Salewa Unisex Alpinist Combi Crampons

Curated from 71 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: December 10, 2024

Salewa Unisex Alpinist Combi Crampons

Brand: Salewa
Price: $130
Snoop Score:
3.5
Sentiment
1.0
Popularity
0.1
Technical
5.6

Snoop's Take

The Salewa Unisex Alpinist Combi Crampons are designed for climbers seeking a reliable solution for icy and snowy terrains. Built with steel for durability, these semi-automatic crampons feature a one-size-fits-all design suitable for various boot types. Consumer feedback highlights that these crampons are "so damn comfortable" for long-term wear, reflecting a strong sentiment towards their comfort and performance. However, users have reported some concerns, such as strap loosening issues and instability due to the smaller front section, with one noting that "the front section is much smaller than other 12 point crampons." Despite the negative feedback regarding compatibility with flexible boots and the potential for discomfort, the Salewa Alpinist Combi Crampons are recommended for those looking for comfortable and reliable gear for general hiking and moderate climbs. However, caution is advised for vertical ice climbing due to suitability concerns.

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so damn comfortable.

Positive Feedback

Once its gone thru its initial stretch, its pretty solid and I don't worry about it loosening.

Negative Feedback
Product
3.5
Salewa Unisex Alpinist Combi Crampons
Technical Ice Climbing
8 / 10
Glacier Travel
6 / 10
Ski Mountaineering
6 / 10
Winter Hiking and Trail Walking
2 / 10
See how this compares to all Crampons

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.
Comfortable for long-term wear
so damn comfortable.
Trustworthy shoe brand with positive reviews
Salewa are very trustworthy shoes, many positive reviews and tests.

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.
Strap loosening issue reported
Once its gone thru its initial stretch, its pretty solid and I don't worry about it loosening.
Without a sole stiff enough the crampon has to do all the work and it's a pain in the ass to keep tight, especially on steep snow.
Smaller front section leads to less stability
the front section is much smaller than other 12 point crampons, so they’re not as stable as a g12 or petzl vasak.
Yes and I ruined my first set of crampons by using boots that were too soft and flexible.
Crampons slip on flexible soles
the sole will flex like crazy and crampons will slip right when you can least afford it.
It is dangerous. I have the exact same shoes for general hiking.
Steel crampons not compatible with flexible boots
What exactly are you wanting to climb?
Strap-on crampons might not secure well
Two, strap-on crampons fit any boot.
Old gear could lead to dangerous situations
these would just raise that probability of gear failure
Boots can be too small, causing discomfort
If your fingers touch the toe cap of the boot when descending, then your boots are too small size i would say.
If your toes are crunched into the toe cap that will restrict blood flow and cause not only irritation but cold toes.
Comfort issues experienced during use
It feels weird when the rest of the foot is warm but the fingers are cold even if I keep rubbing them against each other regularly.
Common sole separation issues reported
my sole separated from the rest of the boot over the weekend.
Not suitable for vertical ice climbing
they're a heavy duty backpacking boot, that's all.
For waterfall or technical ice? There are better options.

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Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.
Discussion about different crampon types and applications
Which crampons to choose for my shoe?
Petzl leopards on approach shoes to cross many glaciers and steep snow up to 50 degrees.
I use BD strap on with approach shoes all summer in the cascades.
I wear my strap ons on trail runners when I have to.
Clarification on different types of crampons
Nope, steel crampons will not work.
Discussion about the origin of Salewa crampons
used the original straps without any problems this summer.
I always thought of Salewa as an Austrian / Tyrolean company.
on the crampon it's written "Salewa DBP. Made in West Germany"
Debate on types of crampons for different climbing styles
Personally, I think its only worth having a pair of strap-ons for general mountaineering, and full autos for really technical stuff.
Discussion on boot capabilities for different climbing conditions
Do any of you have experience with these boots in that manner?

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.
Discussion on crampon alternatives and weight reduction
Early reviews were stating that the crampons was falling due to the strap becoming loose.
Petzl gully is great. “Too light for alpine route” is meaningless.
I’m looking for a lighter alternative for glacier and couloir ~45 degree.
I mostly want something I could use on steep snow for 14ers or something like Hood on a good day.
Inquiry about usage locations of Salewa crampons
Where did you use them?
Discussion on restoring old crampons
No rust, nearly mint and I was told by the man they were the crampons he used to climb Everest back in the mid-80's.
I firmly believe in committing to stupid decisions on overly dangerous out of date gear.
Thanks y'all, that's very appreciated! I'll give them to my father in-law to hang up at the cottage or something like that!

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’
General chatter about hiking gear compatibility
Will these work with strapped crampons? Going to hike the Skaftafell glacier in Iceland in September through an Arctic Adventures tour.
Also, in my experience wrenching strap on crampons super tight seems to flex the sole and seams too much over time and can ruin the waterproofing.
And your feet will HATE you by the end of the day…not that I tried to use crampons with similar trail boots once (and never again)
Recommendations for beginners on crampons
Microspikes are toys compared to properly worn crampons.
Discussion on the use of Petzl Leopards and their initial setup
Beware the first couple miles you put on a new pair of Petzl Leopards.
Discussion on climbing boot requirements for crampon use
Will crampons fit with these boots? I have these boots: [https://www.salewa.com/mountain-trainer-lite-gore-tex-mens-shoes-00-0000061361?c=516602]
OP listen I’m a ice climber. Buy a boot that is literally rated by the manufacturer/distributor as a “mountaineering” grade boot.
Discussion on compatibility with different crampons
The do not look like proper shoes for C3, but if the crampons fits... LOL
You should look on the official website of Salewa and see for yourself.
They look similar, thanks
Discussion on compatibility of Salewa boots with various crampons
Petzl vasak leverlock universal (semi auto attachment) crampons fit well?
You should be good so long as they salewas have a heel bail,you can allways use universal ones as well,I have salewa vulture vertical gtx with toe and heel bail and use petzle lynx just fine in full auto mode.
Try and get somewhere that has a variety of crampons, take your boot with you and fit them.
I would reach out to them and ask directly.
Discussion on compatibility of Salewa boots with crampons
Should I consider semi-auto crampons? Are there really any benefits vs a strap type for a novice?
They've done the job for lengthier glacier travel, snow, etc.
If you're scrambling, and crossing snowy ridge lines then a strap crampon will be good enough for you!

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.
Discussion on different crampons and their performance
I’ve understood that this strap design is a fairly new concept and was wondering if anyone have any experience with these?
They work on moderate slopes 40-70 degrees of hard packed snow, and some ice (I haven't run into Blue Ice yet though), if you frontpoint.
I believe the Harfangs can work for your use, and might actually beneficial over a rigid crampon, since you have quite a soft sole in your boots, as long as you know their limitations.
Discussion on microspikes and their performance on various terrains
Micro-crampons (micro-spikes) experiences As far as I know, there are automatic and semi-automatic crampons available, at least here in Europe.
I've used microspikes before. They are really good relatively flat ice, packed down trails, and low-angle consolidated snow.
Part of the quiver for someone who gets out and about in the mountains.
100% depends on your specific use case. What are you needing them for?

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