Reviews > Snow Gear > Crampons > CMI Instep Crampon > Owner Review by arnold peterson

CMI INSTEP CRAMPON Traction Device
ARNOLD PETERSON
OWNER REVIEW
March 28, 2007

TESTER INFORMATION

Backpacking Background: At this time almost all my experience has been hiking in New Hampshire, Florida, Colorado USA, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia Canada using an 11 lb (5 kg) day pack. I have backpacked on Mt. Washington and Imp Shelter located between North Carter and Mount Moriah mountains in New Hampshire. The gear I will be writing about has been used a lot hiking mostly all year around in New Hampshire. I have recently completed the forty-eight 4000 footers (1219 m) of New Hampshire. My longest day hike was 12 hours covering almost 20 miles (32 km).

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: CMI
Year of Manufacture: 2006
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.cmi-gear.com
MSRP: US $44.45
Listed Weight: 11.6 oz (328 g)

The CMI Instep crampon is designed to be a lightweight traction device. It provides stability for hikers on moderate inclinations on hard packed snow, ice and snow covered ice.

Product Description

The CMI Instep crampon is comprised of 2 formed steel parts joined by a screw and nut. The width of the crampon can be adjusted by inserting the screw into the appropriate hole thus providing a snug fit to the boot being used. The metal parts are made with 4130 chrome-moly steel which is coated with durable epoxy powder coating. There is a tool built into the crampon to tighten the nut on the crampon thus eliminating the need for a seperate tool if the nut becomes loose during use. The metal is formed so that it slides firmly to the sides of the sole of the boot at the instep. In the opposite direction there are 4 points that serve as biting teeth. There are slots in the metal to hold 2 Neoprene straps which are about 26 in (66 cm) long and about 0.5 in (1.27 cm) wide. The straps look like a belt with a buckle on one end and holes on the other end. Each belt is inserted into slots in the metal parts of the crampon. They can be adjusted to accommodate the boot. The points on the crampons are 1.25 in (3.17 cm) long and are "V" shaped.

FIELD USE

I start carrying the CMI instep crampons as soon as icy or snow conditions are reported in the mountains. The CMI crampons are light and very easy to put on. To carry them I put the points toward each other and wrap the straps around them and then place the CMI crampons in a small plastic bag. They fit easily in my jacket pocket and are quickly available. When I feel I need more traction, out come the CMI Instep crampons. The CMI crampons come with straps on them. One set is longer than the other. I have the shorter strap engaged so that I can slip the toe part of my boot into the CMI crampon. I adjust the metal part of the CMI crampon to fit to the instep of the boot. I then pull on the front strap until it feels secure. The longer straps are engaged by moving them toward the heel part of the boot and circling the ankle and joining them at the front of the boot just above the shorter strap. I secure them firmly by pulling on the strap like putting the belt on my pants.

I have used the CMI Instep crampons on 4 hikes in mountains in the 4-5 thousand foot (1219-1524 m) range. My day pack is about 12 lb (5.44 kg). The hikes ranged from 6 to 10 mi (9.66 to 16.1 km) At my age falling or even slipping is important to me. I felt quite secure wearing these CMI Instep crampons. I was able to keep up with better hikers that were wearing multi point crampons or snowshoes. I recently used snowshoes and noticed that I was noticeably slower.

Care and maintenance

When I take off my CMI Instep crampons, I hold them by the straps and shake them; this usually gets rid of most of the debris. Even though the Neoprene straps and the metal parts don't absorb much water, they may be slightly wet so I put them in a plastic bag before putting them in my pocket.

SUMMARY

CMI Instep Crampons are small, light, durable, quick and easy to put on.

Looking small

mugsize

toe ready

buckles in front

bottom

compare

THINGS I LIKE

The CMI Instep crampon is light, easy to put on. The traction for a 4 point device is truly amazing. The CMI Instep Crampon is inexpensive and it fits in my jacket pocket for easy removal. After using the CMI Instep Crampon several times on ice and rock there is little evidence of wear and the only evidence of wear is the finish is worn in a few spots.

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

The first few steps on hard ice I felt as if I had stepped on a small branch. This made me feel slightly unstable, however I soon got over this feeling. I have used the CMI Instep crampon over Yaktraxs to get traction on the ball of my foot. My wish would be to have an added 1 or 2 points for the ball of the foot.

CMI Instep crampon is really a great traction device that is small light durable and inexpensive.

Arnold Peterson

Reviews > Snow Gear > Crampons > CMI Instep Crampon > Owner Review by arnold peterson