Ice & Alpine
Ice & Alpine climbing gear is the specialized equipment used for climbing on ice, snow, and mixed mountain terrain (rock + ice + snow). These environments are cold, steep, and potentially dangerous, so the gear is designed to provide traction, protection, insulation, and safety during technical climbing and high-altitude travel.
Ice Climbing Gear
Used for vertical or near-vertical climbing on frozen waterfalls, icefalls, or steep icy terrain.
Essential Ice Climbing Gear:
| Gear | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Ice Tools (Technical Ice Axes) | Short, curved axes with aggressive picks used to climb steep ice |
| Crampons | Spiked metal frames strapped or clipped to boots for traction on ice |
| Ice Screws | Hollow threaded tubes used to create anchors in ice |
| Helmet | Protects from falling ice or tools |
| Harness | Worn around the waist and legs for attaching ropes and protection gear |
| Dry-Treated Rope | Resists water absorption and freezing in cold, wet conditions |
| Belay Device & Carabiners | For belaying, rappelling, and securing yourself |
| Leashes/Tethers | Attach ice tools to your harness to prevent dropping them |
| Gloves | Warm yet dexterous gloves for grip and protection from cold |
| Insulated Boots | Stiff, waterproof boots compatible with crampons |
Alpine Climbing Gear
Used for mountaineering and climbing mixed alpine routes that may involve snow, glaciers, rock, and ice.
Essential Alpine Climbing Gear:
| Gear | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mountaineering Boots | Insulated, stiff-soled boots for snow, rock, and glacier travel |
| Ice Axe (Classic) | For self-arrest, step cutting, and balance in snow |
| Crampons | For traction on snow and ice (less aggressive than technical crampons) |
| Helmet | Protects against falling rock or ice |
| Harness | Used for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, or technical sections |
| Rope (Dry-treated) | For glacier travel, rappels, or belayed climbing |
| Protection Devices | Ice screws, nuts, or cams depending on terrain type |
| Belay Device & Carabiners | For managing rope systems and rappelling |
| Avalanche Safety Gear (if applicable) | Beacon, probe, and shovel for snow-covered routes |
| Clothing Layers | Windproof, waterproof shells and insulated base layers |
| Gaiters | Keep snow out of boots and pants |
| Sunglasses or Glacier Glasses | Protect eyes from intense UV reflection off snow and ice |
Comparison: Ice vs Alpine Gear
| Feature | Ice Climbing | Alpine Climbing |
|---|---|---|
| Terrain | Vertical ice | Mixed snow, ice, and rock |
| Tools | Technical ice tools | Classic ice axe (possibly tools) |
| Boots | Stiff, precise | Warmer, more versatile |
| Protection | Ice screws primarily | Mix of screws, rock gear, and snow anchors |
Would you like a downloadable checklist or packing list for an alpine or ice climbing trip?
