Best ice climbing equipment. The modern ice climbing equipment includes: Ice screws.
Best ice climbing equipment.
Shop REI's selection of ice-climbing gear.
Best ice climbing equipment There’s a lot that goes into ice climbing, including various skills, gear, and safety knowledge. 2 ($245) Best High-End Redpointer: Black Diamond 9. Skip to content. To ensure safety and enhance performance, having the best gear for ice climbing is essential. Jan 28, 2025 · Five gear nerds tested 31 ice climbing products, from carbon-fiber ice tools to top-of-the-line apparel. 12 with these in the alpine. Simply put, we carry an ice axe for various reasons, but the two most important jobs are to help us not fall and to help us stop if we do fall. They’re lightweight and streamlined, durable enough to withstand the harsh alpine conditions, and they have special attachments for certain gear – like ice axes, ropes, and crampons. Let our team of climbing experts help you find the best climbing shoes, top climbing harnesses, and climbing ropes for your needs and budget. Originating in the early 20th century as a way for mountaineers to access higher elevations, ice climbing has since evolved into a challenging and popular activity worldwide. 4 Dry Climbing Rope ($330) Most Durable: Mammut Alpine Core Protect ($218) Best Gym Rope: Metolius Monster Gym Rope ($102) Best Workhorse: Singing Rock Hero 9. Designed as a single boot, they are not bulky and work well for precise toe or front point placement in ice or mixed Apr 9, 2025 · When it comes to conquering frozen peaks and navigating challenging icy terrains, having the right gear can make all the difference. Subscribe Search. Here, a climber works their way up vertical ice with two axes, crampons toe-in to the ice. Gear up for ice and alpine climbing with Black Diamond. That can be a pricey investment in something you’re not sure you’ll continue doing! Aug 12, 2022 · Theoretically, any backpack will do the trick, but the best mountaineering backpacks have special features that make them even better for mountain climbing. Climbing has been testing a pre-production model since last December, where we swung them on long multi-pitch flows around Cody May 5, 2025 · Paired with the pant’s articulated knees and inherently baggy cut, we’ve had no concerns about climbing up to 5. It’s one of the best deals on ice-climbing gear I’ve seen. Ice Screwup. It has three front bail positions, two heel bail positions and three heel bail height positions to help dial in your desired fit. This article covers the must-have equipment for ice climbing, emphasizing the importance of quality and functionality in each piece of gear. Follow Author. Dec 14, 2020 · The UK brand Mountain Equipment has been quietly producing some of the best, hardest-wearing core alpine apparel and packs on the market. The journey from the base of a mountain to its summit is filled with obstacles, and the best mountaineering & ice climbing ice tools are essential for both safety and efficiency. Make sure you look into any “extras” that a guiding service may provide, like gear and transportation. Maury Birdwell. The sunny, southern exposure Oct 19, 2024 · Ice climbing season is quickly creeping up on us, and now is the time to purchase a new pair of crampons. No one tests climbing gear as extensively and thoughtfully as we do, and our review Ice & Alpine Climbing Gear & Equipment | Black Diamond Oct 2, 2020 · BEST FOR: SECURE PLACEMENTS. Ice climbers can choose from a wide selection of different types and designs of the tools. Independent ice/snow climbing device reviews by real outdoors people. Jan 8, 2023 · Welcome to our blog post on the ultimate ice climbing gear! If you’ve tried ice climbing once or twice, and have used rental gear but you are now looking to invest in your own equipment so that you can start climbing on your own, then this post is for you. I also bring warm miso soup to keep me going in cold weather! Nov 29, 2023 · One of the most critical pieces of equipment for ice climbing is a reliable set of ice tools. This article is more than 10 years old. Black Diamond’s Hydra Might Just Be the Best Ice Tool on the Market Anthony Jan 3, 2024 · While the New England ice climbing season is off to a bit of a sluggish start a follower recently asked if I had a gear list for what I take ice climbing. , you can’t use a normal axe in place of an ice axe). Climbers use ice screws to create a running belay on steep slopes, such as frozen Apr 24, 2025 · Best Lightweight All-Rounder: Fixe Oliana 9. Necessary Gear. Shop crampons, ice axes, ice screws, harnesses, carabiners, ropes, and more essential equipment for your next mountain adventure. Steep & Cheap has an amazing selection of climbing gear, including harnesses, climbing shoes, helmets, ropes, carabiners, belay equipment and more. Apr 4, 2025 · We tested 15 climbing harnesses from Petzl, Black Diamond, Blue Ice, and more to find the top options for all climbing styles. Choose the right type of ice axe based on your skill level and climbing style—technical axes for steep climbs and general-purpose axes for glacier travel. 