I have a pair of used step-in crampons. Will I need to buy different crampons/different boots for non-glacial-style mountaineering, or will a pair of B3/Step-in compatible boots work for both every mountain and ice climbing?

For context, I Intend on doing Ice climbing 2-4 times a year and glacial/snow field type mountaineering maybe once or twice a year. Any recommendations for more affordable step-ins, or are the La Sportiva Evo types going to be the best bet?

in Mountaineeringby GumbyFred

80%

13d

Le_Martian

13d

You most likely want vertical front points for ice climbing. You can do it with horizontal front points but they won’t perform as well.

tkitta

13d

Step in crampons are intended mostly for glaciers and very moderate ice climbing. A skilled ice climber can push them and do ice climbing in them in say softer ice. I once made a mistake of leasing moderate or even easy ice climb in these. Does not give you confidence when paired up with light summer mountaineering boot. I would get heavier boots and step in crampon. Especially for beginner. Nothing super fancy.

GumbyFred

13d

Can those same boots be used for mountaineering ?

tkitta

13d

Yes. There are advanced boots for ice climbing only but I think when you get there you will know what to buy better than 99.98% of people here. What I am talking about is full shank boots with step in crampon. Don't have to be double boots at all. If you have old double boots like invernos they work well but are clunky and heavy. My boots are super old. Like 20 years old. They are super alpinista single boots, full shank and slightly insulated. They are good till 6000m.

GumbyFred

13d

Good to know thanks!! Any tips on where to look for used boots or older full shanks? I hope by the time I am at the 6000m level, I am getting something modern lol

tkitta

13d

Well I got some of my boots off eBay. A bit risky unless you know your size well. I got a pair at local auction. Discount stores with models that are few years old. Heck clunky heavy invernos are indestructible. People probably giving them away for free or next to nothing. Just remember there is a reason why they are almost free or even free.

midnight_skater

12d

Snow and glacier climbing is generally done in C2 or C3 crampons with horizontal front points. Ice climbing is typically done in C3 crampons with vertical front points.