Reviews > Snow Gear > Traction Aids > Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampons > Test Report by Doug White

KAHTOOLA K10 HIKING CRAMPON
TEST SERIES BY DOUG WHITE
LONG-TERM REPORT
June 21, 2016

CLICK HERE TO SKIP TO THE FIELD REPORT
CLICK HERE TO SKIP TO THE LONG-TERM REPORT

TESTER INFORMATION

Backpacking Background: I've been backpacking for several years. I have tested a lot of different systems to find what works the best for me. I pack as light as possible without sacrificing comfort and functionality. I enjoy backpacking in all kinds of weather including winter. I also do snowshoeing and year-round mountaineering. I backpack in the Rocky Mountains just below treeline most of the time. My trips are normally at least a few miles (5 km) or more. Anytime I can get out and enjoy the mountains, even for a day hike, I do.

INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Kahtoola

Crampon

Manufacturer's Website: www.Kahtoola.com
MSRP: US$99.95
Listed Weight: 21.4 oz (608 g)
Measured Weight (Includes snow release skins): 23 oz (652 g)
Size Tested: Medium LeafSpring
Boot Size Worn during test: 9 US
Other details: According to the Kahtoola website, this crampon is the lightest steel crampon currently on the market. The crampon uses LeafSpring Flex Bar technology which allows the crampon to flex with your boot or shoe for better mobility on rigid surfaces and prevents long term damage to the flex bar. Kahtoola claims this crampon was designed to be worn with any type of footwear. The crampon uses a quick-fit binding system with lock and release plastic buckles that make it quick to attach or remove them from footwear. The crampon is not intended for technical climbing, but rather for glacier travel, winter hiking, trail running, and non-technical mountaineering. The crampon uses front and rear quick-fit bindings that are independent of each other. The bindings use plastic lock and release buckles for easy attachment to the boot or removal from the boot. The bindings also come with strap keeper bands to secure any loose straps after proper fitment to the user's boot. The rear binding even comes with a lace hook that attaches to the laces on your boot. Each crampon has 10 spikes that are 0.75 in (1.9 cm) in length and are made from 4130 Chromoly Steel. They can also be collapsed for a smaller packed size. Included with the crampons are three different length LeafSprings depending on the user's shoe size. Also included with the crampons are snow release skins made from some kind of strong fabric to keep snow from balling up on the bottom of the crampon during use. The crampons include a three year warranty on defects and workmanship and a lifetime warranty on the LeafSpring itself.

3 Different Length Leaf Springs

Buckle On Bindings

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

The crampons arrived in a simple cardboard box. Simple is good though. The information on the packaging was informative yet not over-whelming. The packaging also has some information on it comparing the K10 crampon to some of Kahtoola's other products. The instructions were fairly simple for me to understand, however, I have had experience with other crampons as well. The instructions include information on how to adjust the length of the crampon and how to setup the bindings to ensure they fit the user's footwear properly. The instructions also contain information on care and maintenance, and show how to attach the snow release skins. I was very happy to find out that the leaf spring that came pre-installed in the crampon fits my boot! This is the first pair of crampons I've owned that came 'ready-to-go' right out of the box.
The crampon steel looks very durable and rigid. I don't foresee any problems with the spikes. The bindings, although plastic and nylon, seem perfect and durable enough for a quick-release attachment for hiking of mild mountaineering. The bindings are attached to the main spike plate with rivets and steel straps. The LeafSpring bends easily enough to be flexible but returns right back to a flat position. The crampons fit my boots perfectly and the bindings were very easy for me to pre-set to my boots. I was very impressed with the snow release skins. The fabric type was very tight and difficult to get on, but it appears that they will stay on. I have purchased anti-ball plates in the past for other crampons and have even made my own and have found them to fit poorly. These fabric ones appear to be a great design. I hope they function well and last.

Lace Hook

Snow Release Skins

TESTING STRATEGY

I plan on testing these in a variety of winter conditions from packed snow to solid ice. I hope to also do some light mountaineering. I am anxious to get out and try them. Being that we're approaching spring, this is a great time for mountaineering as the snow layers pack and provide great testing for crampons.

SUMMARY

I am impressed by the appearance of quality of these crampons. They look like they will be ideal for winter hiking and backpacking. I don't really have any concerns at this time.


This concludes my Initial Report.

FIELD REPORT

FIELD LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

I've had the opportunity to use these on two trips so far.

The first trip was in Rocky Mountain National Park at a trail around 9000 ft (2745 m) elevation. The trail is well-used and popular so the entire trail consisted of ice and packed snow. Total trip distance was 2 miles (3.2 km). Temperature was around 25 F (-4 C).

The second trip was a snow-climbing adventure high in the Rocky Mountains where the trail starts at 12000 ft (3660 m) elevation. This distance was also about 2 miles (3.2 km) but very steep. Temperature was around 35 F (2 C). Snow was loose, but there were spots with packed snow.

Crampon On Boot

Beautiful Views

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

I love these things so far. I own two other pairs of crampons, so it was good to compare these to those. By nature I am a hiker, not a technical climber, so testing these non-technical crampons are perfect for me. The fit is great and the crampons are easy to put on and take off for me. The buckle system is very convenient. As far as comfort while hiking, they are very comfortable. I haven't experienced any blisters or sore spots thus far. Using them on ice, they grip well. Several times I walked on icy hills with a 30 degree slope with no issues at all. On other flat icy ground, I tried to make myself slip or fall and it didn't happen. These crampons are great for gripping icy ground. The spikes already show wear which isn't uncommon in my experience with other crampons I've used. I made sure to wash the crampons off in water after each use. The snow release skins work great as well. The high-altitude climb that I did was on a warmer day and the snow was loose; this was a perfect testing environment for the skins.

Beautiful Views

SUMMARY

Great crampons for hiking on ice or snow-packed ground. They are comfortable to wear and for me, they were easy to put on and take off. I am also impressed with the function and design of the snow release skins. At this time, I can't find anything about the crampons that I don't like. I look forward to testing these more.

This concludes my Field Report.

LONG-TERM REPORT

LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

For my long-term testing, I used the crampons on more trip. The hiking trip was around 5 miles (8 km) and started around 10,000 ft (3048 m) elevation. The temperatures were around 35 F (1.6 C) and the trail was snow-packed. I even got to do some snow climbing on a 30 degree slope.

Climbing

Hiking

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

Once again, these crampons performed flawlessly. They were extremely comfortable and left me with no blisters. They gripped the snow well and the skins released the snow very well. On this trip, the trail was snow packed the entire way and was a constant uphill hike. The crampons really grabbed the packed snow well and were a great traction device. They have held up very well as far as wear goes. The spike tips show a little wear, but that's not uncommon with crampon use. The buckles, straps, skins, and metal components do not show any wear or damage.

SUMMARY AND CONTINUED USE

I have enjoyed testing these crampons. I actually own another set of Kahtoola crampons but of a different model. I found the K10s to be much more comfortable for longer hikes and much easier to put on. I really like the material that Kahtoola used for the release skins on the K10s as they are soft enough to flex and release snow but are still durable and have stood up to the test so far. The leaf spring design is also very comfortable.

I will continue to use these. These crampons will be my go-to traction devices in the Winter and Spring from now on. I have a total of three sets of traction devices and the K10s have out performed the others.

This concludes my Long Term Report.

Thank you Kahtoola and Backpackgeartest.org for the opportunity to test these crampons.

Reviews > Snow Gear > Traction Aids > Kahtoola K10 Hiking Crampons > Test Report by Doug White