5 ($28o) Climbing Ropes 101 Feb 1, 2025 · BEST FOR: WEEKEND ADVENTURES. Feb 12, 2024 · C2 Crampons are suitable for technical winter scrambles, winter climbing and alpinism. This ice climbing guide covers all the essentials of what you need to know to get started. The Grivel Helix is a well-made ice screw with an uncomplicated design which makes it easy to use. Some just give you a guide for a day; others will get you to and from the site and/or rent you all the gear you need. Good ankle flexion and a rigid sole make this boot good for approaches and able to be used without crampons if you want to get some dry tooling in. Mar 22, 2022 · Rather than climbing on rocky surfaces, ice climbers use crampons, picks, ropes and other equipment to climb on ice. Skiing is great, but does not compare to climbing, so you decide to give it a go at ice climbing. Vastly different than rock climbing, ice climbing requires an entirely different set of gear to keep you warm, and most importantly Nov 26, 2022 · As one of the best modular crampons out there, the Petzl Lynx doesn’t disappoint whether you’re climbing a glacier or hiking on mixed terrain. Aug 15, 2024 · The best ice climbing harness is constructed with durable materials and features secure attachment points for ropes and gear, ensuring climbers can focus on their ascent with confidence. NEW MEMBER OFFER! Get 40% off KAYA PRO, the ultimate climber’s toolkit Aug 2, 2024 · Ice climbing requires specialized equipment, and one of the most crucial pieces is a well-designed backpack. To embark on thrilling ice climbing adventures with confidence, investing in the best ice climbing backpack is essential. Women’s Men’s. Whether you’re a seasoned climber or just embarking on your icy journey, selecting a suitable backpack can enhance your experience and keep you focused on the ascent. Getting Started Climbing Ice. Most brands source the same or similar fabrics for alpine sports, so the true differentiator comes down to how the designers tie them all together with a fit suitable for sport—not just photo shoots. It should also be lightweight to avoid weighing you down during tough climbs. Save. Nov 15, 2024 · We love the Nomic for its performance on vertical ice, but our testers found the Hydra to take steep ice climbing to a new level thanks to its incredible modularity, perfect balance, and best-in-class ice penetration. Are you looking for new ice climbing gear or are you new to ice climbing or a beginner ice climber? Well, in this video I will share my top 5 favourite best Mountain Tools delivers climbing equipment world-wide for rock climbing, ice climbing, alpinism, backpacking, mountain, gear, rescue. Dec 1, 2024 · The deals we can't resist this year for rock, ice, and gym climbing We've rounded up the best Black Friday climbing deals to snag for rock and ice. We Related Searches. Although this test was less useful for the expedition packs, which gobbled up all the equipment and then some, it gave us an intuitive visual way to compare practical volume. C3 Crampons are suitable for ice climbing and technical mountaineering adventures. The Dart’s front points can be configured in three Looking for climbing gear? Whether your goal is the gym, the crag, the mountains, or a big wall, we've got your covered. However, taking a specialized ice climbing course is definitely the best approach. . Ice Climbing Tool History. Best "FREE WALL" Harness The Best Ice Climbing Gear for Your Next Winter Objective Corey Buhay. Climbing alpine ice, though, can also include walking flat-footed with crampons and a single ice axe. Mar 24, 2022 · Want to challenge your climbing skills this winter? Bring the best ice climbing gear to push the limits on a frozen waterfall near you. Nearly all of the axes in Petzl’s lineup have the same head attachment point. Jan 3, 2025 · The best ice climbing backpacks not only provide ample storage for your gear but also ensure comfort, durability, and ease of access in challenging conditions. Other differences to consider can be the length and weight of the axe, where the balance point is for the swing, and the amount of head weight. Bonus: Best Softshell Mountain Equipment Squall Hooded Jacket Mountain Equipment’s Squall Hooded Jacket. By. Jan 14, 2018 · An in-depth ice climbing packing list with gear suggestions, product reviews and a downloadable check list to ensure you have all the essential gear for your next ice climbing adventure. Here are four popular crampons that you are bound to see climbers wearing this year. A fantastic day in the mountains can rapidly become epic if you use improper equipment for ice climbing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, choosing the best backpack can make a big difference in your performance and comfort. These are items that can’t be substituted for