Crampons
Crampons are metal spiked frames strapped to boots to provide grip on ice and hard, compacted snow.
Definition
Crampons are traction devices with rows of sharp metal points that attach to the sole of a stiff boot. The downward and forward-facing spikes bite into ice and firm snow, giving secure footing on steep, slippery ground where ordinary boots would slide.
They are used in mountaineering, ice climbing and winter hill walking, and are chosen to match the boot and terrain — flexible walking crampons for gentler snow slopes through to rigid technical crampons with prominent front points for climbing steep ice. Crampons are typically paired with an ice axe and used with proper technique on serious ground.
Where you’ll hear “crampons”
Sports that use this term:
Hiking
An accessible outdoor sport of walking natural trails and hills at your own pace, solo or in a group.
Rock Climbing
A rope-based climbing sport that pairs full-body strength with focus and careful technique, indoors or on rock.
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Playing surfaces
- SnowCompacted or natural snow on slopes and trails — a low-friction surface built for gliding, where skis, boards and runners slide fast over frozen ground.
- IceA prepared, frozen sheet kept hard and smooth; its extremely low friction lets skaters, pucks and stones glide with very little resistance.
- TrailNatural off-road terrain of dirt, rock, roots, grass and mud that varies constantly and rewards surefootedness in trail running, mountain biking and hiking.
- Synthetic trackAn all-weather rubberised athletics running surface — firm, springy and high-grip — giving sprinters and distance runners fast, consistent, predictable footing.
Sport categories
Muscle groups
- ForearmsThe muscles of the lower arm that move the wrist and fingers and drive grip strength.
- BicepsThe muscles on the front of the upper arm that bend the elbow and turn the forearm.
- ObliquesThe muscles on the sides of the trunk that rotate and side-bend the torso and help brace the core.
- ChestThe broad muscles across the front of the ribcage that push the arms forward and across the body.
- ShouldersThe rounded muscles capping the shoulder joint that lift and rotate the arms in every direction.
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- Content type
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- Provenance
- Tier A — evergreen educational
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- Content updated
- 2026-08-04
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