CAMP XLC 390 Crampons
The CAMP XLC 390 Automatic Crampons are the lightest 12-point crampons in the world, perfect for light and fast ski mountaineers that appreciate a longer front platform with an extra spike on the side. Enjoy safer ascents when booting up icy couloirs and safer traverses when crossing exposed faces with bulletproof snow. The XLC 390 is built especially for ski boots, with a simple wire bail on the toe that is held in place by tension from the aluminum linking bar underneath your foot. This makes it a cinch to put on when you're balancing precariously on steep terrain.
- Designed specifically for ski mountaineering and glacier travel, the points grip icy snow with aplomb.
- 7075 aluminum frame is 3-D pressed to maximize strength by distributing pressure across the entire platform.
- Fit most rigid mountaineering, alpine touring, and telemark boots with the automatic wire bail and heel lock.
- CC4U wear indicators on the side points let you know if the crampons become too dull to be safe.
- Included anti-balling plates help prevent dangerous build up of snow under your foot.
- Included crampon case will prevent the points from poking through your pack.
** Please note that aluminum crampons are not suitable for ice climbing or intensive mixed terrain (lots of rock).
Update 2018: CAMP is now including dynamic antibotts (anti-balling plates).
Specifications | |
Weight |
199g |
Weight (pair) | 398g |
Points | 12 |
Specs Verified | Yes |
Design | |
|
7075 Aluminum |
Skimo Co Says | |
Usage | Everday ski mountaineering, especially for larger feet |
Notes | 3-D pressed frame distributes pressure |
Bottom Line | Safe, strong, and light |
Compare to other Crampons |
Related Products
Questions & Reviews
Just tried throwing a bunch of crampons on the Stratos VI. The ski/walk nub interfered with the heel bail a bit. Probably not enough to cause issues, but not ideal. The CAMP Skimo Race and Skimo Tour both work great, as well as the Dynafit DNA and Mezzalama and Petzl Leopard LeverLock. The heel bails are all short enough to stay below the nub, or fit over it comfortably.
That makes sense about the ski/walk nub interference. Have you used the skimo race crampon? I've never used that toe locking system before- doesn't seem as solid as a toe bail..?
Sorry to hear you're having compatibility issues with your crampons! If you're looking for something that'll fit extremely well and instill some confidence, then check out The CAMP Skimo Tour Crampon.
Cons:
1) Fit with these boots (Atomic Backland) is poor, toe section moves significantly and I can pry them off if I twist and wrench enough. The toe bail is wider than the boot welt, and I am considering swapping the bail with a BD one for better fit. However, they haven't popped off yet.
2) The length adjustment is with a screwdriver. However, I noticed at the end of one day that this screw had backed out over the day. I worry these aluminum threads could strip if the screws don't stay in place.
Will these work on the TLT7 without the TLT7 adapter?
Thanks!
Locking action: I love putting these on because the automatic action is positive and locks tighly when you flip up the heel. One note, you'll need to make sure these are adjusted for your boot before headed out because changing the length requires a screwdriver. It's doable in the field but not preferred.
Durability: I have used these crampons to climb and ski most of the volcanoes in the PNW, usually in springtime. At first I was careful with rocks and suck but quickly lost patience. I have walked over all manner of texture and have had zero issues. I've taken these across many rocks, dirt, scree fields, scattered ice crap and then do it all. No damage or bent spikes after many years.
Weight: These are so light it's awesome! I basically have no hesitance when throwing these in my pack because they are so damn light. I also worry a bit less about them puncturing or damaging other items in my pack.
Performance on ice: These are just okay. I have used these went following up an icy (but not vertical) chute and then perform but aren't as confidence inspiring as steel spikes would be.
Overall these rock as an all-round ski mountaineering and backcountry frolicking do it all crampon that lasts despite their lightweight build.
I love the packability, lack of weight, fit on AT boots.
I got the Anti-ball plates and they fit good.
The heel strap buckle is questionable. I must have stepped on one of them or, it got smacked while in my pack. Anyway, it got broken and I had to rig up another strap. I replaced both straps with the Grivel double ring type strap so, no buckles to break now. I also replaced the aluminum screw/nut with steel on the adjustment bar just because.
Fit - the fit on my TLT5 boots is great. very secure with no play.
Weight - very light. you can go slightly lighter (350 or race 290) but I find that having 12 points is worth the small weight penalty.
Performance - on very firm snow has been great. I have NOT used them on any water ice or rock but that is not what they are intended for.
Size - pack down reasonably small. not tiny but certainly not too bulky.
Short-term durability - as mentioned, I've only used them 5 days so far exclusively on hard snow but they still look virtually brand new.
Overall - great, lightweight ski mountaineering crampon where you don't expect to encounter much water ice or rocks. Highly recommended.
Background on product familiarity: I’ve used various CAMP aluminum crampons since the 1990s. Among current models, I used the XLC Nanotech for one season, the XLC 390 for several seasons, and the Race 290 for the last couple seasons. I tried the anti-balling plates (optional additional-cost purchase), but decided I didn’t like the fit complications, albeit minor (ditto for weight penalty), especially since I’ve ever experienced only the most trivial balling (given my typical climbing conditions). I climb only what I will ski, so the steepest has been only in the low 50s, and on what I would consider ice but what ice climbers would probably consider merely firm snow.
First, the first impressions out of the box: If you’re accustomed to steel crampons, or even some competing aluminum crampons, then you’re in for a shock at the weight savings. The points are noticeably duller and less aggressively designed than with a steel crampon, but these obviously aren’t intended for vertical ice climbing or mixed climbing.
Fit is easy to set up and sufficiently secure (although my experience is only up to around 302 bsl). The toe bail could be narrower, and I suppose you could try bending it for a tighter fit. But with the length dialed in correctly, I’ve never had any problems at the toe.
The “macro” length adjustment is via a single flathead screw through the threaded frame and into one of 15 holes in the connecting bar. If your bsl is shorter than around 287mm, then you will probably have to slice off some excess length on the bar. All the crampons I’ve seen lack a nut at the end of the screw. Maybe this is unnecessary, but I added one for additional security (whether merely perceived or otherwise).
The “micro” length adjustment is via a kind of “thumb screw” on the back of the heel clip: okay for bare hands inside, but probably difficult if you ever needed to adjust it in the field with numb and/or gloved fingers. The strap length is very easy to crank tightly upon each use.
Second impressions, in use: The strap length stays appropriately tight in use. I read a criticism that the buckle’s quick release can be difficult to manipulate, but I’ve always used thin gloves with these, so no problems for me personally. Climbing purchase has always been sufficient.
Third impressions, for long-term durability: I’ve read criticisms of aluminum crampon durability. But I’ve never seen a picture of a broken crampon point, whether CAMP or another brand. (I have seen a broken toe bail on another brand, but with a much different design.) The points will definitely dull more quickly from even limited and careful walking on rocks, but a few seconds with a file will restore the original point.
Earn store credit by writing reviews. Learn more.