anything else (e. The best ice-climbing equipment Mar 28, 1998, 12:00am EST. Nov 7, 2022 · CAMP has a long history of making some of the best, burliest gear for hard alpine and ice climbing. The crank handle is fixed in place which complements the hanger on the other side to create a symmetric t-bar shaped handle to make it very easy to screw into the ice. Maybe even more important since the risks are higher on ice! Gear loops will be used to hold draws, screws, belay devices, etc. Apr 28, 2025 · A good ice climbing backpack should be durable, comfortable, and designed for carrying ice tools and extra equipment. Among all the essential pieces of equipment, your choice of pants plays a major role in keeping you warm, dry, and mobile while ascending frozen waterfalls, alpine routes, or mixed climbs. I have used this crampon on WI6 and M8, on everything from the East Pillar of Torre Egger, to chossy Rockies horror shows, to steep Norwegian pillars. Oct 5, 2023 · Bottom line: Crampons for ice, mixed, and alpine climbers looking for top-of-the-line performance on steep terrain. The Alpinist Tech is CAMP’s lightest ice clmibing crampon available today. For example, the guiding service I work for also offers ice climbing equipment rentals. With that comes an Jan 17, 2024 · If you’re in search of other climbing or winter gear, check out these articles: The Best Men’s Snow Pants for Skiing, Boarding, and Winter Adventures, 10 Best Thermal Gloves for Winter Adventures. They are to be used with B3 boots only! Dec 5, 2023 · For a more realistic test, we also assembled a sample kit for a weekend of summer alpine climbing. The Petzl Nomics are my top choice for their precision, versatility, and ergonomic design. 6 ($200-240) Best Safety Feature: Trango Red Flag Agility 9. Best known for hiking boots, Asolo has produced a solid ice climbing boot with the Eiger GV. Oct 22, 2023 · From steep 500’ WI5+ pure ice routes to hard mixed lines, to alpine gullies on Mount Washington (touted as home to the world’s worst weather). These six came out on top. A difficult balancing act between accuracy and protection from the weather is required for technical, athletic motions in a tough, unforgiving environment. Finally, if technical ice and mixed climbing is your bag, look no further than the Dart. For years, ice climbing was just another part of rock climbing and other mountaineering activities. Steep snow and ice climbing performance are some of the most essential attributes of an ice axe. Sean McNally When you’re speaking of ice climbing gear, you can break everything down into three main buckets: Individual technical gear: This is climbing or ice-climbing specific gear that each person going ice climbing needs. Ice climbing typically brings to mind frozen waterfalls. Share. A glistening curtain of ice hangs impossibly steep, daring you to conquer its icy embrace. Getting into ice climbing has never been easier, thanks to modern ice climbing tools. Jan 3, 2025 · Check out this ice climbing gear list for all you need, from ice axes to crampons. There is something for everyone here, and I’d wager that my basic loadout would translate well to any aspiring ice climber in the lower 48. g. As with a helmet, almost any climbing harness will do and your choice is largely up to personal preference. There is also a larger and a smaller (38L) size of this pack, but for ice climbing, the mid-sized is just right. In 2020, they came out with the Xeros, an 800-fill down shell made with 10D Gore-Tex Infinium, an ultra-lightweight fabric built to be windproof and water-resistant—meaning it will withstand both wet snow Dec 20, 2024 · The biting wind whips across your face, a frozen landscape stretching before you. Jan 2, 2025 · Here's my list of favorite ice climbing gear for the big routes in the 49th state. From the huge ice walls of the Canadian Rockies to the remote mountain faces of Patagonia, there are so many amazing destinations that offer awesome ice climbing for climbers of all skill levels. Reviews, ratings, and price comparisons covering 40+ mountaineering axes, ice tools, crampons, and other ice and snow gear. However, there are some advantages to ice-specific options, which typically feature more adjustability to fit over layers, specialized slots to clip ice screws and tools, and padding designed to shed snow (mesh constructions tend to collect moisture). Ice climbing festivals are a great resource to be able to try out the gear before buying, as they offer free or cheap gear to demo from many brands. Safety is paramount in ice climbing, as the unpredictable nature of frozen environments presents unique risks that require reliable equipment. Ice Climbing Equipment. Dec 22, 2017 · The La Sportiva Spantik is my go-to choice for a winter boot that can do it all, from technical ice climbing to winter mountaineering. ( 15 minutes read ) Ice climbing is a very gear-dependent sport. This isn’t just a climb; it’s a test of skill, endurance, and