CAMP BLADE RUNNER CRAMPON REVIEW

If you would like your own WINTER ADVENTURE, we provide an array of winter courses.

 

SPECIFICATIONS

• Very technical and versatile crampon
• Great for ice and mixed climbing
• Interchangeable front points are easy to switch from dual to mono, centered or offset
• Replaceable front points
• Anti-balling plates
• Asymmetric design follows the contours of modern boots to ensure a precise fit
• Strong and supportive centre bar with micro-adjustable settings
• Comes pre-equipped with mono-points
• Comes equipped with both automatic and semi-automatic toe bails
• Comes in 2 different sizes (EU sizing – Size 1: 37-46, Size 2: 40-49)
• Adjustable fold-over carrying case with lashing straps included
• 950 grammes (size 2)

 

The more of CAMP’s kit I look at, the more I seem to like CAMP.  Their engineers seem to be doing an incredible job designing and bettering each and every piece of kit.  And love the thought they seem to put into each and every design they make.  We’ve reviewed the X-Dream Ice axes (LINK), their incredible Tricams (LINK), and the X-All Mountain ice axes (LINK).  All great pieces of kit, and now my go to.  So, let’s get into the nitty gritty on the CAMP Blade Runner Crampons.

DESIGN

What immediately stands out about the CAMP Blade Runner crampons is the number of downward-facing points. While most competitors feature 10 points per crampon, the Blade Runner has 12, providing noticeably increased traction when it matters most. The additional two points are positioned on the linking bar, offering extra grip on uneven ice features and bosses.

 

The Blade Runner also features interchangeable front points, allowing you to easily switch between dual or mono configurations, centred or offset. This versatility lets you tailor the setup to your personal preference and the demands of the day—whether you’re climbing ice or mixed terrain.

Behind the primary front point(s) are two shorter secondary points that are ideal for ice climbing. These provide added stability, particularly on steep ice, which helps reduce calf fatigue. Less calf burn means more efficiency—and ultimately, more type I fun (*).

CAMP has further improved stability by integrating the linking bar into the heel plate, resulting in a stronger and more rigid design. The ergonomic shape is contoured to follow the sole of your boot, ensuring a secure and precise fit.

 

WHAT ELSE?

The crampons are supplied with two toe bail options—semi-automatic and automatic—making them compatible with a wide range of boots. They also come with a well-designed crampon bag, protecting your pack from sharp points during transport.

The CAMP Blade Runner crampons are a highly capable, technical crampon designed for demanding objectives. Built with performance in mind, they excel on steep, technical ice as well as hard mixed terrain where precision, stability, and reliability are essential.

 

 

With their aggressive point configuration and adaptable design, the Blade Runners inspire confidence when placements need to be exact and conditions are far from forgiving. Whether you’re pushing grades on vertical ice or tackling complex mixed routes, these crampons are engineered to perform at the highest level.

WEIGHT

The CAMP Blade Runner crampons weigh in at 940g for a size 1, or 950g for a size 2.  Size 1 suits UK boot size 4.5 – 11 (EU 37 – 46), Size 2 suits UK boot size 6.5 – 14 (EU 40 – 49).  Striking an excellent balance between weight, performance, and strength.  Given how unforgiving Scottish winter conditions can be on equipment, a robust construction isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.

 

 

And here is where the Blade Runners shine through.  Able to put up with the harsh demands and abuse of Scottish winter climbing.

 

FRONT POINTS

I love the front points on the Blade Runners.  The beautifully curved shape, and the extremely sharp points, making them perfect for ice climbing.

 

Using very little effort for penetrating the ice.  You can even rest the secondary points on an ice boss, and curve the front point in, for those very delicate placements.

 

 

Also, because of the aggressive downturned front points, it is the perfect crampon for harder mixed climbing, where precision placements on tiny edges are essential.

