1. The Eyes Have it
Because of the dangerous and unpredictable conditions that may occur during an ice climb, a person must be able to see clearly to proceed safely. No matter which brand or style of eye protection you choose, there are a few features that all eyewear must have. If you choose goggles, make sure they are double-glazed, which fog up less than single-glazed models. Your eyewear shouldn't break into dangerous glass shards upon impact. Buy eyewear composed of polycarbonate. Some climbers opt for faces shield or visors instead of goggles. However, the shield can fog more and the gaps around the shield afford your eyes less protection.
2. Brain Bucket
Falling ice and other dangers during an ice climb make a helmet a must for any climber. Whichever helmet brand you choose, it must be durable, and you should check the helmet's safety approval label from the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. If it has a label, then it has undergone testing and passed the safety standards set forth by the federation.
3. Cold Feet
Before selecting ice climbing shoes, you should understand that the conditions for each climb can differ. The type of shoe you choose will depend on the type of ice climbing you intend to do. Alpine alpine climbing brings you over craggy, mountainous terrain and requires a more durable shoe. Water ice climbing usually takes place on a cliff or frozen water flow, which is much slicker, making a shoe with the best traction the proper choice. The weather conditions for a given climb will also affect the surface of the ice and the type of shoe you choose. Whichever type of climbing you do, it is imperative that the shoe fits correctly.
4. Layer Up
Wear two to three layers of clothing when you dress for an ice climb, and then remove a layer if you start to overheat. It is better to wear too much than too little on a climb. From the shirts and jacket to climbing-specific outerwear and pants, make sure the clothes you select are waterproof and insulated enough to prevent hypothermia and keep you dry. Strike a balance with these clothes. They must protect your body from the elements, and be comfortable enough for you to move nimbly and navigate. Before going on a climb, test the clothes out at a local climbing center to make sure they afford the comfort and protection you need.
5. Gloves and Gaiters
The final two pieces of climbing gear are the gaiters and gloves. Gaiters fit over your boots to keep water and ice out of them. The more durable gaiters, such as those made of cordura nylon, protect your feet and lower legs from abrasion. Your gloves should protect your hands from the elements and be flexible enough to make all the grabs and hand placements an ice climb requires.
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