Camp XCL 490 Alloy Crampons (strap on)

Advantages: anti bailling plates, easily adjusted
Disadvantages: not very aggressive teeth

...Specs C1 crampon grade: semi-flexible construction Great winter walking crampon Supplied with anti-balling plates Three dimensional relief stamped technology for added strength Fully adjustable by hand, without tools and one size fits all; fits Euro boot size 35-46 G10 folds easily for transportation Chromolly steel construction is strong and durable; semi-flexible construction Shorter, less aggressive points are designed for easy use on moderate terrain Classic binding system uses Zytel® toe piece and wrap-around straps for a solid and secure fit Easy to fit crampons fit all of my boots, 4 pairs. The teath are blunt and not very aggresive but that means you cant use them for pure ice climbing, but also means no more shredded legs! They size can be adjusted to fold away to carry and the antibailling plates are a handy extra... Read review

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Advantages: Cheap, relativly light
Disadvantages: Leash comes off

...Hi, Having doing hillwalking and low grade rock climbing for a number of years i though i would take the plunge into winter walking. Last year i bought myself a pair of Grivel G10 crampons and the above axe. The axe is 60cm in length with a wrist lensh on the shaft. The axe head is study and joined to shaft with an eyelet rivet, the same as most axes of this type. The shaft of the axe sounds hollow giving it it's light weight. This does not mean that it is weak, as I used it once as as a hanhold, jaming the axe horizontal across the top of two boulders and hauling myself up on it, the shaft did not bend and their is no sign of cracking. The shaft appears to have a protective coating on it that also allows for extera grip by having loads of small raised bubbles on it. The head of the axe, is quit tough, and has not been disfigured... Read review

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Advantages: Comfy, tough, practical and adaptable - the best
Disadvantages: Bombproof fabrics and construction mean its a bit heavy

...the Black Ice is probably the one to pick. I am on my second one of these now (first was stolen) and the latest design is even better with a removable waist strap. The simple back system stays the same though which is good (this sack like many Pods has to fit you and you buy the back length to suit, no fragile adjustable back systems here). At 6' tall with a long back length I use a size 3, but its maybe a good idea to try before you buy rather than purchase over the internet to be sure the whole thing suits you and your needs. Capacity wise its pretty big, the claimed 42 litres being generous enough for full winter walking gear, major climbing days out or some long distance lightweight camping. The lid compartment is also pretty generous So what don't I like, well other than the highish empty weight (but hey this sac will last a lifetime... Read review

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