“Are those the Cassin X Dream tools?”
Much like rock climbing, in ice climbing you’ll find people absolutely obsessed with gear and they will most likely be the same people. Gearheads don’t just include climbers, it just includes anyone who has a passion for their outdoor gear.
Rock climbers trade in their chalk and climbing shoes for ice tools and crampons. Some gear remains the same though. A dynamic climbing rope is still needed but for ice it has to be treated to keep the rope dry whether that is at the core of the rope or the outside. Just like rock climbing you’ll need a harness preferably with adjustable leg loops to make it easier to put on over shell pants(not necessary though!). Sling, prussic, cordelette and quickdraw transfers over from rock to ice.
Now you’ll need some sharp new toys like ice tools and crampons. They come in all different sizes and shapes although there is a lot of orange. Have fun with it and do research before committing to anything.
A basic list of gear for ice climbing
- Harness
- Mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Two Ice climbing tools
- Helmet
- Belay Device
- Locking Carabiners
- Non-locking Carabiners
- Climbing bag about 40 liters
- Static Rope (for top roping)
- Dry Rope
- Ice Screws(for lead climbing)
- Quickdraws(for lead climbing )
- Slings- tied or looped webbing used to build anchors or attach to other pieces of climbing equipment
- Prusik- a cord used as a friction hitch when rappelling
- Cordelette- cord used to connect two or more pieces of gear when building an anchor
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