ICE CLIMBING
Ice Climbing is exactly what it sounds like, climbing on ice. You can put into practice and other kind of Climbing while Ice Climbing (Bouldering, Top Rope Climbing, or Sport Climbing), but you will need a few Ice Climbing-specific pieces of gear to be safer and allow you to enjoy your Ice Climbing experience.
Ice Climbing is exactly what it sounds like, climbing on ice. You can put into practice and other kind of Climbing while Ice Climbing (Bouldering, Top Rope Climbing, or Sport Climbing), but you will need a few Ice Climbing-specific pieces of gear to be safer and allow you to enjoy your Ice Climbing experience.
The List:
Here's some Great Gear to add to yours so you can go Ice Climbing
1. Ice Protection
The Protection you use in Ice Climbing is much different than the Protection used when simply Rock Climbing because ice is a much different surface. It is a good idea to use Quickdraws in conjunction with Ice Protection when Ice Climbing. Ice Protection includes: Pitons, Ice Screws, Slings, etc.
2. Dynamic Ice Rope/Double Rope/Twin Rope
Most Ropes people use in Rock Climbing are not waterproof and should not be used while Ice Climbing. So, while Ice Climbing, only Ropes that are Dynamic and waterproof should be used because they are designed to take on water and still perform adequately.
3. Hiking Boots/Mountaineering Boots
Hiking or Mountaineering Boots should be used when Ice Climbing rather than Rock Climbing Shoes because they will allow you to where Crampons, while keeping your feet insulated and warm.
4. Crampons
Crampons are specially designed pieces of gear that wrap around your Hiking or Mountaineering Boots, adding incredible grip while Ice Climbing. The size and number of spikes (points) attached to the Crampons will change their effectiveness.
5. Ice Axe (Two Per Person)
Ice Axes are very important in Ice Climbing because most ice formations do not have built-in holds like rock does, so you must make your own via Ice Axes. Each Person climbing will usually use two Ice Axes to climb the ice: using one to reach and pull himself up, then the other in the same way.
6. Leash (One Per Ice Axe)
Leashes are not a necessity in Ice Climbing, but they definitely make it easier. A Leash is used to attach the Climber's hand and wrist to the Ice Axe he is using. This prevents from slipping off the Axe and dropping the Axe itself.
7. Climbing Gloves
Gloves are very important to wear when Ice Climbing so that your hands stay warm. It sounds obvious, but a pair of Gloves is one thing people tend to forget.
8. Clothing
When you are going Ice Climbing, remember that even though there may be ice where you are climbing, the surrounding temperature may not be as cold during the day. Keep it simple with a performance wear layer, a insulating layer (fleece), and a windproof and waterproof layer. Remember a hat and moisture-wicking socks to go along with your Hiking or Mountaineering Boots.
9. Gear Pack
In order to keep all of your Ice Climbing Gear together, it is a good idea to have a simple Gear Bag/Gear Pack to store everything in. That way, you can just grab you pack and go!
Here's some Great Gear to add to yours so you can go Ice Climbing
1. Ice Protection
The Protection you use in Ice Climbing is much different than the Protection used when simply Rock Climbing because ice is a much different surface. It is a good idea to use Quickdraws in conjunction with Ice Protection when Ice Climbing. Ice Protection includes: Pitons, Ice Screws, Slings, etc.
2. Dynamic Ice Rope/Double Rope/Twin Rope
Most Ropes people use in Rock Climbing are not waterproof and should not be used while Ice Climbing. So, while Ice Climbing, only Ropes that are Dynamic and waterproof should be used because they are designed to take on water and still perform adequately.
3. Hiking Boots/Mountaineering Boots
Hiking or Mountaineering Boots should be used when Ice Climbing rather than Rock Climbing Shoes because they will allow you to where Crampons, while keeping your feet insulated and warm.
4. Crampons
Crampons are specially designed pieces of gear that wrap around your Hiking or Mountaineering Boots, adding incredible grip while Ice Climbing. The size and number of spikes (points) attached to the Crampons will change their effectiveness.
5. Ice Axe (Two Per Person)
Ice Axes are very important in Ice Climbing because most ice formations do not have built-in holds like rock does, so you must make your own via Ice Axes. Each Person climbing will usually use two Ice Axes to climb the ice: using one to reach and pull himself up, then the other in the same way.
6. Leash (One Per Ice Axe)
Leashes are not a necessity in Ice Climbing, but they definitely make it easier. A Leash is used to attach the Climber's hand and wrist to the Ice Axe he is using. This prevents from slipping off the Axe and dropping the Axe itself.
7. Climbing Gloves
Gloves are very important to wear when Ice Climbing so that your hands stay warm. It sounds obvious, but a pair of Gloves is one thing people tend to forget.
8. Clothing
When you are going Ice Climbing, remember that even though there may be ice where you are climbing, the surrounding temperature may not be as cold during the day. Keep it simple with a performance wear layer, a insulating layer (fleece), and a windproof and waterproof layer. Remember a hat and moisture-wicking socks to go along with your Hiking or Mountaineering Boots.
9. Gear Pack
In order to keep all of your Ice Climbing Gear together, it is a good idea to have a simple Gear Bag/Gear Pack to store everything in. That way, you can just grab you pack and go!
GREAT SITES FOR ICE CLIMBING GEAR: