Field Testing Gecko Crampons in the High Sierra: Rock Creek Zone
The High Sierra is the perfect proving ground for backcountry gear, and this past trip to the Rock Creek zone, nestled between Mammoth Lakes and Bishop, California, was all about putting our Gecko Crampons to the test. Joined by my friend Travis, we set out to push the limits of these ultra-light ski boot crampons in real alpine conditions.
Why Rock Creek?
Rock Creek offers a great variety of terrain—an ideal place to evaluate traction, durability, and ease of use. With unpredictable spring conditions, we knew this was the right place to test the crampons in everything from hardpack to soft corn.
Putting the Gecko Crampons to the Test
Throughout the trip, the crampons proved their worth in multiple ways:
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Quick & Secure Attachment – We transitioned seamlessly from skinning to booting without fumbling with straps or buckles.
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Confidence on Steep Snow – The front-point geometry kept engagement even on variable snow surfaces.
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Pack Weight – At just 154g per pair, they disappeared in our packs until we needed them, making them the perfect tool for fast-and-light ski missions.
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Packability - They took up very little room in our pack.
Opportunities for Refinement:
- Snow Balling: We did find that the wet spring Sierra tended to ball on the base of the crampon in some spring snow conditions. I think an optional anti-balling plate would be a great addition to the gecko crampons. To be fair however, the wet spring maritime snow was balling even of bare boots and on skis as well. The Sierra can have extremely sticky snow this time of year.
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Education on correct usage - Its important that the user tightens the heel strap followed by tightening the top strap. The crampons are much less secure if tightened in the opposite order. Its going to be important to educate customers on proper usage, I think this can be done through instruction manuals.
Travis' Thoughts:
You can really see how sticky some of the snow was just looking at travis' boot
Today was Travis' first time using the crampons, and I think its fair to say he was stoked. He put on the crampons wrong at first, but once we had his methodology corrected they were solid as a rock and lighter than a feather. He asked me to use a pair during his guide season on Mt. Shasta this summer. I said yes, as this is a great opportunity to see some serious durability testing as guides tend to use their crampons every single day during their busy work season.
Final Thoughts
Testing gear in real-world conditions is critical, and this trip helped our understanding of the Gecko Mini Crampons. I firmly believe that they are a great solution for skiers who only need crampons for short sections of their route. Whether navigating hardpack couloirs or pushing up steep boot packs, they delivered the traction and security we needed—without the bulk of traditional crampons.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue refining the design! If you're interested in testing a pair for yourself, join our demo program and give em a try!.
Follow along for more field tests, product updates, and backcountry adventures!