Microspikes, Flexible or Rigid Crampons? ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏  ͏

Think all winter traction is the same? Your life might depend on knowing the difference... Certain bits of gear are vital in the winter if you still want to get out and enjoy the mountains. Even though snow and ice can make these trips much more difficult, with the right gear, they can be epic.

Our Guide to Choosing Crampons

What do you need to consider when choosing Crampons? The options available to hill goers are ever-increasing, and whilst micro spikes are becoming an increasingly common sight on the hills, they are not suitable for full winter conditions in mountain terrain. So, when are they suitable, and how do you go about deciding what kind of hardware you actually need? The good news is that the options can be broken down into three categories:

Microspikes
Flexible Crampons
Rigid Crampons

Microspikes ● Very light and extremely packable ● Fit on almost any shoe ● Good for level ground or gentle slopes, especially when ice is compacted ● Short spikes don’t penetrate very far ● No front points - limited grip for kicking into steep snow/ice

Flexible Crampons ● More versatile than rigid: work in a variety of winter conditions ● Lighter than rigid crampons ● Can fit on less rigid boots, though... read more here

It's important you get this bit of kit right, for your own comfort but most importantly, your safety. So, don't just buy on a whim and end up with something that is not suitable for your adventure. We've written a full guide on crampon choices, and we really recommend you give it a read before investing!

Our Guide to Choosing Crampons

Trail 2.4 Crampons
£79.99
Weighs: 194g (Medium)
Shop now
EXOspikes Footwear Traction
£59.99
Weighs: 208g (Medium pair)
Shop now
Fast Micro Crampons
£69.99
Weighs: 247g (Medium pair)
Shop now
Nordic 2.4 Crampons
£62.99
Weighs: 263g (Medium)
Shop now
Alp Light 2.5 Crampons
£42.99
Weighs: 279g (Medium)
Shop now
Crest 2.5 Crampons
£59.99
Weighs: 320g (Medium)
Shop now
Microspikes Lightweight Trail Crampons with Tote Bag
£69.99
Weighs: 394g (Medium pair)
Shop now
Neve Pro Crampons
£139.99
Weighs: 468g (Per Pair)
Shop now
Alp 2.0 Micro Crampons
£49.99
Weighs: 470g (Medium pair)
Shop now
Air Tech Light Crampons (New Matic EVO)
£139.99
Weighs: 564g (per pair)
Shop now

No longer want to receive these emails? . Ultralight Outdoor Gear Unit 2 Tees Valley Court Wynyard Business Park Stockton-on-Tees, County Durham TS225FE