1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Climbing

Crampons
Definition of Climbing Equipment Word

By Stewart Green, About.com

Grivel G14 Crampons

Photo courtesy of Grivel

Crampons

Metal skeletons with sharp points that are attached to sturdy mountain boots. They allow a climber to ascend ice gullies, waterfalls, and snow slopes without slipping since the sharp points bite into the ice. Most crampons have 12 points, with two pointed straight-out on the toe for frontpointing. They are attached to boots with straps.

Explore Climbing
About.com Special Features

Strike out the competition with these step-by-step pictorials. More >

Learning Pilates fundamentals can help you get the most out of your exercise regime. More >

  1. Home
  2. Sports
  3. Climbing
  4. Climbing Glossary
  5. Climbing Equipment Words
  6. Crampons

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.