We're looking for some low cost ($10-$20) strap on crampons for a non-profit high-adventure youth program. We need about 10 pairs. We would rent them if we could, but we couldn't find anyone who rents them. Found a brand new Black Diamond pair at a swap meet for $10, but that seems like a once in a lifetime find.

I know REI rents them for like 5 bucks for 24 hours.

Where are you going?

If its anything on the Eastside, stop in Lone Pine @ Elevation on the corner of Whitney Portal Road and 395 and rent some from them, go use them, and return them on the way back.

Hit 'em up @ (760) 876-4560

Thanks for the tip Blair! We will probably be using them for some training on Mt. Baldy to start with. We just got a bunch of new, younger members, so no big trips for now.

write REI. while i don't think they'd donate the crampons to you, they might let you rent them pro-bono. if you're doing baldy theres about 5 stores within a few hours of the mountain. or try bd and petzl and see if they have some factory seconds or returned pairs that are un-sellable. companies love helping groups like yours, especially if it means getting a bunch of new potential customers hooked on they're gear.

These are what I use. I purchased some SMC straps as the shoestrings that come with these are a joke. My dad made his own out of heavy duty leather straps. Other than the strap issue (which can easily be fixed), they're great 12-pt steel crampons for $20! I've used them on up to 40º snow with no problem.

http://store.colemans.com/cart/crampons-czech-p-627.html

Thanks for the tip. I went on the website and they are temporarily sold out, but this is just what I need!

In stock here.

http://www.swisslink.com/products/footw ... ons-6-389/

I originally bought mine from Sportsman's Guide. Looks like they have some Swiss ones in stock now. The crampons look a little sketchier (one size fits all???) but they do come with decent looking bindings.

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=733410

thanks for the awesome link. i now have a pair of cramps i can loan out with reckless abandon.