For winter hiking or everyday frozen roads. How to choose wisely a chain spike and light crampons that are safe to keep with you

You only realize how valuable it is once you try it

When hiking in winter, it's normal to arrive at the trailhead and find the road icy, or to go a little further down the trail only to find it covered in snow. In these cases, you need to use traction devices such as chain spikes, lightweight crampons, or crampons

There is no clear, unified name for this equipment in Japan, and it is called by various names, such as chain spikes, hiking crampons, snow spikes, snow grips, light crampons, and simple crampons, but they all have the same purpose (here we will call them "light crampons" to distinguish them from full-fledged crampons). They are designed to provide a secure grip on snow and ice surfaces, preventing slipping. This makes walking on ice and snow more stable and safer

Lightweight crampons are not just for hiking and trail running, but are also used in everyday life for a wider range of situations than you might imagine, such as walking on icy roads on snowy days or working outdoors. As a result, their construction ranges from deep spikes to thin coils, and there are models that are easy to use every day to those that are suitable for more demanding fields, and models that can be worn with everyday shoes or trekking boots, with a wide variety of models with different features depending on the use and purpose

So, this time we have researched the various types of lightweight crampons available on the market, analyzed their performance, how to use them, and when they are suitable, and compiled the smartest way to choose them. If you are interested, please take a look

Introduction: What are lightweight crampons? When do you need lightweight crampons?

Light crampons are like studless tires or snow chains for cars. They are a tool that allows you to walk safely on slippery surfaces such as ice and snow by attaching parts that provide grip to the soles of your shoes

It is said that they originated over hundreds of years ago when they were created to allow European hunters and quartz miners and other mountain workers to walk on glaciers*. However, after a long evolution, in recent years, an ever-increasing variety of products have been produced as the range of purposes and activities has expanded, from affordable models for everyday use in the city to lightweight models suitable for running, models suitable for hiking on relatively steep slopes, and even models suitable for walking on snowy fields

*Source: Hiroshi Hotta, "Challenge to the Mountains" Iwanami Shinsho

What is the difference between lightweight crampons and (12-spike) crampons?

Anyone who climbs mountains will probably know that there are two types of equipment called crampons: the light crampons we will introduce here, and the "crampons" with 12 sharp, long spikes. The main difference between these two is the length of the spikes, which differs depending on the purpose and slope

There is a big difference between crampons and light crampons in the number and arrangement of teeth

Light crampons have spikes that are a few millimeters to 1.5 cm long, or 4-10 spikes that are over 2 cm long. On the other hand, crampons have 12 spikes that are over 3 cm long and designed to penetrate deep ice, and a front spike protruding from the toe for kicking into walls. Also, crampons are made of stronger materials and have a secure binding so they won't break or come loose easily even when strong force is applied, but light crampons have a flexible construction and a simple attachment system so they can be easily fitted to a wide range of shoes, including softer shoes

When do you need lightweight crampons? When are they useful?

Naturally, lightweight crampons are lighter, more compact, and easier to handle, but they have a much greater ability to penetrate ice on slopes and walls where falling is not an option. For this reason, lightweight crampons are used on shallow snow, loose frozen surfaces, glaciers, and snowfields, while crampons are suitable for serious mountaineering on thick ice, rocks, packed snow slopes, and ice walls

On frozen roads or snow-covered trails, slipping is inevitable, even if you are wearing proper hiking boots

From personal experience, lightweight crampons are a good choice for winter hiking when you feel like bringing them might be a bit excessive. That is, on low mountains where there may or may not be snow, or on relatively flat surfaces that may be icy, including forest roads for approaches. Take winter hiking on low mountains. Lightweight crampons are useful when you're not hiking on a mix of ice and rock, or on steep, dangerous slopes where you might fall, but you're sure to encounter snow and ice. It's also a good idea to wear spikes suitable for running in a city right after it snows

What if you're unsure whether to bring light crampons or crampons? In this case, you can walk with crampons even on flat roads, so considering that light crampons wouldn't work on steeper slopes, you should bring crampons in this case (of course, you should get used to the basics of walking with crampons)

How to Choose: 5 Things to Check to Choose the Best Lightweight Crampons

Tip 1: Know the terrain and activities that suit each type of lightweight crampon

Lightweight crampons are generally effective on hard-packed snow or frozen ice where it is difficult to walk without slipping, but even though they are all called lightweight crampons, each model has very different features and strengths and weaknesses. They can be broadly divided into three types depending on the grip design that is optimized for the purpose and the terrain you will be walking on

The first thing you need to do to choose the perfect lightweight crampons for you is to know the characteristics and differences between the main types. Let's take a look at the features of each type

Coil type: For everyday use on frozen paved roads and walking/running on flat surfaces

Lightweight coil-type crampons are secured to your shoes with an elastic rubber cable wrapped in wire that bites into snow and ice. They're primarily suited to everyday use, such as walking on frozen paved roads, flat forest trails, and flat surfaces with a thin layer of snow, as well as outdoor work like snow removal, walking, and even casual running . They're also unnoticeable when riding a bicycle. These are the simplest and most affordable models and can be attached to almost any type of shoe or boot, but their somewhat weaker strength and grip make them less suitable for trekking, where you'll be using them more roughly than with everyday shoes (though they're better than nothing).

Spike type: Suitable for a wide range of situations, from everyday life to outdoor activities

Spiked shoes have soles studded with tiny studs or spikes that are fixed to the shoe. Spikes come in a wide range of sizes and shapes, and the lightest and simplest model, shown in the photo below, has pins about 2mm in diameter. These are often found in models designed for similar situations to the coiled type (usually everyday use and running)

They are low-profile and shallow, which makes them useful on flat, icy surfaces, but they don't bite into thick ice or snow, so they're not suitable for mountain hiking

As the spikes get larger, they become more similar in shape to the claws of real crampons rather than pins. However, the size of the claws is still clearly smaller, and instead they are characterized by the fact that there are many of them scattered across the sole of the shoe (see photo below)

These are more durable than coil or stud types, and can grip even when the ice and snow are harder and thicker, so from this point on, you can safely use them when climbing mountains. This type offers a good balance of strength and portability, making it easy to use for winter hiking and a variety of other outdoor activities , and many manufacturers sell products optimized for specific uses. For this reason, the size of the claws varies depending on the model. The smaller the claws, the less you feel the unevenness when walking on frozen or paved roads (and the lighter they are), making them more suitable for running-type activities (see photo below).

Conversely, larger claws are more versatile, being able to handle not only flat ground but also more technical terrain and relatively steep slopes (see photo below). However, there is a limit to the length of the claws, and they are not very effective on deep snow, steep slopes, or hard, thick ice.

Crampons type: For mountain scenes such as snowy periods, snowfield walking, and those just before full-scale mountain climbing

This type of crampon has the longest claws of any device classified as a lightweight crampon

With long spikes of over 2cm and bindings that provide a more secure hold, at first glance it's hard to tell the difference from full-fledged crampons. The biggest difference is the number and placement of spikes. Light crampons generally have fewer spikes, around 4-10, and those with 4 or 6 spikes only have spikes near the center of the foot. Also, while models with 8-10 spikes have spikes distributed all over the foot, they generally do not have long, sharp spikes in the front

Crampons use their long, sharp prongs to grip even harder, thicker, slippery, steeper, and more technical trails, making them suitable for high mountain climbing in the snowy season, snowfield walking in the summer, and routes just before full-scale snow mountain climbing . On the other hand, the long prongs get in the way of normal walking, so they are not suitable for everyday use other than mountain climbing or for light running.

Crampons have long been popular in the world of mountaineering as simple crampons. The more spikes there are, the stronger the grip and the heavier they become. These come in four spikes (bottom left), six spikes (top left), and ten spikes (right)

If you can't choose an activity, choose a more versatile model

If you can't narrow down your purpose or activity, but your budget limits you to choosing just one, we recommend the versatile "long spike type" . This is the most versatile and all-around model.

Point 2: Length and number of spikes

The size, length, and shape of spikes vary depending on the model, so make sure they are suitable for your needs before purchasing

The strength of the grip of lightweight crampons, in other words, how strong the grip is and how slip-resistant they are, depends entirely on the length and number (and arrangement) of the spikes

Of course, stronger is not necessarily better. Generally, the stronger the traction, the bulkier and heavier the shoe will be. The length and number of spikes on the model you choose should be determined based on your needs 

This is somewhat similar to what was explained in the introduction to the types above, but the longer the spikes and the more spikes there are, the stronger the grip, but the length has a greater impact than the number of spikes .

