Crampons and gaiters from Alpin Loacker for secure winter hikes and dry feet in the field. Snow gaiters and winter crampons are essential equipment for tours on icy trails, in deep snow, and on slushy spring tours. At Alpin Loacker you'll find crampons and gaiters for every use – from afternoon tours to multi-day winter hikes. Free shipping from €50.
Crampons: Safety on Ice and Hard Snow
Crampons are lightweight spike systems that are strapped under normal hiking boots and provide reliable grip on icy trails and hard snow passages. For most winter hiking trails in the low mountains and foothills, crampons are the practical alternative to heavy mountaineering crampons. Quick to put on and just as quick to take off – snow gaiters and crampons belong in every daypack from October to April.
- Hiking Crampons: For icy and snow-covered hiking trails without alpine terrain
- Snowshoe Crampons: For deep snow tours with sinking – more safety than crampons alone
- Snow Gaiters: Protect shoe and pants leg from snow, slush, and moisture
- Winter Gaiters: Knee-high models for deep snow and multi-day winter hikes
- Combo Sets: Crampons + gaiters for complete winter protection
Gaiters: Dry Feet in the Field
Snow gaiters protect the area between shoe and pants leg from snow, rain, slush, and scree. Short gaiters are suitable for summer hikes on muddy trails and low snow amounts. Long gaiters are designed for winter hikes, ski tours, and multi-day bivouac tours with deep snow. Winter gaiters combined with waterproof hiking boots and merino socks form a complete protection system against cold and moisture.
Crampons and Gaiters: The Right Set for Your Tour
Alpin Loacker offers crampons and gaiters as individual products and as combo sets. For beginners to winter hiking, we recommend a set of lightweight climbing crampons and short gaiters – sufficient for most winter hiking trails in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. For serious winter hiking at higher elevations: more robust crampons with more spikes and long gaiters for deep snow.
What is the difference between crampons and mountaineering crampons?
Crampons are lightweight spike systems for regular winter hiking trails with ice and hard snow passages. Mountaineering crampons are heavy, rigid systems for alpine terrain, glacier tours, and steep ice walls. Crampons fit on normal hiking boots; mountaineering crampons require special soles with welts. For standard hikes, crampons are the right choice.
When do I need crampons on winter hikes?
As soon as trails are icy or covered with hard snow – typically October to April at medium elevations, year-round above 1500 m. Even on north-facing slopes and in shadow, trails can be icy even in summer. In doubt: pack crampons – they weigh almost nothing and can save your life in an emergency.
Do gaiters fit all hiking boots?
Gaiters from Alpin Loacker are available in size ranges and are attached to the boot with velcro, hooks, or elastic. Most models fit standard hiking boots and shoes. Pay attention to the fit for your boot model – check the product description and size chart if needed.