 

 

There are 6 different slots where the front points can be positioned.  Meaning you can have 6 positions for a mono point.  Or if you opt for using 2 front points, you can have 15 different set ups.  Whichever combination or set up you like, you have 21 options to choose from, to satisfy you personal preference.

 

 

CAMP also have a marker on their front points, which indicate wear, giving you the heads up when it’s time to replace them.

 

 

The secondary front points are a great feature for ice climbing.  Providing you with a better and more stable platform when climbing ice.  Because as soon as these are engaged in the ice, it will provide you with sideways stability.  More stability equates to less effort.

 

LINKING BAR

Integrated ergonomic linking bar, which shapes around the contour of the boot, for a snugger fit.  The linking bar is also a part of the heel plate, together with its wide design, providing a more stable and robust crampon.

 

 

The linking bar also provide two sets of holes for smaller adjustments, to get the perfect fit for your boot.

 

 

REPLACEABLE PARTS

Front Points

As mentioned before, the front points can be replaced.  These can be set up as monos or duels. As well as the standard front points, CAMP also supply the alpine front points.  These are specifically designed for easy penetration on hard alpine snow and ice.

 

 

Anti-balling plates

Should you wear out the anti-balling plates, CAMP provide spares for both the front and heel plates.

 

 

Toe bail

When purchasing the CAMP Blade Runner crampons, you get 2 types of toe bails as standard. Giving you the option to choose between the automatic and semi-automatic toe bails.

 

 

There is a third option available, a fully automatic toe bail, the Front Hook.

 

 

Heel bail

The heel bail can be replaced on the Blade Runner.

EASY TO FIT TO ANY BOOT

The CAMP Blade Runner is easy to fit and adjust to any boot.  You have 3 options for the toe bail to sit.

 

 

Two options for the heel bail to attach.

 

 

The two rows of holes on the linking bar to make the smaller adjustments, to get the perfect fit for your boot.

 

 

Also, these crampons do not have heel retainers.  Meaning you have more flexibility to fit any boot.  The heel retainers can sometimes get in the way of a perfect fit.  CAMP have solved this problem by removing them totally.

 

 

CRAMPON BAG

CAMP even provide you with a crampon bag specifically made for the Blade Runner.  Reinforced in all of the right places, to prevent you from puncturing the side of your rucksack.

PERFORMANCE

On ice, the Blade Runners feel precise and confidence-inspiring.  with aggressive front points that bite cleanly and decisively, even in hard or brittle conditions. Which reduces the effort required to kick them into the ice.  The secondary front points add an extra layer of stability, helping to smooth out foot placements.   Making sustained vertical ice feel just that little bit easier.  Almost feels like cheating.

On mixed terrain, the aggressive points combined with the more rigid frame provide solid, reliable purchase on small edges.  They feel secure on rock, offering the precision and support needed for technical mixed moves, which makes them an excellent choice for demanding mixed climbing.

 

PROS

• Perfect on ice and mixed terrain
• Versatile
• Great secondary front points for stability on ice
• Aggressive curved front points – good on ice and small edges on mixed terrain
• Robust design – able to deal with hard Scottish winter conditions
• Beautiful design
• Easy to fit to any boot
• Sandvik Nanoflex® and chromoly steel frame for strength with reduced weight
• Interchangeable toe bails – 3 options available as toe bails
• Crampon bag
• Replaceable parts
• Price

 

CONS

• Weight – Not the lightest option, but the extra weight contributes to a more stable and hard-wearing crampon

CONCLUSION

The CAMP Blade Runner crampons excel on steep ice and hard mixed terrain, where precision and aggressive front points really matter. They feel solid underfoot, inspire confidence, and are robust enough to handle repeated abuse in technical ground. If your climbing demands accuracy, durability, and reliable performance in serious conditions, the Blade Runners are the dependable choice.

 

If you are interested in purchasing the CAMP Blade Runner crampons, buy them straight from CAMP (link below).

 

CAMP BLADE RUNNER CRAMPON