the reliability of your gear. 1 Mar 28, 1998 · The best ice-climbing equipment. When packing, I include safety items like avalanche beacons. Ice climbing requires specific equipment that distinguishes it from classic mountaineering. The modern ice climbing equipment includes: Ice screws. May 1, 2025 · Ice climbing is a demanding sport that tests your skills, endurance, and gear in some of the harshest environments imaginable. One of the best things about ice climbing is getting to explore some of the world's most beautiful and unique places. OUTSIDE FESTIVAL JUNE 1-2 The Best Ice Climbing Gear of 2023. If you’re new to the sport and are just giving it an exploratory try, it’s best to rent ice-climbing gear rather than purchase it outright. (Photo: Mountain Equipment) Squall Hooded Jacket men’s ($190) Squall Hooded Jacket women’s Mar 11, 2024 · Popular Ice Climbing Destinations. Oct 2, 2020 · BEST FOR: ICE AND MIXED CLIMBING. Hyperlite… Feb 10, 2022 · Even when it’s properly cold (-20° F and below, in my books) and when the logical choice should be to pack the puffiest down parka you have, high-flow and south-facing ice climbs can still be a wet, drippy mess, as I found while climbing Gibraltar Wall (WI 4; 4 pitches) during a particularly vicious cold snap. Ice climbing is an extremely equipment-reliant activity. They are compatible with B2 and B3 boots. Jan 28, 2022 · Steep Ice and Snow Climbing. Selecting the right gear for ice climbing is crucial for both safety and success. Thanks for the inspiration for this post Kyle! I'm going to list items in the order that I usually pack my pack. Most harnesses have a minimum of two gear loops, but having more will keep you better sorted when Harness. Jun 24, 2024 · Best for Technical Alpine Climbing: Blue Ice Choucas Pro; Best for Mountaineering: Petzl Altitude; Best for Projecting: Arc’teryx AR-395a; Best For Multi-Pitch: Petzl Sitta; How I Tested the Best Climbing Harnesses The author climbed and performed crevasse rescue training in the best climbing harnesses. Shop REI's selection of ice-climbing gear. Oct 6, 2023 · The Reviews: The Best Ice Climbing Gear of 2024 Arc'teryx Alpha Hybrid Pant ($350) Ice climbing is the most gear intensive, and therefore expensive, iteration of climbing. We then tried to pack this gear into each of the packs. Feb 1, 2025 · Gear loops are just as important in ice climbing as in rock climbing for keeping your gear sorted and organized. Choosing the right equipment can mean the difference between a <a title="Best Ice Climbing Tools: Conquer the Ice with the Feb 10, 2022 · Over the last 21 years of climbing, I have honed in on the gear necessary to have a great day out ice climbing. To test this, we climbed snow and steep ice to test functionality. Conditions Blog Contact (720) 598-2864 Call Feb 24, 2025 · The best crampon for ice and mixed climbing. Jan 29, 2025 · Ice climbing requires specialized equipment, including ice axes, crampons, ice tools, appropriate clothing, and safety gear to ensure performance and safety. Ice climbing requires a lot of gear, some of it very specialized. We’ve field tested everything on the list below—from cushy socks and comfortable hardshells to innovative belay devices and ropes—and can confidently say these will earn the appreciation of the climber Dec 9, 2024 · rent ice climbing equipment. With 14 spikes on each foot, you’ll have enough traction for mild slopes, vertical walls, and everything in between. The Osprey Mutant 52 is the mid-sized version of this model. The Best Gear for Ice Climbing. Lighter and more compact compared to other high-altitude Dec 8, 2022 · The Nomic continues to be one of the most best workhorse tools on the market. Oct 6, 2023 · Apparently 2024 is the year of apparel, as most new ice climbing releases this year fell into that category. Ice climbing packs with hydration Gear with compression support Reliable gear for glacier climbing Tools for mixed climbing Essential ice climbing equipment Best ice climbing gear Durable equipment for ice climbing Lightweight gear for cold conditions Affordable ice climbing kits High-quality climbing gear See what handle works the best for you. Over 100 years of development has resulted in a variety ice tools designed for a range of winter climbing, such as pure ice lines, mixed routes and drytooling. May 17, 2025 · Rock climbing season has ended, and while you could be spending countless hours in the gym training for the following season, you really would rather be outside. Nov 15, 2024 · The editors at Climbing have been testing non-stop in 2024, and we’ve highlighted the best new gear that your hard-earned money can buy. This gear withstood over 10,000 vertical feet of climbing by some of the best in the sport. Jun 28, 2023 · Ice climbing is an exhilarating winter sport that involves scaling frozen waterfalls, ice formations and steep ice-covered cliffs using specialised equipment. ishcktpcsslceeqsrkyksccbzybfjkqbmisnsswlfqjwjztcbwkor