I've been a loyal Petzl crampon user for several years now. Whether on ski mountaineering tours, classic alpine tours, or ice climbing – the various models have always reliably accompanied me. So I was all the more excited about the new 2026 generation of crampons with the Leopard, Leopard Hybrid, and Dart models.
A report by Severin Parger
As with previous generations, Petzl consistently relies on the proven ALPEN ADAPT system. This allows for flexible combination of toe pieces, heel pieces, bindings, and connection systems, adapting them to different applications. A particularly practical advantage is that you don't need a separate crampon for every pair of mountaineering, hiking, or ski boots.
New features include differently sized front bails and baskets, allowing the crampons to be adapted even better to different boot shapes. This noticeably improves fit and support.
It is important to note, however, that only components with the same connection system can be combined. Front and heel pieces with a CORD-TEC connection cannot be combined with models that use a classic connecting bar.
Leopard Hybrid – The versatile all-rounder
Facts at a glance
- Weight: 370 g (LEVERLOCK FIL)
- 10 points
- Steel front section combined with aluminum heel section
- Area of use: Ski mountaineering, classic alpine tours, glaciers and snowfields
For me, the Leopard Hybrid is the most versatile crampon in the new series. It combines the low weight of an aluminum crampon with the greater durability of a steel front, thus covering a very wide range of uses.
Whether ski mountaineering, classic alpine tours, or approaches across snowfields, the Leopard Hybrid crampon demonstrates its strengths in all these situations. Its low weight and compact size are particularly noticeable on long tours. The included transport bag allows for space-saving storage of the crampon, making it virtually unnoticeable in a backpack.
Even upon unpacking, I noticed a sensible improvement compared to the previous Irvis Hybrid. As you can see in the photo, the routing of the CORD-TEC laces has been redesigned. This means the laces are much better protected and no longer subjected to direct pressure from the shoe sole. This should significantly reduce wear and tear over time.
Plus
- only 370 g weight
- very small pack size
- versatile field of application
- The steel front ensures high durability.
- improved CORD-TEC guide
- High flexibility thanks to ALPEN ADAPT
Criticism
One minor criticism concerns the rear binding, the Back Lever or Back Flex. In my opinion, it's a bit short. While the length is generally sufficient, a little more leeway would make mounting and adjusting to different boots easier.
Naturally, aluminum remains more susceptible to abrasion than steel. Those who frequently traverse long rocky sections or regularly hike in mixed terrain will notice wear and tear more quickly.
Leopard – Ultralight for minimalists
Facts at a glance
- Weight: 325 g (without ANTISNOW) or 370 g complete
- 10 aluminum prongs
- All-aluminum construction
- Area of use: Ski mountaineering, snowfields and glaciers
The new Leopard at a glance and mounted on a mountaineering boot before the ascent | Photos: Severin Parger
The Leopard is designed for those who count every gram. At just 325 grams, it's one of the lightest crampons on the market. The Leopard truly shines on ski mountaineering tours or alpine expeditions where it's often uncertain whether crampons will even be needed. Its minimal pack size means it disappears easily into a backpack and adds virtually no weight. On firn and snowfields, the crampon provides a secure feel. However, when the terrain becomes rockier or icier, the aluminum construction naturally reaches its limits. But the Leopard was never designed for that.
Plus
- extremely light
- smallest packing size
- ideal as a spare or emergency crampon
- perfect for ski mountaineering and snowfields
- ALPEN ADAPT system
Secure footing in firn and robust construction for demanding alpine terrain – high-altitude tour in the Stubai Alps | Photo: Severin Parger
Criticism
The rear bindings on the Leopard, Back Lever and Back Flex, are a bit too short for my liking. While this doesn't affect their function, a little more length would improve handling. Furthermore, aluminum points wear down significantly faster than steel points with regular rock contact. Therefore, those who frequently climb in mixed terrain should opt for the Leopard Hybrid instead.
Dart – The specialist tool for technical climbing
Facts at a glance
- Weight: 700g
- 12 points
- Steel front with aluminum heel piece
- Modular front tooth system
With the new Dart, Petzl is clearly targeting ambitious ice and mixed climbers as well as dry toolers. The focus is on maximum precision and high adaptability. In contrast to the previous model, the heel piece has been replaced with aluminum; otherwise, no further changes have been made.
Thanks to the modular front tooth system, you can choose between a single tooth, a double tooth, or an asymmetrical double tooth. Additionally, the length of the front teeth can be easily adjusted using a screw.
During my test period, I was only able to use the Dart for dry tooling, as the time of year did not allow for testing in ice.
During dry tooling, the crampon impressed me with its precise front point geometry, secure grip on small footholds, and overall high-quality workmanship. Thanks to the aluminum heel piece, the Dart is lighter than its predecessor and therefore perfect for longer approaches and extended days.
Plus
- very precise technical crampons
- modular front tooth system
- various front tooth configurations
- high quality
- ALPEN ADAPT system
Text: The Dart offers reliable stability and precision during ascent | Images: Severin Parger
Criticism
I would have preferred the lanyards, or rather the rear binding (Back Lever/Back Flex), to be a bit longer on the dart. The current length works fine, but a little extra length would simplify the fitting.
The Dart will likely be available from Bergfreunde starting in January 2027!
My impression after many tours
With its 2026 generation of crampons, Petzl continues to develop its proven concept. Its greatest strength remains the ALPEN ADAPT system, which offers exceptional modularity and allows the use of various binding and toe systems. Those who own multiple pairs of mountaineering or ski boots will particularly benefit from this.
Also noteworthy are the new sizes of the front bars and the revised routing of the CORD-TEC cords on the Leopard Hybrid. This appears more durable and better thought out than in the previous generation.
Ultimately, the right model depends on the intended use:
- Leopard: The ultralight specialist tool for ski mountaineering and snowfields, when every gram counts.
- Leopard Hybrid: The most versatile all-rounder for ski mountaineering, classic alpine tours and glaciers.
- Dart: The technical crampon for ambitious ice, mixed and dry tooling applications.
Overall, Petzl hasn't achieved a revolution; rather, they've meaningfully refined an already highly sophisticated system in key areas. The improvements are practical, and each of the three models fulfills its intended purpose.
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