Reader Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5

I decided some time ago that the Alpin 6 point crampons I was using on the trail just didn't give me the kind of traction I needed, and they required a fairly stiff boot. When I discovered the Kahtoola flexible system that would give me a 10 point crampon for use on my Merrell Cameleon XCR Mid's I was sold.

The aluminum model is 540g a pair as opposed to the steel at 662g. No big deal as far as weight goes. The steel tips are a full 1 inch and relatively thin as opposed to the aluminum at 3/4 inch and somewhat thicker. I decided to go with aluminum since the chances of wearing them out in even another couple of years is remote.

They are extremely easy to fit and put on. OK, now using them on the trail is a revelation. I'm now able to trek the icy paths and climb ice covered inclines. Because of the flexability they tend to keep snow and ice free. They list at $139 (steel about $10 higher), but I found a local gear dealer that gives me 10% off on everything.

For some the steel model may fit the bill better, but either way they make a heck of a difference in traction on slippery trails.

Rating: 5 / 5

I’ve been looking for a lightweight traction device for training hikes on Mount Si in Washington State and to use when my Grivels would be over kill. I chose the Kahtoola Steels mainly because of all the ice and compressed snow on portions of the old and new Si trails.

The one inch long steel Kahtoola crampons have been superb; they are quick to put on my mountaineering boots, provide excellent traction over hardened trail ice, compressed snow, and iced coated rocks, show no point wear, and they will fit both my mountain and trail hiking boots. I also purchased the snow release skins that have showed no wear and no snow collection underfoot.

At $144.00 they are not cheap, but by all accounts they appear to offer a light weight and durable extra margin of safety for non technical mountain travel.