We finally tested the famous Harfang crampons from Blue Ice. Compact and lightweight, they offer on paper ideal characteristics for ski touring. How do they perform in the field? At 377g per pair, this ultralight model stands against the Leopard from Petzl or the Skimo Total Race from Camp.
Unboxing, adjustment, and storage:
The minimalist box and the dimensions of the storage pouch set the tone: we’re dealing with something very compact! Blue Ice has attached a mini comic to the crampons that allows you to understand in 2 seconds how to adjust them. The Harfangs are indeed very easy to adjust without any tools. They are even easier to adjust than some “heavy” crampons! You just need to loosen the central strap that connects the front and back to adjust the length (the shoe should extend 15mm at the back) and then fine-tune the tension with the rear lever. The video below is worth more than a long speech:
The adaptability of the central strap is particularly practical, as it allows the crampons to be attached to a wide variety of shoes with a single size of crampons.
The crampons come in an ultra-compact bag that easily attaches to the belt or clips to a backpack, allowing you to keep them within reach without clutter. Their reduced size is also a major asset, as they easily slip into a bag without taking up too much space, which is essential for hikers concerned about bulk.
Putting them on
In the field, the crampons are operational in record time thanks to the auto system. The central strap allows the crampons to be put in place without forcing and without having to struggle with the rear lever. It is possible to put on the crampons with large gloves quite easily. Only the safety strap requires a bit more precision, but the quick attachment is very well designed compared to the classic attachments of some crampons.
Performance in the field
The flexible attachment system allows for reduced crampon volume without sacrificing performance. In the field, this translates to remarkable comfort and great precision during movements, especially during technical passages. The rear pivot, equipped with micro adjustment, allows for fine-tuning the crampons to the shape of the shoe, providing optimal support without annoying pressure points. This detail particularly impressed us during technical passages where precise adjustment is crucial to avoid discomfort.
The other strong point of the Harfang crampons is their hybrid design with a steel front and the rest in aluminum. This allows these crampons to be used on fairly technical passages with very hard snow or even a bit of ice. All this for a weight barely higher than the all-aluminum crampons of the competition. It is also worth noting the presence of the 2 central points which add extra security.
In short, an excellent compromise between lightness, compactness, and performance
weight | compact | precise adjustment | hybrid performance
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