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Crampon & Socks? - Best w/ Scarpa Phantom Guides?

Original Post
Murdo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 30

I was lucky enough to snag a pair of phantom guides on the cheap and I'm wondering if anyone has some insight on the best crampons for them. I have a pair of G14s that I hope will be snug and stable but its tough to tell without another pair to compare them to. Also, im talking about something G14 equivilant (vertical front point) or a little lighter, but not super light aluminum ones nor rambo style either.

I'd also appreciate any tips on keeping the insides of the boots as dry as possible. Vapor barrier socks? Liner sock and regular sock combo? Heated footbeds?

Ilana Jesse · · Colorado Springs, CO · Joined May 2011 · Points: 165

I personally think the G14s are the best. I tried the BD crampons and regretted every second of it. For socks, I wear Smartwool medium thickness over the calf socks and they work great for long multi-day climbing trips in the Alps. I don't wear a liner with them because they do a great job wicking on their own.

Worth Russell · · Rosendale, NY · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 40

The petzl darts fit like a glove.on these boots. As for socks get something thick to prevemt heel lift. Thats the biggest downfall of these boots, sloppy heels

Cale Hoopes · · Sammamish, WA · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 10

Very happy with the Petzl Lynx crampons and I'm also happy with a Bridgedale Sock Liner and Icebreaker Mountaineering socks (hard to find sometimes). I have pretty much found my foot & socks to be totally dry except for a "summerish" climb on the descent in the trees off of Mt. Baker. If you overheat, I don't care what sock you have. Otherwise, my socks are almost always dry in reasonable temps: (0-50, Ouray to the Cascades).

Jon H · · PC, UT · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 118
worth russell wrote:Thats the biggest downfall of these boots, sloppy heels
That all depends on your foot. For me, the Phantom Guides are the first boot out of 7 that I've owned that my heels DIDN'T lift. It took me 3 seasons of buying and selling boots until the Phantom Guides were released - they're absolutely perfect for me.

As far as socks go - when I first got them, I only wore a single thick wool sock - I've got a bunch, different manufacturers, they're all the same. Now the boots have packed out a bit since I bought them, but I probably have 80-100 days in them, so I'm not surprised. Now I wear a thin hiker under the thick sock to take up a bit of extra volume.

I get really good crampon fits from a Petzl Dart, Rambo IV, and Petzl Vasak (with BD heel levers). BD Cyborgs can get a good fit with the newer, low-profile bails that come with the Stinger. The stock Cyborg bails fit like shit. I've heard that this most recent season both the Cyborg and Stinger come with the low-profile bail - so if you do get Cyborgs, make sure to get something from the 13/14 model line or later.
Cale Hoopes · · Sammamish, WA · Joined Nov 2012 · Points: 10

I also agree that the heels don't lift. I think it really depends on the fit of your foot.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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