Vargo’s new 2015 4oz 10point crampons

It looks like those are held on purely by the straps, and the straps go all the way around the boots. That means that the straps probably have to be cinched up very tight, and that has a tendency to reduce blood circulation to the toes.

I guess for 4 oz you can't have everything.

In a full-on twelve point crampon, they are fitted to the sole tightly enough by just press fitting them on. Then the straps have a minor effect in keeping them on.

–B.G.–

What keeps your foot from sliding right out the back when climbing? There is nothing like a heel strap I can see.

"What keeps your foot from sliding right out the back when climbing?"

That's what worries me.

I don't know. Maybe you apply it with Super Glue.

–B.G.–

Vargo never calls them crampons.

perhaps they are meant for impromptu games of winter soccer?

Call them whatever you want. But. I used them recently in the white mountains in the snow around Mount Washington and they did not slide on incline trails.

http://www.vargooutdoors.com/titanium-pocket-cleats.html

link without extra unneeded tracking numbers.

> What keeps your foot from sliding right out the back when climbing? There is nothing
> like a heel strap I can see.
True, and I agree that there would be a problem.

But I wonder … you could tweak the webbing to criss-cross around the heel rather eaily I think?

Cheers

A few minor mods to the webbing would be easy.

But then I wonder why they didn't apply the folding arm concept to the rear too (i.e., a folding X instead of a folding Y). A little heel braking for descents would be cool. Or at least extend the underfoot plate a few inches rearward. Maybe it's not an issue but I even slip on occasion in my Microspikes if I forget to 'flat foot' my stride on steep icy descents, and those have heel spikes waaaay farther back.

FWIW, Vargo seems to be promoting these a bit more for winter running (snowy, icy roads, etc), rather than as a direct competitor to micro spikes, yak trax, etc.

Kind of a shame, as I'm probably going to be snagging a pair of microspikes at some point if needed for a PCT thru, and I wouldn't have minded having what appears to be a lighter, more packable alternative.

Gary, can you measure the cm depth of each point? The mfg's page does not specify their depth. I'm curious if it is 1cm, 2cm or 3cm. From the picture it almost looks like a 1cm depth (maybe 2cm).

About 1.6 – 2cm

Just buy two and make your own X shape, or strap them on backwards lol. 20pt crampons must be better right?

Looking at them, it wouldn't be hard (though expensive) to buy 2 pairs, flatten the rear 2 points and drill a screw hole to attach the second set of brackets to make an X shape. I wish they'd have considered offering that option from the beginning as they'd still be pretty light.

Thanks for posting about these. I may have to check them out. If nothing else, they could supplement the screws in my shoes when I don't need a full crampon.

How durable do you think these would be?

Why not just sew on an adjustable strap from the center one that goes around your heel?

After reading this thread I caved and ordered em.
They arrived quick!
They do seem like they can slip forward…BUT!!…
The strap over the top can easily be used behind the heel instead. Almost feels like it was supposed to work that way. Not much slack on the strap though…so if you have big feet it could be an issue.
These seem pretty darn usable actually! Much better than expected.
Something weird though is the metal buckle things on the side…can't figure out if they actually serve a purpose….
Biggest concern to me is if the plastic strap attachment buckle clips..not sure if those will hold up too well….time will tell I suppose.

If I know I'll need traction…I'll still bring microspikes. But for those trips where I might need em…or will only need them for short sections…I'll definitely bring these.
Forester passes ice chute for example.

good to have another supporter among pessimists ;)

I only count 8 points. No where in the ad does it claim they have 10 points and, in fact, they are not even crampons. Rather, they are 'cleats' or 'traction devices'
To call them 10 point crampons would give the impression that you could do some climbing with them. But these are not study enough for anything but walking over slick, low angle stuff. The ad talks about 'winter runs or ultralight hiking' :

"Titanium Pocket Cleats
Pocket Cleats Nylon Ca

Ultralight Traction Device

Improve speed and traction on winter runs or ultralight hiking with the Vargo Titanium Pocket Cleats™.

billy

Billy – I went up to the summit of Mount Washington on these in the winter. They are not just cleats.

The real test would be spring, when the snow is firm. They won't work for that above any moderate angle snowfield. You do the same in ANY footwear if the snow is soft. These are cleats, not crampons. Crampons allow for the ascent of steep firm snow. In such conditions, these would be sketchy at best, and would lead to a major injury or death at worst.

Billy – I went up to the summit of Mount Washington on these in the winter."

then I count you as being foolish…

billy

Looks like the straps tighten around the narrow part of your boot behind your forefoot? If that's the case that would be pretty secure.

Greg – care to give a more thorough review? I'm interested in these for the CDT!

The How to Fit video maintains that the "side brackets" will keep the device from riding forward, and that appears to have been Gary's experience. If not, as was stated, it should be easy enough to attach some straps to go around the heel with a light separating plastic buckle.

A greater concern is how tough the titanium is compared to hardened steel. Even at the height of summer, there are sometimes large snow patches on the Divide ridges that are lot safer with a device like this, with much less weight penalty than other spikes. But I wouldn't want the spikes to wear out fairly quickly, especially for the $70 price.

They shouldn't be tarred with the rep of instep 'crampons', that are truly worthless. These put the spikes under the ball of the foot.

But the buckles do appear a little flimsy. They could be replaced easily enough, but the weight creeps up.

And the price is high for a device that can be so simply manufactured by ti mongers. Decisions, decisions. Does anyone know how durable these ti spikes are likely to be, even if exposed only to hardpack and ice, and not dragged over every surface imaginable like my heavier steel MicroSpikes?

> Does anyone know how durable these ti spikes are likely to be, even if exposed only
> to hardpack and ice,
My experiments with mini-crampons made from sheet Ti suggested that it would be 100% OK on snow and hard neve. I have not been able to test them on hard ice, but the stuff can take a bit of sheet rock – gently. Mind you, I would avoid it!

Cheers