Crampons are designed to attach to the____ of footwear or gear to provide traction.

• A. Soles
• B. Hands
• C. Headgear
• D. Backpack

Answer: (A)

Crampons work by biting into ice and snow, so they must mount to the bottom surface of the boot—the sole—to keep the spikes in contact with the terrain as you step. Attaching them to hands, headgear, or a backpack would not provide any ground contact or traction and would be unsafe. In practice, crampons are designed to strap around or step into the boot, securing to the sole and heel so the traction points stay aligned with your steps.