For example, Hillsound's Trail Crampon Pro has 10 spikes that are about 2-3cm long, while the Trail Crampon Ultra has 18 spikes that are about 1.5cm long. However, if you're hiking on more technical trails in winter, the Trail Crampon Pro is definitely the better choice. The longer spikes are deeper and dig into the hard surface more firmly, providing a more secure grip.

What length spikes do I need?

So what length should you use as a guide? Spikes come in a variety of sizes, from short ones about 5 mm long to long ones with teeth about 2.5 cm long

Even the basic 12-spike crampons (top left) for long-distance hiking have spikes of about 3cm. Other lightweight crampons and chain spikes come in a variety of lengths depending on the purpose

A few millimeters: walking, daily work, running on paved roads

Short spikes, only a few millimeters thick, are suitable for walking or running on frozen city roads, or for clearing snow in front of your house. Large, long spikes are not ideal, as they will not penetrate the pavement and will make it difficult to walk

Around 1-2 cm: Hiking or running on frozen ground or packed snow trails

Next, medium-length spikes (around 1-2 cm) provide the best grip for hiking, running, and backpacking on slightly thick icy roads (trails) or trails covered with firm snow. This class can also be used on paved roads in towns and snowy valleys, making it the most versatile class

Over 2 cm: Harder, deeper snow, ice trails, snowfield walking

Finally, there are models with longer spikes (over 2cm), which are better suited for walking on harder, deeper snow, ice, and snowy valleys. These include classic lightweight crampons with six or eight spikes, such as the Montbell Snow Spike 6 Quick Fit the Hillsound Trail Crampons Pro. Long spikes dig deeper into the surface of hard snow and ice, providing superior grip when climbing or traversing snowy valleys.

However, even this class is designed for hiking purposes only, and unlike full-fledged crampons, they do not have more than 12 claws and the front claws do not protrude forward, so they are not sufficient for climbing snowy mountains in the harsh winter at altitudes above 2,000 meters

Point 3: Fitting (good fit and no slippage)

The ease of attachment and removal and strength of the fixing rubber also vary depending on the material and shape. The best way to determine the quality is to actually try it on

Even if you have the right type and level of lightweight crampons, how safe they are to use depends on the quality of the bindings (straps, bands, belts)

Lightweight crampons are designed to be worn with relatively soft shoes such as trail running shoes or hiking shoes, so they will fit even in shoes that are not as hard as snow mountain boots. However, because of their flexibility, they have the disadvantage of being more likely to loosen as you walk than full-fledged crampons

For this reason, it is important to check that the crampons are easy to put on and take off, that they fit snugly to your shoes, and that they do not loosen or slip while you are walking, which is a surprisingly overlooked point when choosing lightweight crampons

The bindings for these lightweight crampons can be roughly divided into "adjustable strap" type and "elastic rubber" type (or a hybrid of the two)

The former, like regular crampons, have rubber or plastic straps that are adjusted by fastening them with a buckle, which has the advantage of being able to fit a variety of shoe sizes.However, because they have more parts, they are less convenient to use and are heavier

The type that is fixed with a plastic band has a high fixing strength, but is less easy to install and less flexible

The latter type secures the entire foot with a rubber band that wraps around the outer periphery of the upper and Velcro on the instep. Many coil and spike types use this method, and their advantages include combining the flexibility of rubber with lightness and durability, being easy to put on and take off, staying in place, and being able to accommodate a variety of foot sizes and shapes

However, unlike shoe sizes, these are not divided into detailed sizes, but rather into broad categories such as S, M, L, and XL, making it difficult to make subtle adjustments to the size. The appropriate size varies from person to person (and shoe to shoe), depending on the size of the shoe itself and preference for tightness, so you need to check whether the shoes will fit you before purchasing. Of course, trying them on is the most effective way to get the best fit, but if that's not possible, each manufacturer's website has a sizing chart

