Best Crampons for Ice Climbing of 2025

Ice climbing is an exciting but challenging adventure. Having the right gear makes a huge difference. Crampons are one of the most important tools. They give you the grip needed on ice and steep slopes. Without good crampons, climbing becomes dangerous and difficult. Choosing the best crampons can feel confusing with so many options. Some are better for beginners, while others suit experts. You also need to match crampons to your boots and climbing style. In this guide, we will show you the best crampons for ice climbing. We will cover their features, pros, and cons. Our tips will help you pick the perfect pair for your next icy adventure.

1. Black Diamond Contact Strap

• Material: Stainless steel

• Points: 10

• Weight: 808 g (pair)

• Binding system: Strap-on

The Black Diamond Contact Strap crampons are a great option for general mountaineering, glacier travel, and moderate ice climbing. Their stainless steel construction resists rust and keeps the weight relatively low without sacrificing durability. The flexible strap-on binding system makes them compatible with a wide variety of footwear, even softer hiking boots. The 10-point design focuses on stability and reliable traction, which is particularly good for beginners or intermediate climbers.

In use, the Contact Straps feel secure and straightforward to fit. The tool-free adjustment system is convenient, especially in cold weather when you want to avoid fiddly tasks. These crampons aren’t meant for vertical waterfall climbing but work brilliantly for moderate alpine routes. They pack relatively flat, which helps with stashing them in a rucksack when not in use. Overall, they are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a versatile and reliable crampon at a reasonable weight.

Pros:

• Rust-resistant stainless steel

• Easy to adjust without tools

• Wide boot compatibility

• Durable and low-maintenance

Cons:

• Only 10 points — less aggressive for steep ice

• Slightly heavier than aluminum options

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2. Sportneer Crampons

• Material: Heat-treated stainless steel

• Points: 19

• Weight: 630 g (pair)

• Binding system: Elastic harness with Velcro strap

Sportneer Crampons offer an affordable yet effective way to tackle icy trails and moderate ice climbs. Built from heat-treated stainless steel, they are tough and built to handle harsh winter conditions. Their 19-point system provides excellent traction over snow and ice, and the combination of an elastic harness and Velcro strap ensures a snug fit on most hiking and winter boots.

In action, the Sportneer crampons are easy to slip on and stay put quite well even during active movement. They’re best suited for winter hiking, trail walking, and light mountaineering rather than technical ice climbing. At only 630 grams, they are lightweight and easy to carry. While they may lack the ruggedness needed for extreme conditions, they’re a solid pick for casual users or hikers needing reliable traction in snowy, icy terrains.

Pros:

• Affordable price

• Easy and fast to put on

• Good grip with 19 points

• Lightweight and compact

Cons:

• Not ideal for technical climbing

• Durability may suffer with heavy use

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3. Cimkiz Crampons Ice Cleats

• Material: Stainless steel spikes, silicone harness

• Points: 19

• Weight: 410 g (pair)

• Binding system: Slip-on elastic harness

The Cimkiz Ice Cleats are a lightweight, easy-to-use solution for navigating slippery conditions. Featuring 19 stainless steel points attached to a flexible silicone harness, they are designed primarily for winter walking, trail running, and occasional alpine adventures. Their super lightweight construction makes them very appealing for hikers looking to add minimal weight to their pack.

Once fitted, the Cimkiz crampons feel stable and secure, although they’re better suited for flatter icy terrain rather than vertical climbing. The silicone stays pliable even in very cold temperatures, ensuring a snug fit without cracking. These cleats are perfect for casual users who prioritize portability and convenience but aren’t intended for full-on ice climbing missions. At this price point, they deliver excellent performance for their intended use.

Pros:

• Very lightweight

• Good elasticity in freezing temps

• Easy to fit over various boots

• Affordable option for hikers

Cons:

• Not for serious mountaineering

• Limited durability under heavy use

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4. AYAMAYA 24 Spikes Crampons

• Material: Stainless steel spikes, silicone frame

• Points: 24

• Weight: 480 g (pair)

• Binding system: Elastic harness with Velcro strap

The AYAMAYA 24 Spikes Crampons are built for hikers and trail runners who often find themselves on icy paths. They offer serious bite with 24 stainless steel spikes per foot, distributed to optimize traction and stability. Their elastic silicone frame and Velcro strap system allow a fast, secure fit across many types of footwear, from running shoes to heavy winter boots.

