Ice Climbing Equipment

Here is a list of equipment you must have for our ice climbing programs. As you are probably aware, none of your clothing can incorporate cotton, as that fiber has no application in winter.

Required equipment

• synthetic underwear (top & bottom)
• synthetic or wool pants
• four layers of synthetic or wool on top, for example:
  • 1. Thin, Bergelene®, or Capilene® or other skin layer wicking top
  • 2. Medium layer : Bergelene®, or Capilene® zip-turtle neck, long sleeve crew neck, light sweater, or the like
  • 3. Heavier layer : fleece jacket or similar
  • 4. Insulating layer, a down or synthetic vest or lightweight jacket (not a big expedition parka)
• wind shell with a secure hood
• wind pants : (required unless you are using thick wool pants) full side-zips best
• one or two pair heavy wool or synthetic socks, one pair wicking liners
• high gaiters - standard nylon ones that reach to just below the knee are sufficient, but be sure they are big enough to go over the double boots we will provide for you.
• synthetic or wool hat, a balaclava is very usefull
• gloves, heavy ski or similar, (thin liner gloves are also very useful)
• heavy mittens with shells, (chemical heat packs are a very good idea too)
• at least a liter of water (in a large mouth bottle), many people take two. A water bottle insulator is a great thing to have so you can carry hot liquids.
• lots of accessible food: lunch plus lots of high energy food to eat throughout the day (remember you may have to get to your food with heavy gloves on so no fruit or overly packaged foods)
• zipper pulls (extender cords)on all critical zippers, so that you needn't remove your mittens to operate them
• daypack: 2500 cubic inches ok, 3000+ is much better, with straps for crampons and ice axe(s)