Petzl Leopard Crampons

The only pair of crampons one can really compare these to are the CAMP Race 290 Dyneema. Compared to those, adjusting these is freaking simple. The key is to adjust them super tight, then squeeze the dyneema cables together to work out the play. I swap them back and forth between different boots and it just takes a couple of minutes to dial it in. Compared to the hassle that was adjusting the CAMPs these are a dream. They also sit much more securely on your foot than the CAMP. The toe *barely moves at all because the cable connects in two places. I've used them on PG race boots (where they don't interfere with the heel throw lever!), PDGs, Fischer Travers, and Vulcans and not had any fit issues. Additionally, with the strap on system, they fit great on running shoes. Durability is as expected for aluminum. Definitely not designed for rocks so I only use them if I only expect to boot up snow or for races. Running though some rocky sections at Adamello and a couple of World Cups didn't seem to affect them too much. My dyneema cord is a bit fuzzy after a season but doesn't look sketchy yet. I'm hesitant to replace it until it seems necessary but it would be a bummer to blow one. They seem to rub a bit on Billygoat Ascent plates but that could just be how I've set them up...

I’ve been very pleased with the performance and compact storage of these crampons.

Choosing to take crampons has always required extra planning due to their bulk. Usually I need to bring a bigger pack or find a way to lash them to the outside. With the Leopard, I find myself throwing them in my normal pack even if there’s only an off chance of needing them. No need for extra accommodation. They are so light and so compact that in the pack they aren’t any more noticeable than my ski crampons.

The Dyneema linkage between the heel and toe are simultaneously the biggest advantage and weakness of these crampons. The Dyneema saves weight and enables their small packaging, but stretches out through the first few uses. This means that you must spend extra time and attention to the fitment of your crampons each time you put them on AND while wearing them. Something that can be a distraction at a time where you’d rather not be thinking about your gear. After several usages, this problem ceases. The cord settles into a final adjustment and no longer needs fiddling. For this reason, I’m giving them 4 stars instead of 5.

In terms of durability, they are on par with other aluminum crampons and the typical caveats apply. Avoid rocks as much as possible and don’t expect to be front pointing up technical ice.

A bit fiddly to get setup (perhaps the only crampon that needs to be broken in), once dialed in these spikes are a thing of beauty. The flexible instep lets them fold in half, clip easily to a harness, fit in a pocket, or just generally disappear into a pack. Weight is excellent, and once they're dialed, they're much more secure than the camp options that use a tech heel. It's impossible to get the cord adequately tight when adjusting by hand, so they need to be adjusted, put on the boot, and retightened after some use to make them truly secure for a given boot size. Thankfully, theyre field adjustable without tools. Once dialed in, the fit is very confidence inspiring, with no slop (paired with an F1 in my experience). The dyneema cord has fuzzed a bit after some agressive use, and I wouldn't hike them around on the rocks, but otherwise, durability is good. The weight and convenience are tough to beat.