hiking in the northeast. They are a strap on model, so they will work with any boot.

The sabretooths are for more technical climbs, such as on glaciers or above treeline, but not for ice climbing. It really depends on what you want it for... the contacts will get you to the summit of pretty much any mountain in the northeast, if you're using a marked trail. But if you're planning on spending a lot of time above treeline, the sabretooths might be better.

I'm guessing you want them primarily for the High Peaks. The Contacts should be fine for use in Adirondacks, they're what I carry with me on my winter trips in the High Peaks. They also work great in the Catskills.

Certainaly the majority would be in the High Peaks, but I always will be doing some winter Whites, VT peaks, etc, so something able to handle whatever the northeast has to offer, on traditional trails, etc...ie non vertical/technical.

 

[DSettahr]

Certainaly the majority would be in the High Peaks, but I always will be doing some winter Whites, VT peaks, etc, so something able to handle whatever the northeast has to offer, on traditional trails, etc...ie non vertical/technical.

Yeah, the contacts (combined with an ice ax and the knowledge on how to use both) should get you through anything you'll find on trails in the Northeast, with the possible exception of maybe some of the trails in the vicinity of Mt Washington during certain conditions.

In response to what una_dogger says, I have noticed that my crampons loosen up after having had them on for a few hours, but it's not too hard to tighten them up again. They seem to fit my boots pretty snugly... perhaps one should go someplace with your boots where you can try different crampons on before making a purchase?

 

[marty]

IIRC, Silverfox wears a pair of Katahoula four pointers, so that may be something you might look into as well.

Hey Sabrina,

Do you mean Kahtoola 10 pointers? I do not know of them making a 4 pointer. The reason I ask is that I have a pair of the 10 point Kahtoola Steel crampons. I choose them over my BD Contacts nearly all the time. Here is why:

• The points are shorter, but they stick pretty good into ice and steep snow
• They are easy to walk with in mixed conditions with all types of footwear
• Reasonably lightweight (23 oz.)
• Very compact
• Easy and fast to put on
• Tighten very nicely

I only bring my BD Contacts when I know I will encounter some really serious ice. The rest of the time I use the Kahtoolas.
Marty

 

[slevasse]

The sabretooths are for more technical climbs, such as on glaciers or above treeline, but not for ice climbing.

Actually the sabretooths are for ice climbing and do quite well on pretty much any type of ice climbing, short of overhanging. I know people who climb exclusively in these. I have a pair and short of mixed or overhanging climbs, I use these.

Though I would agree that they are heavy and overkill for hiking. But well worth the money if you were looking for something to bridge climbing and hiking and being able to handle pretty much anything.

 

[RollingRock]

I'm looking to pick up a pair of crampons for hiking/mountaineering purposes, not for any ice climbing and am strongly leaning towards BD Contacts. Anyone have them and able to give me feedback on them? Other possible option I'm looking at is BD's Sabretooth, which is a little more heavy duty, and more expensive...

Thanks!

P.S. Sidenote, any suggestions for an ice axe for the above listed usage. Nothing too technical or expensive.

If you are looking for another option, I've had my Grivel's G10's for years and have worked well with the various winter boots I've owned.

 

[una_dogger]

Marty -- I'd have to ask Mark, but I think his are simple little four pointers and IIRC they are ancient.

 

[DSettahr]

Actually the sabretooths are for ice climbing and do quite well on pretty much any type of ice climbing, short of overhanging. I know people who climb exclusively in these. I have a pair and short of mixed or overhanging climbs, I use these.

Though I would agree that they are heavy and overkill for hiking. But well worth the money if you were looking for something to bridge climbing and hiking and being able to handle pretty much anything.

The sabretooth's have horizontal front points, though, not vertical ones. A crampon with front points that are vertical is much better able to withstand wear and tear from climbing ice. The Sabretooth's are meant to be an all-around mountaineering crampon that can withstand some vertical use, and they are a good bridge between to two different types of activities as you state, but they aren't really intended primarily for ice climbing.

