Every winter many people come to grief in the British hills for want of a pair of crampons. But do you need crampons or spikes? If in doubt crampons are probably the answer, or pop in and talk it over with us (and bring your boots!)
Steep Ice/Mixed Crampons: Crampons designed primarily for steep water ice - though there are some crossover models. These should only be fitted to very stiff (B3) boots.
Mountaineering Crampons: Crampons designed for everything from hillwalking to alpine climbing to Grade V Scottish ice and mixed. Can be fitted to medium stiff B2 or B3 boots.
Walking Crampons: Crampons designed purely for winter hill walking. Can be fitted to most boots (dependant on binding) though the recommendation is some stiffness (B1) or above.
Ultralight Crampons: Alloy crampons which are only suitable for occasional use on pure ice and snow.
Spikes: Spiked devices for use on icy flattish ground. They are better than crampons on flat hard ice but little use at all when the going gets steep of deep snow is encountered.
To learn more, please see our Boot/Crampon Compatibilty Page.