Steel Kahtoola: Lightest 10-Point Steel Crampons First Look (Outdoor Retailer Winter Market 2005)

Kahtoola crampons have become deservedly popular. One can cover difficult snow and ice in the comfort and flexibility of trail runners or light boots. It’s traction for the masses. Outfitters want to rent them out, but the aluminum doesn’t hold up to day-in and day-out use - at least, not without a lot of sharpening. Kahtoola’s answer was to add a steel version to their line.

The steel version is only a bit heavier than the aluminum version, is more durable, penetrates hard snow and ice better, and has redesigns that extend the fit range and correct a wear point on the front strap buckle.