CONCEPT is a series of journal posts looking at the background behind Fjordalp products, from idea to reality.
Crampon bags formed a big part of the initial Fjordalp range and they're still a big part of it today. Back in our early days, we saw the opportunity to radically improve on the current status quo. Many crampon bags we came across failed to give adequate protection against damage by sharp points with some being embarrassingly easy to pierce with crampon points.
We also realised that few, if any, were made using recycled materials and most just weren't built to last regular use. Crampon bags are used by mountain guides, professional athletes and keen amateurs pretty much on a daily basis through the winter. Some mountain guides may use theirs on a daily basis all year round.
We wanted our crampon bags to achieve three objectives. Firstly we wanted to build a durable product, out of a recycled fabric, that would last years of use. We also wanted to make a product that is easy to repair, thus making the product as sustainable as possible.
Secondly we wanted to make the bag puncture proof. This seems like a pretty fundamental thing for a crampon bag but, as we found out when researching the market, isn't actually very common!
Thirdly, as with all Fjordalp products, it was very important for our crampon bags to be as functional and refined as possible making them a joy to use in the mountains.
Ecopak EPX 200 fabric is an integral part of our crampon bags. It's a composite textile made up of two layers of recycled polyester with a 45 degree cross ply sandwiched between. This composite construction, as opposed to a single layer of material with a PU coating on the back, is very puncture proof. Its also made from 100% recycled yarns.
We double downed on the protection and durability by using two layers of Ecopak and reversing the lining layer so the more durable side of the fabric is facing inwards. This makes an already durable set up even more resistant to abrasion and punctures. It's a very water tight construction too.
There are three products in the range:
EDM Crampon Bag
A crampon bag for traditional boot crampons. There's a straight zip opening and a shape which is easy to hold with one hand. This makes the bag easy to use in nasty conditions or precarious situations. Fits all sizes and types of regular boot crampons, often with a little room to spare for ease of use.
EDM Ski Crampon Bag
A crampon bag designed to carry ski crampons and modern, lightweight folding boot crampons commonly used for ski touring. Fits all width of ski crampons, even those in the 135mm range.
EDM Splitboard Crampon Bag
Splitboard crampons come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The EDM Splitboard Crampon Bag is sized to carry even the largest splitboard crampons on the market (eg Karakoram PRIME Crampons). Smaller, more packable splitboard crampons will fit in the bag with room to spare. We know some riders who carry skins in the crampon bag alongside their crampons.
