10 Best crampons 2025 in the United States

The Cimkiz Ice Cleats Traction Snow Grips are versatile crampons designed for various outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, walking, and mountaineering. They feature 19 stainless steel spikes per foot, ensuring excellent traction on icy and slippery surfaces, which can help you stay safe and prevent injuries.

The crampons are made from durable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which remains strong even in extremely cold conditions down to -45°C. This material is also stretchy, making the crampons easy to put on and take off with the adjustable strap, and they are built to last without tearing or snapping easily.

These crampons are unisex and can be used by everyone from teenagers to elders, making them a great option for families or groups. They are flexible and lightweight, allowing them to fit various types of footwear and be easily carried in the included bag without taking up much space. One thing to note is that the crampons are marked with 'L' for 'Large' size, not indicating left or right. However, they do not come with anti-balling plates, which might make snow or mud stick to the bottom in some conditions. If you need crampons for regular outdoor adventures in challenging conditions, these could be a reliable choice.

The Kahtoola K-10 Hiking Crampons in black are designed for winter hiking and backpacking, offering a customizable fit and high packability. One of their standout features is the 10 spikes per foot with a 3/4-inch spike length, which enhances stability for all-day hiking. These crampons are best suited for hiking shoes and boots and can be used both on and off mountain trails, making them versatile for various terrains.

The stainless steel material ensures durability and resistance to corrosion, while the patented dual-layer LEAFSPRING FLEX BAR is specifically designed for use with flexible footwear, allowing users to move quickly and lightly over non-technical terrain. The two buckle closure Quick-Fit-Binding system helps maintain constant tension, adding to the stability of the crampons. Additionally, these crampons are lightweight, weighing only 1.2 pounds, which makes them easy to carry and pack.

These crampons are ideal for those who enjoy winter hiking and non-technical mountaineering, offering good performance and reliability. However, they may not be suitable for technical climbing or extremely icy conditions. The packability and customizable fit make them a practical choice for adventurers looking for dependable and lightweight traction aids.

The Grivel G10 New-Classic EVO Wide crampons are a solid choice for traditional and classic mountaineering enthusiasts. Made from durable steel and plastic, they provide a balance of strength and flexibility. These crampons are equipped with anti-balling plates on both the front and rear, which helps in preventing snow buildup, a crucial feature for maintaining traction and safety during climbs.

With CE EN 893 and UIAA 155 certifications, they meet high safety standards, providing added peace of mind to users. The binding system is user-friendly, catering to a range of shoe sizes from 35 to 46, and the design is unisex, making them versatile for different climbers.

However, at 0.81 kilograms per pair, they are not the lightest option available, which may be a consideration for those prioritizing lightweight gear. Additionally, with only 10 points, they may not provide the same level of grip as crampons with more points, potentially limiting their effectiveness on extremely icy or technical terrain. For mountaineers seeking reliable and reasonably priced crampons for classic climbs, the Grivel G10 New-Classic EVO Wide is a strong candidate.