Does anyone know if there are any crampons that would fit Berghaus explorer III gtx boots, and if so what can you recommend? Basically want to do a bit more winter walking, but do so safely. Have wandered around the lakes above the snowline and never had any problems or any need for crampons, but mainly due to route choice. Ideally would like a pair of lightweight crampons that can throw on if things look a bit sticky. Don't intend to do any climbing or high level mountaineering, and unfortunately don't get out often enough for wear to be too much of a problem. I know this isn't the ideal solution but only a way of evening out the blow of getting crampons and ice axe, without having to shell out for new boots at the same time.
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Have a search on here for Kahtoola
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Had a look at the microspikes and they look the best option at the moment. The kts aluminium might also be suitable (anyone know?) but pricy if planning to get normal crampons later. Anyone with experience of kts?
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I'd get the Kahtoola crampons in steel rather than aluminium. The weight saving with the aluminium ones isn't that great, and they're nowhere near as durable as the steel ones, especially in mixed UK conditions. The steel Kahtoolas will do the job on pretty steep ground and are very easy to use. Not for climbing, of course, but it doesn't sound as if you've any plans to do any.
Microspikes are OK on paths, but almost useless any rough or steep ground, imo.
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 How about a pair of G10's, you can attach them to anything! I've got them on wellies and sandals before for campsite use only though!
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| Edited: 21/05/09 16:20 |
 Microspikes aren't that useless! We used ours a lot in the Lakes last winter and, despite carrying Kahtoola Steel Crampons too, never needed to swap to them. That included going off-path onto rough fellside at times. I'd agree though that they'll reach their limit regarding steepness well before the Steels do.
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I would get a pair of either of the following Grivel G10, Black diamond contact strap or Petzl irvis. These are all 10 point crampons and with the strap & basket type bindings will attach to most footwear depending on your requirements. Just a quick point ref the Petzl Irvis the central bar on these can be switched between flexible and stiff, so you could use them on a B0 and B3 boot maximising their usage.
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| Edited: 21/05/09 17:13 |
I was wondering whether I could use C1/ C2 crampons with the boot. The sole isn't very flexible and I couldn't understand why some of the crampons had flexible shafts if the sole had to be rigid anyway. Best option for me would be to get something like the G10, then upgrade my boots in the future when I want to do more hard core stuff. Does the crampon clip on to anything at the front or back of the boot or is it just held there by the strapping over the top? Think I'll have to take the boots into a shop to try out fitting.
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The plastic bales on the G10 go over the toe and heel of your boot, then as you tighten the strap the ends are pulled together, so it's a very secure system, and easy to put on with cold gloved hands - you only have to stand on them and put one end of the strap through a big round ring on the other end and pull. A single tug gets them off too. The straps don't compress your forefoot or rub your ankle. No problems using them (or other similar crampons from CAMP) with B0 boots - I have for years. It is worth giving the strap an extra tug after you have taken a few paces to maximise the security of the bindings. They are fine for winter mountain walking and, as you say, will not be out of place when you do beef up your boots. It's worth saying that although I used G10s for years, I switched to some Camp Stalkers the last couple of years - they are cheaper, and they give a better spread of points on large boots - I'm a 46 - so if you have large-ish feet I would check them out too.
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So am I correct in thinking that the only difference between a b0 and b1/2 is that the latter are more rigid? If so would the best crampons for b0 boots be the semi-rigid or flexible ones to allow them to flex with the boot? Seen those camp stalker ones for 60 quid from decathlon- bargain.
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You definitely want the flexible bar. This allows the crampon to flex with the boot. If you used a rigid bar your boot might flex out of the crampon; even if it didn't the heel of your boot would still try and lift out with every step which is very sore, and potentially stressful to the bar. Very roughly B0 boots are easy to bend with your hands (or feet), B1s less so, and B2s almost rigid. The uppers tend to increase in toughness proportionately. The stiffer the boot the harder they are to walk in, but the easier they are to climb in. But with B0 boots and appropriate crampons you'll be able to walk all day in winter conditions. The limits will be if your feet get cold, or if you have to kick a lot of steps in hard steeper snow - the boots will tend to bend as you kick, rather than kick into the snow. Then's the time to go for stiffer boots. A lot depends on what you fancy doing in the future.
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thanks for the pointers people, definately saved me a bit of money there. reckon I'll have a look at the grivel 10s and camp stalkers for next winter.
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just done pretty harsh snowdon pyg track in my new comfy mummuts, and new grivell g10's, sheer agony ! HEELS LIFT AND MASSIVE BLISTERS !
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 I had the same problems with my otherwise very comfy Kayland Rocks and G10s, I think it's to do with the additional weight of the crampons causing boot slippage at the heel which doesn't happen when you're just wearing the boots. I've played around with different sock combos and tightened one heel but haven't quite sorted the other yet. Might also be worth playing with different lacing combinations. I've invested in some Kahtoolas in the hope that the lighter weight won't cause the same problems.
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hmmm, tried those options too, any thoughts or trials of those heel lift insole thingy- ma-bobs?
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