Fitting your crampons properly is critical for safety and efficiency in the mountains. Please start by watching this instructional video on how to fit various crampons and ensure they are adjusted correctly to your boots.
Why Practice is Essential
Before our Snow 1 field trip, you’ll be required to fit your crampons to your boots at least twice. This isn’t just a formality—it’s about building muscle memory so you can do it quickly and confidently, even in challenging conditions. Practice putting them on in the dark using your headlamp, because there’s a good chance you’ll be doing this at 1 AM in the mountains, when it’s windy, snowy, rainy, or foggy. Your hands will be cold, you’ll be wearing mittens or large gloves, and you'll likely be groggy from an alpine start.
Here’s why mastering crampon fitting matters:
1. Safety
If your crampon slips off on a steep slope, it’s not just a minor inconvenience—it can be life-threatening. A loose crampon can cause you to slip and fall, which could result in a dangerous slide down the snow, endangering both you and your rope team. Properly fitted crampons are critical for maintaining traction and control on steep, icy terrain.
2. Rope Team and Group Efficiency
In alpine climbing, everyone’s performance affects the group. If you’re frequently stopping to adjust your crampons, it puts unnecessary stress on your rope team. They’ll have to halt, losing precious time and risking getting cold while waiting. In high-stakes environments, group momentum is essential, and constant delays can lead to frustration or even compromise the entire team's ability to reach the summit.
Stopping frequently for gear adjustments, especially ones that could have been prevented, can and has led to failures in achieving summit goals. To be a strong team member and ensure a more enjoyable experience, make sure your gear is dialed in before you leave the trailhead.
Pro Tips for Crampon Fitting:
Practice in realistic conditions: Try fitting your crampons with cold hands, while wearing gloves, and in the dark. This will simulate real-life conditions and build your confidence.
Pre-trip checks: Ensure your crampons are properly adjusted to your boots before each climb. Double-check that they’re secure to avoid on-mountain adjustments.
By practicing these skills before our field trip, you’ll not only be safer but also a more efficient and dependable teammate. You'll spend less time fiddling with gear and more time enjoying the climb.