It’s winter, and you want to stay safe on the hills as snow and ice blanket the uplands.
So should you pack your crampons, or will micro-spikes do the job?
Mountaineering Scotland’s experts have advice for hill-goers to help them make the right choice.
It follows a survey of more than 1,300 respondents at the end of last winter, which revealed a consensus that clearer guidance was needed. “Many respondents expressed frustration at the lack of accurate information and the prevalence of misleading advice on social media,” it said.
The organisation, which represents hillwalkers, climbers, mountaineers and ski tourers north of the border, said micro-spikes are lightweight traction devices designed for walking on icy paths and tracks with low-angle inclines, typically 15 to 20 degrees. Despite their lightweight appeal and lower cost, micro-spikes have limitations that make them unsuitable for steep or technical terrain, it added.
Crampons, by contrast, are more robust, offering essential grip for steep, technical, or mixed mountain terrain where a slip could lead to a serious fall.
The survey found that 83 per cent of those who responded use both micro-spikes and crampons, while 17 per cent only ever use micro-spikes, mainly sticking to defined paths and tracks. Of those who use micro-spikes, 90 per cent said they preferred versions that use small spikes, rather than coils.
Ross Cadie, mountain safety advisor at Mountaineering Scotland, said: “The misconception that micro-spikes and crampons are interchangeable can put people at serious risk in the mountains in winter.
“Our goal is to provide clear, practical advice to help people make informed decisions about the equipment they use.
“Winter in Scotland’s mountains can be breathtakingly beautiful, but it’s also unforgiving. The right equipment and skills can mean the difference between a great day out and a dangerous situation.”
The recommendations for winter hillwalkers are:
- Understand your equipment: learn the strengths and limitations of micro-spikes and crampons
- Choose based on terrain: micro-spikes are ideal for icy paths; crampons are essential for steeper, more technical mountain terrain where a slip could result in serious consequences
- Seek training: consider a winter-skills course that covers the appropriate use of both tools, along with other key items of equipment including the ice-axeStay informed: void relying solely on social media for advice and seek trusted sources of information.
More information on the subject is available on the Mountaineering Scotland website.
Ian512
28 January 2025It's also worth remembering, "The Boot as a Tool", as described by Pete Hill and Stuart Johnston.
Probably the first bit of winter equipment that should be given consideration (along with the ice-axe) before thinking about what spikes or crampons to fit.
Can the boots kick effective steps (Slice, Pigeon-hole, Bucket and Heel-plunge etc).
Use of the ice-axe to cut steps (Slash, Pigeon-hole, Letterbox etc) and of course its use in halting a slip.
With good boots, an ice-axe and the skills described above, you may find little need for crampons or spikes on many winter hill days.
Putting crampons on your feet, without the skill to use them, you become "armed and dangerous", to yourself and others.
Jake
31 January 2025On the back of an article offering sound advice, which is most useful for those with limited experience of winter mountain conditions, why would anyone think it’s a good idea to quote something like “The Boot as a Tool” as described by Pete Hill and Stuart Johnston.
An inexperienced person might read that and allow it talk them out of buying a piece of equipment that might prevent an accident or perhaps even save their lives. “after all, I’ve got a pair of decent boots so I don’t need anything else”.
Ian512
31 January 2025All I said was decent boots are the starting point and a reminder that there are many winter skills that should be learned by, in your words, "an inexperienced person" with "limited experience".
With poor boots and a broken set of Spikes or Crampons then an inexperienced person, without at least some of the other skills I mentioned, could be in difficulty depending on the ground and snow conditions.
It's been said that, 'there is no winter hillwalking - its always winter mountaineering'.
Pete Hill and Stuart Johnston's book might be a place to start.