
$139.95
Item qualifies for annual
REI Member Refund (typically 10%)
Imported.
Item 751754
Specification | Description |
| Weight | 605 grams |
| Bindings | Strap-on |
| Fits shoe size | EU 36-48 / US 5-13 |
Reviewed by 3 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-3
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about C.A.M.P. USA Universal XLC 490 Crampons:
These crampons are made of lightweight aluminum. They are about half the weight of traditional steel crampons.
This means that they are great for someone who needs to carry crampons on their back much more than on their feet. I used them on Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Adams this summer and they performed well.
I would not use them for any seriously challenging mountaineering. They just aren't strong enough to stand up to rocks, steep ice, and mixed routes.
But for basic glacier walking, they are a wonderful, affordable crampon.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about C.A.M.P. USA Universal XLC 490 Crampons:
Because I live in Australia it is even more important that mail order products be described accurately and comprehensively. I bought the 490 because the description indicated that it would fit all boots - couldn't be further from the truth. It may fit shoes or light hiking boots but it cannot possibly fit telemark or AT boots. [...] So I cannot comment on how they might perform when attached to shoes/boots. Could I ask REI to be careful to completely describe the attributes of their products?
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about C.A.M.P. USA Universal XLC 490 Crampons:
I bought these crampons for their light weight, to assist on mixed route alpine climbs. Pros: They are light; They are reasonably tough (withstand occasional scramble over scree); they prevent ball buildup in soft snow. But here is the problem: The heel lugs (Where bindings attach) are poorly spaced. For my boots (size 11) the heel is too wide to fit easily between the lugs. When I press the heel back firmly against the lugs and set the straps, the heel slowly works its way way backward as I place a load on them during normal usage. The result of the backward movement is a loosening at the toe allowing the toe to rotate out of the crampon. Attempts to adjust the fit by shortening the overall length resulted in a poor fit and the problem persisted. Even the black heel retaining strap failed to keep my foot where it needed to be.
Some minor design adjustments would yield a much better product, but as is, the fit is poor and if your boot slips out at the wrong moment, the results may be quite unpleasant. Having to adjust your crampons when traversing a steep slope can be unpleasant at the least, and possibly quite dangerous!
I am hoping to get my money back!
Displaying reviews 1-3
How are we doing? Give us feedback on this page.
Shopping Cart
Find REI on:
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
MySpace
Flickr