Crampons provide perfect purchase on snow and ice – allowing you to tackle easy to moderate snow slopes. It’s considered best practise to use crampons with an ice axe.

Types of crampon

12-points – The most commonly-used crampon and good for all-around conditions, whether walking up a snow slope or kicking into steeper snow and ice faces with the front points.

10-points – Tend to be used for easy snow slopes and ski touring.

In step – Best used for short periods to help get over a short stretch of ice.

Alloy or stainless steel
Lightweight alloy is fine for occasional use where you are unlikely to be scrambling across rocks. Stainless steel is more durable and longer-lasting.

Anti-balling plates
These are important for preventing wet snow clogging the bottom of crampons. Some crampons come with anti-balling plates already attached, while others have to be purchased separately.

Type of boot
A more flexible boot will require a more flexible crampon as well as a full strap attachment. A stiffer boot will most likely have welts that crampons can be clipped to.

Petzl Leopard FL $285 10-point crampon with FlexLock binding for snow approaches, aluminium construction, can be used with hiking and approach shoes without heel or toe welts, low-bulk, protective carry bag. 360g. www.spelean.co.nz

Black Diamond Sabretooth Clip $349.99 12-point crampon for ice, classic mountaineering and technical alpine faces. Stainless steel construction, front and rear anti-balling system, adjustable heel bail for precision fit, fits boots without a toe welt. 910g. www.southernapproach.co.nz

Hillsound Trail Crampon Pro $179.99 10-point alpine travel crampon for glacier travel and ice and snow approaches. Made from heat-treated S50C carbon steel and featuring ratchet buckle bindings. 668g (reg), 704g (xl). www.ampro.co.nz

Hillsound Cypress 6 Crampon from $119.99 Six-point crampon with ratchet buckle bindings, easy on and off, anti-snowballing pad, one size fits all. 550g. www.ampro.co.nz

Altitude Ultralite 18 Pt Quickfit Crampons $54.99 Quickfit rubber grip system, 18 points, nylon carry bag, steel construction. www.gearshop.co.nz