Cassin Crampons

A Bit of History

Cassin Crampons work using a concept similar to wooden snowshoes, but they provide additional benefits to hikers. The idea behind snowshoes is to keep the feet dry on snow. Crampons also will keep feet dry, and additionally help create a trail for the camper or hiker to travel.

European travelers invented the crampon to help walk on the rough and snowy terrain in much of the northern part of the continent. The equipment has been around for about 100 years, but the design has improved over the past century. As travelers used the gear for different types of paths, for instance, they needed more spikes and tougher designs. Crampons were improved to meet these needs.

Cassin Crampons: The Brand

Cassin Crampons are available at many outdoor retailers. Their pricing is average for this type of equipment, and they come with a number of options for the buyer. Because crampons are vital to hikers’ safety, purchasing the right brand and type of crampon is imperative. This decision is not one that should be made lightly. Trying on the crampons and walking in them is the best way to determine the right choice.

Crampon Choices

Points

Crampons have spikes that pierce the snow or ice and allow the hiker to walk on frozen ground. These spikes, called points, work in a manner similar to that of cleat spikes. The typical pair of Cassin crampons will have 10 or 12 points. When the first crampons were made, they had 10 points, which were basically spaced evenly around the shoe. Newer models have 12, however, to allow the hiker to go up slightly vertical terrain. Particularly steep grade climbs, such as on mountains, require a special type of crampon with heavier points.

Firmness

There are two types of firmness: hinged and rigid. Though crampons look as if they will not move, they are quite flexible. The basic design allows the equipment to attach to the boot and then to move with the hiker as the shoe moves. The hinged design is much more comfortable and better in most instances.

Rigid crampons, as suggested by the name, do not move. They stay in the same position regardless of what the hiker’s foot does. While that can be dangerous in a fall when the foot needs to bend, it is the safest design for people who are making vertical climbs up icy slopes. The rigidity will protect the foot from falling into holes in the rock.

Weight

Traditional crampons are made of steel. This metal is hard and very durable. Little can destroy steel. The problem with these crampons is that they are very heavy. They can start to feel even heavier on long treks through the ice and snow. For people who wear crampons for activities requiring agility, such as skiing, aluminum crampons are available. They weigh much less, buty they aren't as stable as steel crampons.

Understanding the Grades

Crampons are marked with grades C1, C2 and C3. These grades are there to indicate the companion boot with which the crampon works well. Boots range from B0 to B4. A B0 is not a camping or hiking boot; it is for general everyday wear. Find out what number boot you have and then use that grade of crampon or lower. For example, if you have a B2 boot, you could use a C2 or C1 crampon. A C1 crampon is designed for very basic hiking while C2 is suitable for moderate skill-level mountaineering. A C3 crampon is a necessity for ice climbing or other extreme forms of mountaineering.

Before buying crampons, it is vital to do your research. This gear can save your life - or keep you from saving it - so making the right choice is important.