Ice Climbing Gear - How to Pack for Climbing Ice

The first thing that you should remember when packing for a day of ice climbing is that it's very important to be warm. This is because you'll be outside in the cold for a long time, and you'll be performing high-exertion activities. This can cause your body to cool down, which can be dangerous. This is why you should always layer your climbing clothing, wearing several pieces of clothing over each other. This will keep you warm, and it will also prevent you from overheating.

Layering Is Important in Ice Climbing

For cold weather activities, such as ice climbing, layering is essential. It's not like wearing clothes for formal event, but for extreme sport. Ice climbers must alternate between high-intensity climbing and low-intensity activities, such as belaying and waiting for a climb. In this way, they need to stay warm without overheating, which is why layering is important.

The base layer is your first line of defense when it comes to keeping your core warm. If your base layer doesn't work as intended, you'll be in danger of hypothermia or frostbite. A base layer made of cotton or another synthetic material will only absorb a small percentage of moisture, making it less effective than a wool sweater or a down jacket. If your base layer is wet, you'll struggle to stay warm, and could suffer from hypothermia in a cold alpine environment.

Another essential layer is a mid-layer. This layer is typically made of thin or mid-weight fleece. A mid-weight fleece can provide warmth and comfort without adding too much bulk to your pack.

Ice Axes

Ice axes are an important piece of equipment for those who want to climb on ice. They are an essential piece of climbing equipment, especially for those who are planning to spend a long time on sheer surfaces. Though some freeclimbers can make due with chalk and chalkboard, the majority of climbers will need ropes, petons, chocks, ice screws, and ice axes. Other equipment may be required for safety purposes, including command apparatus, which may be as benign as a megaphone or as wicked as a whip.

Double Boots

The Scarpa Phantom 6000 offers superb feel, performance and construction. This model is the go-to choice for ice climbers in the Canadian Rockies. A more advanced model, the Phantom 8000, is slightly warmer and weighs more, but remains the lightest of all double boots. It weighs just four pounds and six ounces for a size 42 pair, making it the ideal choice for light and fast climbers.

Another feature that makes this boot a popular choice is its speed laces. These allow the climber to get on their boot quickly and easily, even while wearing gloves. Single-speed lace options are also available, which wraps around a fixed feature on the side of the boot. Other popular choices include zippers, which provide quick and easy entry and exit. These are usually found on the outer portion of the boot, near the built-in gaiter.

Ice Packs

Ice packs are a great option for people who want to carry a small amount of gear to climb ice. They are lightweight and compact and have many features that make them an excellent choice for ice climbing. Unlike a traditional backpack, they don't contain any padding or other materials that can irritate skin. They are also very comfortable, especially when you're not wearing padding.

Ice packs for climbing come in a variety of different styles. Some of them even come with a hydration system like a Camelback, making it easier to stay hydrated when you're climbing in freezing conditions.

Ice Screws

When climbing ice, you want to use ice screws that are the longest and strongest. This will prevent the screw from breaking in one piece, which is not good for ice. You also want to consider some factors, such as the amount of good ice left and the distance to the ground and the belay.

To properly use ice screws, you should know the angle of the load you plan to support. It is also important to avoid placing the screw at an angle that will cause it to melt. To avoid this, you should angle the screw upward at a five to ten-degree angle. Any more than this will make the screw lever and cause damage. Keeping the screw pointing upward keeps it in line with the load, reduces torque, and allows the threads to work properly.