Impact

“Impact” is a new cramp-on used for extreme climbs on ice walls and waterfalls and it was designed by MM Design on behalf of the Salewa group.

The high risk technical nature of this project required an absolute observance of functions, meaning  our team was deeply involved from the initial analysis and approach stage until completion. This included understanding the use of the product, the context in which it is used, and the expectations of those who use it.

Many testers and experts worked with the company to help us better understand and appreciate the characteristics and peculiarities which the product should have in order to become a significant and successful element in the very critical and attentive world of mountain climbing.

The design process began with the precise limitations of weight, since a cramp-on of this caliber must be carried together with others, and therefore, the total weight must be acceptable for the climber. So, weight needed to be reduced as much as possible, while being careful not to weaken the structural areas and those under the most stress during use. Construction of several prototypes during the study stage allowed Salewa experts to test and identify critical points, and from this step-by-step approach developers optimized and finalized the design (or the term ‘froze’ could be more apropos in this context), only after the last reports were received.

Innovative punching and bending technology was also used, enabling designers to obtain in a single piece, first, the front caps, which cut into the wall and act as support for the climber’s body; secondly, the gripping point with the ground; and lastly, the regulation in length to adapt to different boot sizes.

This intensive research and optimization, accomplished in conjunction with Salewa group technicians and testers, has already been highly successful and lauded by winning a design award and gaining the confidence of various mountaineering schools and Alpine guides.