Ice Climbing Gear

Ice climbing is a very adventurous and exciting sport. It involves climbing frozen formations of ice, such as ice falls, frozen waterfalls and glaciers. It can also be dangerous without expertise and the right kind of equipment. Since ice climbing is done on very high mountains, it is better to be well equipped for all kinds of needs as well as emergencies. It would also be better to take enough equipment to last a few days.

There are many kinds of ice climbing gear. These vary depending on the user-- some are meant for experts while others are meant for amateurs who pursue mountaineering as a hobby. The basic ice climbing gear consists of: ropes, cords, webbing, carabiners, harnesses, belay devices (sticht plate, ATC, Gri-Gri, Figure Eight), Descenders (figure eight, rescue eight, ATC), Ascenders, protection devices (nuts, hexcenters, spring loaded camming devices), sewn runners, helmets, ice axes, headlamps, climbing harnesses, climbing screws, pulleys, trekking pole, mountaineering shaft, pitons, haul bag, bouldering mat, holds, books/maps, and more.

Special training equipment for climbing includes: grip savers, fingerboards, campus boards and more.You can also take other personal items, like: sunglasses, first aid kit, sun block, extra clothing, knife, sunhat, foam ear plugs, camera, tent, cookware, camp stove, food, water, sleeping bag/pad, a knife, approach shoes, chalk and chalk bag. Ice climbers also need special insulated clothing to protect them from the extreme cold weather. These include parkas, warm pants, gloves or mitts, calf-length or full-length gaiters, thermal long-john underwear, polypro underwear, pile or down jacket, thermal heavyweight socks, fleece sweater or jacket and a balaclava.Some of the most popular ice climbing gear brands are: Black Diamond, Volcom, Nixon, Oakley, Smith, Spy, The North Face, Nikita, Eagle Creek, Dakine, Mountain Hardwear sand others.

Climbing equipment has to be certified by the International Federation of Mountaineering Associations (UIAA) and the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Ice climbing equipment can also be purchased online.

Climbing Gear is affiliated with Discount Hiking Gear.

By: Jimmy Sturo