Robert “Bo” Parfet lives close to Denver, Colorado, in the town of Boulder. A successful social entrepreneur and impact investor, Robert “Bo” Parfet also maintains a passion for mountaineering, and has successfully climbed the seven tallest mountains in the world, or the “Seven Summits.”
For a beginner, mountaineering can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to equipment. A key piece of equipment for every mountaineer is crampons, or foot spikes that help climbers maintain stability across snow, ice, and rocks.
A strap-on crampon is the most universal option, with webbing straps and flexible binding systems for the heel and toe that will attach to virtually any boot. A more secure option is the step-in crampon, which has heel levers in the back and wire bails at the toe to keep it in place. Boots need to have welts or grooves that are at least three-eighths of an inch at the toe and heel to fit this kind of crampon. Finally, a hybrid crampon has heel levers requiring a welt or groove, but a flexible toe binding system.
The other consideration when it comes to crampon is material. Aluminum crampons are light, but not incredibly durable. This option is best for moderate snow slopes. For any route with rock and snow, or steep climbs that require front pointing, mountaineers will need steel crampons. While steel is a bit heavy, it is very durable. Stay safe and have fun in the mountains!
For a beginner, mountaineering can seem overwhelming, especially when it comes to equipment. A key piece of equipment for every mountaineer is crampons, or foot spikes that help climbers maintain stability across snow, ice, and rocks.
A strap-on crampon is the most universal option, with webbing straps and flexible binding systems for the heel and toe that will attach to virtually any boot. A more secure option is the step-in crampon, which has heel levers in the back and wire bails at the toe to keep it in place. Boots need to have welts or grooves that are at least three-eighths of an inch at the toe and heel to fit this kind of crampon. Finally, a hybrid crampon has heel levers requiring a welt or groove, but a flexible toe binding system.
The other consideration when it comes to crampon is material. Aluminum crampons are light, but not incredibly durable. This option is best for moderate snow slopes. For any route with rock and snow, or steep climbs that require front pointing, mountaineers will need steel crampons. While steel is a bit heavy, it is very durable. Stay safe and have fun in the mountains!
