Crampons are essential kit for exploring Scotland's mountains when they're covered by snow or ice. A crampon is a traction device attached to the base of your boot to aid travel in winter conditions. There are different types of crampons for different uses. They're an important investment, so make sure you buy wisely and get something designed for the job you want them to do and compatible with your boots.
To help people make the correct choice, a rating system has been established:
Designed for walking on moderately angled snow and ice. They normally have 10 or 12 points but may not have any forward-facing front points. The front and heel sections are connected by a flexible metal strip and use either a fully strapped or flexible plastic cradle/strap combination for attachment.
These usually have 10 downward-facing and 2 forward-facing points and are hinged below the instep. Attachment is with cradle/strap or (more commonly) cradle/heel-clip combination.
Also known as technical crampons, these are a rigid construction (usually 12 point) and designed for use on steep ice.
There are other types of traction device which you can attach to your footwear to provide better grip on icy and compacted snow such as microspikes and ice grippers. They consist of small spikes or coils, usually made of stainless steel, connected by chains or flexible bands that fit over your boots or trainers. They are much lighter than crampons, and much cheaper. They are also easier to walk in, requiring minimal to no training, and can be used on almost any type of footwear, not just stiff winter boots.
Although they aren’t suitable for many locations and conditions in the Scottish mountains during winter, they can be used safely in the right situations. The key is to understand when to use them, as well as being aware of their limitations – go beyond them in consequential terrain and it’s not going to end well.
Take your boots to a professional outdoor retailer such as Tiso, Cotswold, Nevisport or Craigdon, where staff will advise you on which crampon is compatible to your boots and chosen activity.
In Scotland, it is not unusual to experience air temperatures around zero. The snow will make great snowmen and snowballs, but it will also tend to 'ball up' under your foot if your crampons are not fitted with anti-balling plates. This balling up gives real potential for a slip.
Anti-balling plates are made of plastic or rubber and are fitted to the base of the crampon to reduce the problem of snow accumulating. We strongly recommend you use them.
Always carry crampons when there is snow on the hills, even if you think you may not need to use them. Wear crampons whenever your boots don't create steps in the snow easily and remember to put them on before getting onto ground where you would be insecure without them. Accidents can occur as a direct result of crampons coming loose. Avoid wearing baggy trousers on which crampons can snag and beware of anything hanging down from your waist.
Adopt a gait that has the legs farther apart than normal, and practice using your crampons in a safe, controlled environment. You should flex your ankles so that all of the downward points bite. Avoid stamping or dragging your feet. Develop the technique of placing your feet firmly and confidently with each step. Check your crampons are still tightly fitted a few minutes after setting off. Check out our ‘Winter Essentials’ DVD for more comprehensive information on the use of crampons.
Of course it no good having a pair of crampons if you don’t know when and how to use them. Why not sign up for one of our winter skills courses?
Watch this video for tips on climbing - or descending - a hill with crampons.