OUR TEST OF THE PETZL IRVIS HYBRID
MANUFACTURER’S OPINION
The Petzl Irvis Hybrid is an innovative crampon designed for ski mountaineers and modern alpinists seeking the best compromise between lightness, robustness, and performance. Designed for glacier approaches, snowy couloirs, and light mixed ascents, it stands out for its hybrid construction: a steel front part for strength and durability, combined with an aluminum rear part for lightness. This smart design choice allows for excellent ice grip while significantly reducing the total weight of the crampon, around 540 grams per pair depending on the configuration.
The manufacturing of the Irvis Hybrid relies on precise know-how and highly technical assembly. The steel elements are hot-forged, then tempered to achieve optimal hardness, ensuring effective ice penetration and wear resistance. The aluminum heels are CNC machined, polished, and then anodized to enhance their corrosion resistance. The two parts are connected by the famous Dyneema cord, a flexible, ultra-resistant, and very light link, replacing the traditional central metal bar. This patented system, called Cord-Tec, gives the crampon exceptional compactness: it can be folded and stored in a small bag without losing its rigidity once assembled.
The final assembly is done with particular care: checking the tension of the cord, adjusting the geometry of the points, and verifying the fastening system. The Irvis Hybrid is available in Leverlock Universal or Leverlock Fil versions, to fit different types of technical shoes. Petzl focuses here on premium materials and modular design: each element is replaceable, extending the life of the crampon.
In the field, the Petzl Irvis Hybrid offers precise ice grip thanks to its steel front points, while remaining surprisingly light for long ski mountaineering outings. Its behavior is stable, its adjustment quick, and its bulk minimal. It is aimed at experienced practitioners looking for a versatile and compact crampon, capable of tackling both a snowy approach and a steep ice step.
FEATURES
- Weight: 540G WITH ANTIBOTT | 475G WITHOUT ANTIBOOT
- Price: 169€