 

[nartreb]

There's a seperate thread for "climbing crampons". Most of us who own vertical-point crampons used horizontal points on vertical ice for a while; the horizontal points work pretty well and I don't know anyone who managed to wear them out. It's much more a case of "latest and greatest" than a real need, unless you're doing a lot of mixed (rock & ice simultaneously) climbing.

 

[LRiz]

I'm with Marty, Kahtoola KTS all the way! There has only been one instance in the Whites where I've wished I had something more aggressive, and even then I had a friend with me who still managed to complete that hike in Microspikes. It's important to get the STEEL version. The aluminum ones will wear down extremely quickly given the mixed rock/ice/snow terrain that we get in the Whites.

That said, I find that I almost never need to use crampons when hiking the 48 via standard routes. I used them maybe 2-3 times two winters ago, and zero times last winter. Of course, conditions can change on a dime so maybe I got lucky... or I'm just reckless I suppose.

 

[DSettahr]

That said, I find that I almost never need to use crampons when hiking the 48 via standard routes. I used them maybe 2-3 times two winters ago, and zero times last winter. Of course, conditions can change on a dime so maybe I got lucky... or I'm just reckless I suppose.

I agree... A good pair of snowshoes will get you through 95% of what you can expect to encounter on trails in the northeast. But when you need crampons, you really need them!

 

[Tim Seaver]

Kahtoola Steel

Marty pretty much said it all.

I find the Kahtoolas far more comfortable than traditional crampons for the bulk of the hiking terrain you encounter in NH, unless you have full-on Death Glaze conditions from a spell of freezing rain or something of that nature. Over terrain involving rock hopping, snow and low angle ice, I would say they are a bit safer than traditional crampons as far as potential for an ankle injury. Especially if you are being blown about by the wind and footing is poor.

The shorter, low angle front points in particular can spare you a lot of tripping and slashed gaiters/pants/calves, and their flexibility allows you to use them on just about any shoe. The aluminum model is worthless for the NE.

Their primary downfall is their lack of Mountaineering Sexiness. There is nothing like big, long points to stir the hearts of those about to buy winter gear, and the stubby, compact Kahtoola's just don't have it.

Your choice - Sexy or Functional.

 

[Raven]

If you are looking for another option, I've had my Grivel's G10's for years and have worked well with the various winter boots I've owned.

I'd say the same about these. Strap system works on most footwear. They're versatile - they'll fit most but the biggest winter boots. More weight than microspikes but if you want a crampon, the G-10s might be worth a look. I've had mine close to 10 years, used a couple times each winter.

 

[una_dogger]

I'm with Marty, Kahtoola KTS all the way! .

Oh those look super nice, LRizzy! Now I know what to buy with my REI rebate!! (which should be quite substantial, since we funnelled all of our wedding expenses through it!!!)

Their primary downfall is their lack of Mountaineering Sexiness. There is nothing like big, long points to stir the hearts of those about to buy winter gear, and the stubby, compact Kahtoola's just don't have it.

Your choice - Sexy or Functional.

Oh now, Tim, I think *that* says it all!

 

[slevasse]

The sabretooth's have horizontal front points, though, not vertical ones. A crampon with front points that are vertical is much better able to withstand wear and tear from climbing ice. The Sabretooth's are meant to be an all-around mountaineering crampon that can withstand some vertical use, and they are a good bridge between to two different types of activities as you state, but they aren't really intended primarily for ice climbing.

Not to start an argument, but the sabretooth crampons are billed as an all around crampon that is meant for anything. Whether alpine or vertical, they are the do all crampon.

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/climb/crampons/sabretooth

And for the record. I have used my sabretooth crampons on hiking and ice and everything in between and I have yet to cause a bit of noticeable wear that would make me need to replace them after 3 seasons of use.

 

[marty]

Their primary downfall is their lack of Mountaineering Sexiness. There is nothing like big, long points to stir the hearts of those about to buy winter gear, and the stubby, compact Kahtoola's just don't have it.

Your choice - Sexy or Functional.

Ha! My mountain sexiness factor probably rates a zero. A hiking fashionista once told me that my winter hiking clothing colors clash. Because I am cheap and my clothes work just fine, I have no intention to upgrade them for looks. Same thing with my crampons. It's how they work, not how they look.