Crampons are essential tools for mountaineers and alpinists, providing the wearer with unbeatable traction on steep, icy terrain. However, as is the case with an ice axe, simply having crampons doesn’t make your wintry adventures any safer – you have to know how to use them properly. That all starts with how to put them on.
Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of people lose a crampon halfway into a mountaineering route. In these cases, it’s likely that the device wasn’t fitted correctly and, fortunately, it’s usually happened on relatively forgiving ground without serious consequences. While it’s true that we all learn from our mistakes, trust us when we say that you don’t want to lose a crampon on committing mountain ground. Knowing how to put crampons on properly from the get-go is the best way to stay safe.
