Using Crampons in New zealand
Contents
- 1 Using Crampons in New zealand
- 1.1 Strap on Crampons Ice Traction Aids 10 Teeth Vuno Capricorn US Size 6 ~ 13.5
- 1.2 Flexible Crampons 18 Teeth Vuno UCO Large EU 41-46 | US 7-12 285 grams
- 1.3 Mini Spikes for Extra Traction when Hiking on Ice 5 Sizes Available XXL/XL/L/M/S
- 1.4 Adjustable Crampons Ice Traction Aids 12 Teeth Vuno Extreme US Size 6 ~ 13.5
New Zealand is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. When hiking above the snowline and ice or snow is present using crampons in New Zealand is a must. This is especially true for those who love to explore the snowy and icy landscapes of the Southern Alps. Whether you are planning to traverse glaciers, climb peaks, or hike in winter, you will need a pair of crampons to keep you safe and stable on the frozen terrain.
Crampons are metal devices that attach to your boots and have sharp spikes or teeth that dig into the snow and ice, giving you traction and grip. But how do you choose and use crampons in New Zealand? Here are some tips and advice to help you get started.
How to Pick the Right Crampons
There are different types of crampons available for different purposes and terrain. The main factors that you need to consider when knowing how to pick the right crampons are as follows:
Matching to the Type of Boots you Have
Your boots should be compatible with your crampons in terms of shape, size and stiffness. You can use a simple test to gauge the stiffness of your boots: stand on a step with the ball of your foot and see how much your boot bends or flexes.
- Super flexible (B0), it is not suitable for traditional crampons, but you can use some lightweight traction devices for walking on snow or ice.
- Fexible boots (B1), it can work with some strap-on crampons that are designed for walking or hiking on moderate terrain.
- Semi-rigid boots (B2), it can work with most strap-on or hybrid crampons that are designed for mixed terrain or moderate climbing.
- If your boot is rigid (B3), it can work with any type of crampon that is designed for technical climbing or steep terrain.
You should also check if your boot has toe and heel welts, which are grooves or ridges that allow you to attach step-in or hybrid crampons more securely.
The Type of Activity you are Doing
Your activity will determine how much traction, precision and flexibility you need from your crampons.
- If you are doing snow walking or low-angle hiking, you will need flexible crampons with horizontal front points and 10 points total. These crampons are easy to use and comfortable to walk in, but they are not suitable for steep or hard ice.
- For mixed terrain or moderate mountaineering, you will need semi-rigid crampons with horizontal or vertical front points and 10 or 12 points total. These crampons are versatile and adaptable to different conditions, but they are not as precise or stable as rigid crampons.
- If you are doing technical ice climbing or steep mountaineering, you will need rigid crampons with vertical front points and 12 or 14 points total. These crampons are precise and stable on hard ice and steep angles, but they are not very comfortable or flexible to walk in.
The Type of Terrain you Will Encounter
Your terrain will determine how hard or soft the snow or ice is, and how steep or flat the angle is.
- If you are encountering soft snow or low angles, you will need crampons with horizontal front points and fewer points total. These crampons will provide enough grip without being too aggressive or damaging the snow.
- Should you be encountering hard ice or steep angles, you will need crampons with vertical front points and more points total. These crampons will provide more bite and stability without slipping or bouncing off the ice.
Using Crampons Correctly in New Zealand
Once you have chosen your crampons, you need to know how to use them properly in New Zealand. Here are some tips and advice to help you use crampons safely and effectively:
Adjust Your Crampons to Fit Your Boots
Before you use your crampons, you need to make sure they fit your boots snugly and securely.
- Adjust the length of the frame, the position of the front points, the tightness of the straps and the angle of the heel lever to achieve a good fit.
- You should also check that there are no gaps or loose parts that could cause your crampons to come off or snag on something.
- Make sure the straps are not pulled too hard. They should be tightened just enough to secure them to your boots.
Put On and Take off Your Crampons Carefully
When you are ready to use your crampons, you need to put them on and take them off carefully.
- You should always put on and take off your crampons while sitting down or leaning against something stable, to avoid losing your balance or injuring yourself.
- Make sure that your boots are clean and dry before attaching your crampons, to avoid slipping or freezing.
- You should also check that your crampons are securely attached and aligned with your boots before standing up or walking.
- Ensure the straps are not pulled too hard, just enough to secure them to your boots. This is particularly true for models with rubber front and rear harness seats.
- Check to ensure they are sitting in place and straps are secure while using. Straps and seating of the crampon in your boot can shift as you move.
Walk with a Wide and Flat Stance
When you are walking with crampons, you need to adopt a wide and flat stance, to avoid tripping over your own feet or stabbing yourself with your points.
- Keep your feet shoulder-width apart and parallel to each other, and try to keep all your points in contact with the ground.
- You should also avoid crossing your legs or dragging your feet, as this could cause your crampons to catch on something or come off.
Kick and Step with Confidence
When you are climbing with crampons, you need to kick and step with confidence, to ensure that your points penetrate the snow or ice and hold your weight.
- Kick with the front of your foot, using the front points of your crampons, and aim for a solid and stable spot on the snow or ice.
- You should also step with the whole of your foot, using all the points of your crampons, and transfer your weight smoothly and evenly.
- Ensure you avoid kicking or stepping too hard or too softly, as this could cause your points to bounce off or slip out of the snow or ice.
Check and Maintain your Crampons Regularly
After you use your crampons, you need to check and maintain them regularly, to ensure that they are in good condition and ready for the next use.
- You should inspect your crampons for any damage, wear or rust, and repair or replace any broken or worn parts.
- Also ensure you clean your crampons of any dirt, ice or snow, and dry them thoroughly before storing them.
- You should also sharpen your points periodically, using a file or a grinder, to keep them sharp and effective.
- If you are storing them for the season, coat them with a light oil or a water-displacement spray such as WD-40 to prevent them from rusting.
Crampons are an amazing tool that can open up a whole new world of adventure on snow and ice in New Zealand.
By choosing the right type of crampons for your boots, activity and terrain, and by using them properly and safely, you can enjoy the thrill of exploring the frozen landscapes of the Southern Alps with confidence and ease.
Crampons Sold by Vuno New Zealand
Vuno hiking have a great range of crampons suited for NZ conditions. This range includes fun lightweight traction devices up to the more serious rigid type. We also have pick axes and emergency hand spikes in our range.
To learn more about one of these amazing products click on one of the images below.
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Crampons - Safe Winter HikingStrap on Crampons Ice Traction Aids 10 Teeth Vuno Capricorn US Size 6 ~ 13.5
$129.00 Add to cart -
Crampons - Safe Winter Hiking
Flexible Crampons 18 Teeth Vuno UCO Large EU 41-46 | US 7-12 285 grams
$39.99 Add to cart -
Crampons - Safe Winter Hiking
Mini Spikes for Extra Traction when Hiking on Ice 5 Sizes Available XXL/XL/L/M/S
$19.99 – $23.99 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Crampons - Safe Winter Hiking
Adjustable Crampons Ice Traction Aids 12 Teeth Vuno Extreme US Size 6 ~ 13.5
$159.00 Add to cart
