Soapbox

Has this joker ever used instep crampons? I've been walking in winter conditions in the UK for 35 years and never needed anything more than 6 point isntep crampons. I had 12 point crampons for a few years but they offered little advantage especially if walking on a well troden path. I wish people wouldn't dismiss instep crampons simply because they are not considered to be Gucci kit!

Would you not agree that they are not ideal for mountain walking then Bob?

and I suspect that A&E departments in Fort William etc. see plenty of cases each year as a result of wearing them.

Yes, I have used them and they are pants. Uncomfortable and prone to slipping. Give me G10 or G14 anyday and I'll be happy to stay out of casualty.

Haven't used insteps and I'm sure they may well be OK if walking on a "well trodden path". However I'm with Darren on this one - very happy I had my G14s on Aonach Mor on Sunday!

Isn't the idea that the more points of contact you have the better?

Or am I missing the point (pun fully intended)

God dont know...have never owned crampons but am very intrested to learn.I will be watching!

"Would you not agree that they are not ideal for mountain walking then Bob?"

First let's remove the two negatives in this sentence as they cancel each other out:

"Would you agree that they are ideal for mountain walking then Bob?"

Yes, I'd agree.


"Isn't the idea that the more points of contact you have the better?"

That's a question for a physicist, perhaps fewer points result in greater pressure at each point and hence greater penetration.

I've had both instep and 12 point crampons for years and rarely needed the 12 point crampons. I bought the instep crampons to see if they were as bad as the books/magazines would have us believe. My findings differ from the 'trendy' view, I find instep crampons fine for general mountain walking in the UK. Obviously they aren't so good on vertical ice :-)

Thanks for that Bob,

I learned something:

1. I will listen to you on matters of grammar.

2. I will not listen to you for your advice on suitable gear!

;)