Ascent Plate Install Instructions

How To Use and Safety Instructions

Ascent Plates are designed to provide just enough flotation in soft snow to take the suffering out of long climbs. By allowing the front points of the crampon to engage with the snow normally they still allow purchase when the snowpack changes.

THESE ARE NOT TRACTION DEVICES.

They are designed for use in soft snow, if the snow is firm enough that the plates are not providing float we recommend that they be removed and carried until soft snow is again encountered.

They are designed to assist with front pointing, as in kicking steps straight up.

They are not intended for side-hilling on firm snow or other hard surfaces, the side rails are for stiffening purposes and are not intended to be an edge for side-hilling. Ascent Plates are not designed to be used in rocky terrain, hard or variable snow or ice.

Ascent Plates are designed to fit a wide variety of crampons and as such there may appear to be some play, especially in the width of the toe bale cut out with some crampons. When properly installed on a boot with a rubber sole, the plate will now move regardless of apparent gaps in the fit. If you experience movement let us know and we will review your fit.

HARD BOOT SET UP

1. To set sizing of the plate-first set your crampon to your boot. Your normal size setting of your crampon should not need to be adjusted to install the plate, but if you prefer to run your crampons tightly you might need to loosen them a touch. Place the crampon on a flat surface and set the forward portion of the ascent plate on the crampon with the crampon toe bale in the forward cut out. See Figure 1. It is better to have a little space here then to have the bale tight to the plate. See Figure 2.
2. Next set the back portion of the Ascent Plate on the heel portion of the crampon with the heel bale leaning forward over the front portion. Line up the crampon heel 'nubs' with the holes in the back plate. See Figure 3.
3. Line up the small holes in the back plate with the holes in the front plate according to the position relative to the crampon. Note: that it is better to have the plates slightly small rather than pushing tightly against the toe bale. See Figure 3.
4. Ensure the small plate sits on top of the larger portion and that the screws go in from the top. We recommend 3 per side, but two per side (4 per plate) can be used if you are counting grams. Ensure all fasteners are secure but do not over tighten.
5. To install the crampon/plate on the boot-first push the heel bale thru the large rectangular hole in the center of the Ascent Plate. Holding the crampon by the heel bale, line up the heel 'nubs' with the smaller holes in the Ascent Plate. With your other hand grab the toe bale and engage the toe of the boot into the toe bale. Then attach the heel bale as you normally would.

Figure 1. Crampon placed under plate with toe bale (tabs in this case). We are using CAMP SkiMo Race crampons for this example.

Figure 2. Heel plate added with crampon tabs aligned with holes.

Figure 3. Heel plate screwed in (required for use).

Figure 4. Hard shell boot with Automatic Crampon installation. 

Figure 5. Bottom view of Ascent Plate.

SOFT BOOT SET UP

1. To set sizing of the plate, first set your crampon to your boot size. Your normal size setting of your crampon should not need to be adjusted to install the plate, but if you prefer to run your crampons tightly you might need to loosen them a touch. Place the crampon on a flat surface and set the (large) forward portion of the ascent plate on the crampon with the crampon toe bale in the forward cut out. See Figure 1. It is better to have a little space here then to have the bale tight to the plate.
2. Set the small back portion of the Ascent Plate on top of the front portion while it is still on top of your crampon.  Align the heel notches with the heel supports of the crampon.  See figure 2.
3. Line up the small holes in the back plate with the holes in the front plate according to the position relative to the crampon. Note: that it is better to have the plates slightly small rather then pushing tightly against the toe bale.
4. Secure the small portion of the ascent plate to the large with the included screws using at least two per side.  Ensure the small plate sits on top of the large and that the screws are installed from the top.  Do not over tighten.
5. To install the crampon/plate on the boot simply place the plate over the crampon and line up the heel cut outs with the heel supports of the crampon.  Install the crampon as normal, ensuring that the ascent plate is centered on your boot.