These crampons are incredibly easy to pull on and stay secure even during fast-paced activities. The spikes are long and sharp enough to handle mixed ice and packed snow. Despite their aggressive design, they pack down nicely and add minimal weight to your kit. They’re ideal for winter trail runners or hikers needing a reliable way to tackle ice-covered trails but might not hold up to repeated technical mountaineering trips.

Pros:

• Excellent traction with 24 points

• Lightweight for high mobility

• Secure fit with Velcro strap

• Flexible even in extreme cold

Cons:

• Velcro can wear out over time

• Not designed for vertical ice

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5. BRS S1B Teeth Ice Crampons

• Material: Manganese steel

• Points: 14

• Weight: 820 g (pair)

• Binding system: Strap-on

The BRS S1B Teeth Ice Crampons are designed for tougher alpine conditions. Made from durable manganese steel, they offer 14 aggressive points for excellent grip on hard snow and moderate ice. The simple strap-on system works with a wide range of footwear, although they fit best on stiff-soled boots or mountaineering boots.

During use, the BRS crampons feel solid and dependable. They’re heavier than many competitors, but this weight translates into serious toughness. Ideal for winter mountaineering or steep snow climbs, these crampons are durable enough to stand up to repeated trips. However, they may feel a bit overbuilt for casual hikers. They’re a great budget-friendly choice for serious adventurers who need strength over lightness.

Pros:

• Very durable manganese steel

• Secure fit with solid straps

• Great for steeper snow climbs

• Affordable for technical capability

Cons:

• Heavy compared to rivals

• Not suitable for soft boots

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6. EnergeticSky Ice Cleat Spikes

• Material: Stainless steel spikes, silicone harness

• Points: 19

• Weight: 460 g (pair)

• Binding system: Elastic slip-on harness

EnergeticSky’s Ice Cleat Spikes crampons are made for versatility, blending aggressive traction with ease of use. They feature 19 stainless steel spikes per foot and a flexible silicone harness that fits a range of shoe types. Perfect for walking, hiking, and running in winter, these cleats offer great bang for the buck.

When tested on icy surfaces, the EnergeticSky crampons deliver stable footing with minimal slippage. The elastic harness is sturdy and quick to deploy even in frigid temperatures. They’re a fantastic option for recreational users who want protection without the complexity of heavy-duty crampons. However, they aren’t intended for technical ice climbing where front-pointing and rigid stability are critical.

Pros:

• Affordable and good value

• Lightweight and easy to carry

• Good flexibility even in the cold

• Sharp spikes for solid traction

Cons:

• Limited use for vertical ice

• Silicone frame may stretch over time

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7. Tomaje 24 Spikes Crampons

• Material: Stainless steel spikes, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) frame

• Points: 24

• Weight: 450 g (pair)

• Binding system: Elastic harness with Velcro strap

Tomaje’s 24 Spikes Crampons offer an aggressive design meant for hikers and runners who tackle icy and snowy conditions regularly. With 24 stainless steel spikes per foot and a durable TPE frame, these crampons provide serious grip across challenging terrain. Their harness system includes a Velcro strap for additional security over different types of footwear.

On the trail, Tomaje crampons perform very well. The spikes dig deep into icy surfaces, giving a high level of confidence even on steeper slopes. They are also very easy to fit and remove, an important feature for winter users dealing with cold fingers. Though not intended for full-blown technical climbs, they are excellent for fast, rugged winter adventures. Durability is good, although the Velcro might degrade with repeated exposure to wet conditions.

Pros:

• Outstanding traction with 24 spikes

• Lightweight and compact

• Easy fit with secure Velcro strap

• Affordable price

Cons:

• Velcro may lose stickiness when wet

• Not for serious ice climbing

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Crampons for Ice Climbing: A Complete Guide

Ice climbing is a thrilling and demanding sport that pushes climbers to their physical and mental limits. Whether you’re scaling frozen waterfalls, ascending alpine ice routes, or tackling mixed rock and ice climbs, the right equipment is crucial — and crampons are at the heart of it all. Choosing the right crampons can mean the difference between success and failure, safety and danger. In this article, we’ll dive deep into crampons for ice climbing: what they are, the different types, how to choose them, and some key tips for getting the most out of your gear.

What Are Crampons?

Crampons are metal spikes that attach to your climbing boots to provide traction on ice, snow, and mixed terrain. Typically made from steel or aluminum, crampons allow climbers to bite into hard surfaces, providing stability and security where footing would otherwise be impossible. Ice climbing crampons are specifically designed for vertical or near-vertical frozen terrain, with aggressive front points that can penetrate hard ice.

