Flexible or rigid, that is the question. When the North Face of the Eiger was first climbed in 1938, most of the party didn't have crampons. Now, a person would be considered crazy to attempt the climb without them. For summer mountaineering involving minimal snow travel, you may well get by with just a mountaineering axe. However, if there is any ice on your route, crampons will make travel safer and easier.

Crampons are required gear if there's ice and snow on a climb Photo copyright Southwind Adventures

For general mountaineering, select semirigid or flexible crampons. The rigid variety are good for steep, technical waterfall ice, but tend to ball up with snow and hinder walking ability. Flexible crampons are hinged at the instep, allowing them to bend as you walk. The bending action helps slough snow off the bottom, and makes walking less awkward. Climbers who plan to mix mountaineering with steeper ice may opt for a semirigid model, which is appropriate for both walking and climbing.

Choose a pair with horizontal front points, rather than the vertical or mono points, which are designed primarily for steep waterfall ice and mixed climbing. Since horizontal points are scooped in shape, they bite more easily into slush and soft snow. They also aren't quite so deadly if you accidentally kick yourself in the calf.

All crampons aren't compatible with all boots. Bring your boots to the store when you shop. There are basically three ways that crampons attach to boots—step-in, strap-on, and hybrid straps. Step-in bindings have a heel and toe bale and require a stiff boot with grooves to match the crampon's heel and toe levers. Additionally, this style has an ankle strap for added security. Properly fitted, these crampons are the easiest to put on and remove, as well as being extremely secure. The downside is that many models of step-in crampons and boots are not compatible. Adjust the crampon to fit your boot before you leave the store, not the morning of your big climb.

Strap-on crampons are the most versatile and can be extremely secure if the fit is tight. They can usually be attached to most any boot. The drawback is they can be difficult to adjust in wet and frozen conditions. Also, cinching them too tightly can pinch your boot and restrict circulation in your feet.

Hybrid crampons have a heel bail and toe strap. These work great, if they fit your boots.

Mountain climbers who expect to use their crampons sparingly should take a serious look at some of the new aluminum models. They are extremely light—less than a pound in comparison to many standard steel models, which weigh between two and three pounds. The points on aluminum crampons may not last as long as those made of steel, especially if you spend a lot of time on the rocks, but they work great in most snow and ice conditions. And you'll definitely appreciate the weight savings after a long day on the trail.