The Essential Gear You Need To Get For Your Next Ice Climbing Adventure

Ice climbing can be a great adventure but can also be rather dangerous if you aren’t prepared. There are a ton of things that can go wrong, and the weather and temperature are certainly not going to be forgiving. Before you jump into your adventure, you should look at all your gear to not only make sure that it works properly but also to make sure you are not missing anything. Even just missing out on one piece of gear can prove to be a disaster in certain situations. Here is a list of some of the essential gear that you will need to get for your next climbing adventure.

Crampons

When looking for crampons, you will want to find a pair that is specifically meant for ice climbing and also can fit your boots fairly comfortably. The main purpose of them is to help dig into the snow and ice as you are walking to make sure that you don’t lose your balance or slip. Along with that, you can dig into surfaces while climbing to help assist you. The specialists at MyOpenCountry.com also recommend looking into both dual point and monopoint crampons. While dual points can be much easier to work with for beginners, monoprints are great if you find yourself in a position where a dual-point would display too much ice or cause a problem.

If you have a cheap pair of crampons that are not able to grip into the snow and ice as you are climbing, you can easily injure yourself and even slip and fall. Before you attempt any serious climbing with your crampons, test them out and build your confidence with them. A confident climber is a successful climber. Crampons are an essential piece of gear that you are going to need if you plan on going on an ice climbing adventure.

Mountain Boots

The next thing you are going to need is something for you to attach your crampons too. When looking at boots, there are a few things that you should be looking at. First, you want boots with a high amount of traction that can grip while you are walking. Next, you are going to want to look at how the boots fit on you. They should be tight enough to not allow any snow in from the top, but not too tight where they are cutting off blood circulation. Move around in the boots as well to check to see that your toes do not hit the front of them. 

Finally, your boots have to be waterproof, warm and be able to keep your feet insulated. If you are going to be climbing for a few days, you are most likely going to be wearing the boots for a large portion of the time. If the boots are unable to keep your feet warm, you are putting yourself at risk of frostbite. If the frostbite gets more serious, you will need medical help. Make sure that the boots are rated for cold temperatures and that they can handle whatever snow or weather is thrown at them.

Ice Axes

Ice axes are similar to crampons except they are for use on your hands. When you are climbing, you are going to be digging your feet into the snow and ice while using your ice axes to swing and get higher. When looking for ice axes, you should take a look if you are wanting all-around ice axes or ice axes that are meant for steep climbing. All-round axes can do steep climbing, however, they will not perform as well as the latter. Ice axes have grips on them as well so ensure that you are going to be comfortable holding them. Don’t even think of ice climbing without a reliable pair.

A Helmet

Finally, you are going to have to look out for your safety, especially if you fall or slip. Having a helmet on will help to keep your head safe from a variety of different injuries. Take a look at the helmets and make sure that you are getting one that is certified for ice climbing. There can be times when you are climbing where sheets of ice or snow will fall and hit. Without a helmet, you can find yourself getting concussed or worse. Don’t ever skimp out on safety, as it can end up costing you dearly.

These are all pieces of essential gear that you are going to need for your next ice climbing adventure. Find a nice spot that you are comfortable with and stock up on some supplies for the trip. Bring a few friends as well as not only will they help keep you company, they will help ensure your safety if something goes wrong. Where do you plan on going ice climbing?