Crampons & ice axes

Crampons and ice axes give grip and security on snow and ice. Crampons attach with straps, a toe strap and heel lever, or a toe bail and heel lever; the lever bindings need boots with welts and enough stiffness. Flexible crampons with horizontal points suit glacier walking, rigid models with vertical points steep ice. For axes, a straight shaft suits general mountaineering, a curved shaft steeper ground.