Types of Crampons for Ice Climbing

There are three main types of crampons suited for ice climbing:

1. Vertical Front-Point Crampons

These are the go-to choice for technical ice climbing. Vertical front points are sharp, strong, and designed to penetrate hard ice with ease. Some crampons come with dual vertical points for increased stability, while others feature a mono-point design for more precise placements, especially on steep or mixed routes.

Examples: Petzl Lynx, Black Diamond Cyborg, Grivel G14.

2. Modular vs. Fixed Crampons

• Modular crampons allow you to replace or customize the front points based on your objective. They’re ideal for climbers who switch between ice climbing and mixed or dry tooling.

• Fixed crampons have a simpler design with fewer moving parts, often making them lighter and more durable, though less versatile.

3. Step-In, Hybrid, and Strap-On Bindings

• Step-In (automatic) crampons offer the most secure fit, using a heel clip and a toe bail. They require fully rigid boots with welts.

• Hybrid crampons combine a heel clip with a toe strap, offering versatility for semi-rigid boots.

• Strap-on crampons can fit almost any boot but are less secure for steep, technical ice.

For technical ice climbing, step-in crampons are usually preferred because of their stiffness and security.

Materials: Steel vs. Aluminum

• Steel crampons are the standard for ice climbing. They’re incredibly durable and maintain sharp points for longer. On steep, hard ice, you’ll want the strength and reliability of steel.

• Aluminum crampons are much lighter but wear out quickly on rock and hard surfaces. They are better suited for snow travel and ski mountaineering than technical ice climbing.

Key Features to Look For

When selecting crampons for ice climbing, consider the following features:

Front Point Configuration

• Dual points offer stability and are excellent for beginners and intermediate climbers.

• Mono-points provide precision on steep, thin ice and mixed terrain but require better technique.

Anti-balling Plates

Crampons should come with anti-balling plates — pieces of plastic or rubber underfoot that prevent snow from building up between the points. On wet or soft ice, this feature becomes critical.

Adjustability

Tool-free adjustments are ideal, allowing you to tweak the fit easily even in cold conditions while wearing gloves.

Weight

Every ounce counts on a climb. Lighter crampons reduce fatigue but shouldn’t sacrifice durability for weight savings.

Compatibility

Make sure your crampons match your boots. Fully automatic crampons won’t work properly with flexible hiking boots. Ideally, use rigid mountaineering or ice climbing boots designed for technical crampon use.

How to Fit and Use Crampons Properly

Fitting your crampons correctly is essential for safety and performance:

1. Match your boot size: Crampons usually have adjustable bars that fit a range of sizes. Adjust them so the crampon sits snugly without shifting.

2. Center the crampon: Make sure the points line up evenly under the sole for proper weight distribution.

3. Secure the bindings: Whether using step-in, hybrid, or strap-on bindings, tighten everything firmly to prevent any slippage.

4. Test the fit: Before heading onto a climb, walk around and kick into some hard snow or ice to check that everything stays in place.

Also, regular maintenance — checking for cracks, rust, and loose bolts — can prevent dangerous failures on the mountain.

Tips for Climbing with Crampons

• Practice your footwork: Good technique is crucial. Keep your heels low to maximize the penetration of the front points into the ice.

• Kick lightly: Let the sharp points do the work. Overkicking can tire you out and damage the ice.

• Use all points: When possible, spread your weight across multiple points rather than relying only on the front spikes.

• Stay relaxed: Tension wastes energy. Trust your gear and move fluidly up the ice.

Popular Crampons for Ice Climbing

Here’s a quick look at some well-respected models:

• Petzl Lynx: Modular front points (mono or dual), highly adjustable, excellent for mixed terrain.

• Grivel G14: Classic dual-point crampon with modular design, rugged and reliable.

• Black Diamond Cyborg: Popular among technical ice climbers, durable and available in mono or dual configuration.

• Cassin Blade Runner: High-end, modular crampons favored for serious mixed and technical routes.

Each has strengths depending on your style, objectives, and local conditions.

Final Thoughts

Crampons are a critical part of your ice climbing setup. Choosing the right pair involves balancing fit, materials, point configuration, and intended use. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution — what works for steep mixed routes might not be ideal for waterfall ice. Take the time to match your crampons to your boots and your climbing goals. Invest in quality, learn to use them skillfully, and you’ll unlock an incredible vertical world of frozen adventures.