Some manufacturers even provide fitting charts for each shoe shape and type, but to be honest, these charts are often unreliable

It's important to note that lightweight crampons are fitted to the circumference of your shoes, so there is a chance that they will not fit well with thin shoes like sneakers and bulkier shoes like trekking boots, even if the shoes are the same size

For example, even if you buy a model for size 27cm, if it fits your size 27cm trail running shoes, it will often be too small when paired with trekking boots. Not many manufacturers provide sizing charts for the two types of shoes shown above

Moreover, after trying out models from many different manufacturers, I realized that the sizing charts published by these manufacturers are not universal. There are many different types of trekking boots, ranging from thick to thin, so the manufacturer's standards are merely a guideline based on the manufacturer's research. People with feet that are on the border between sizes S and M, or M and L, should be especially careful. Even I, who wears a size 27cm, have had quite a few qualms about this

Point 4: Weight and portability

Lightweight crampons vary greatly in weight and compactness depending on the intended use, from simple designs for city use to products designed to withstand deep ice and snow. Lightweight and compact is always the best, but if you focus too much on these things, you may not be able to fully utilize the crampons' performance

Of the gear we looked at, the lightest model weighs just 100 grams, while the heaviest weighs in at 667 grams, putting even full-fledged crampons to shame. While choosing the type depends on the intended use, a 100-gram model generally strikes a good balance between lightness and performance for everyday use or running around town, while a 200-400 gram model is ideal for hiking on frozen or thin snow. Models over 500 grams are generally intended for hiking on high mountains with remaining snow or steep glaciers and snowfields, rather than for hiking in low mountains. Weight often comes at the expense of durability, so it's important to consider this balance before purchasing

Similarly, compactness is closely related to weight, and while lightweight crampons that are highly portable may be suitable for use around town or running, most models are not effective in deep ice and snow, so be sure to choose the right weight and size for your location and purpose

Point 5: Durability

The rubber is easy to use and has been designed to be resistant to low temperatures and durable, but if you try to fit it to a larger size than the range and pull it too hard, it can easily break

Lightweight crampons are designed to withstand harsh winter weather and conditions, so most can be considered durable against high temperatures and strong forces, but there is a big difference between crampons for everyday use and those for mountain climbing

It is made to be sturdy, but if you pull it too hard it may break

For example, while thin rubber spikes for everyday use often ripped easily after just a few uses due to being pulled too hard, chain hiking spikes have held up well on the trail for years (as long as you don't force them to fit into boots that are too big). The photo above shows a pair of spikes from the third year of use, when I tried to force them into a boot that was clearly too big, and the rubber, which hadn't shown any signs of abnormality before, suddenly tore

Be careful of rust!

Additionally, lightweight crampon spikes are generally made of iron (steel), so care after use is important to ensure their longevity. To prevent premature rust, we recommend drying the spikes after each use by wiping them with a towel. If you have walked on roads containing snow-melting agents such as calcium chloride, rinse them with warm water and wipe off any remaining salt or residue along the spikes and chain

Be sure to dry it thoroughly after use to prevent rust. Stainless steel or other rust-resistant materials are best

As for storage, most snow grips come with their own case to store them in when not in use, which is useful for packing them in your pack mid-hike and protecting them when storing them away in the summer

Summary: The world of lightweight crampons is surprisingly deep. Next time, we will introduce recommended models

So-called "simple crampons" with 6, 8, and 10 spikes have existed for a long time, but honestly, I didn't see the point in using them at the time. The reason was that I already had 12-spike crampons, which were sufficient in most cases. However, the CAMP Ice Master , I was shocked by its ample grip, its lightness and portability, which is unusual for crampons, and how easy it was to put on and take off. Since then, I've definitely used them more times a year than regular crampons, and I always keep them in the trunk of my car during the winter just in case.

After researching this time, I discovered that there are many more lightweight crampons than I had expected, with subtle differences that optimize them for a wide variety of activities. As with any piece of equipment, it goes without saying that choosing the right lightweight crampons for the activity, time of year, location, and other circumstances is crucial for a safe and comfortable winter day. So, in my next post, I'll build on what I've learned so far and introduce my recommended lightweight crampons for each scene and purpose, so stay tuned