On more uneven ground with harder ice you need more spikes that are longer, and these spikes need to be more firmly held in place to create a stable foothold. The Hillsound Trail Crampon has 11 spikes that are each 1 cm long and quite sharp. These are located on three metal frames, so they cannot move around and therefore they provide a more secure foot placement. The crampon metal frame is hinged under the forefoot to allow a better grip when the shoe flexes. There is also a strap across the top of the rubber cradle to ensure that these crampons stay firmly in place on more uneven ground, which can often cause these devices to roll off the shoe. Full crampons still provide a better grip on deep snow and more uneven ice, but the Hillsound Trail Crampons should be useful on easier hill tracks, particularly for more experienced hillwalkers.
Materials rubber cradle with steel chain and spikes
Sizes S (3-5), M (5-7), L (7-9), XL (9-11), XXL (11-14)
Weight 472g (pair, size XXL)
Stockist details www.hillsound.com