EQUIPMENT LIST
Ice Climbing Courses
All of the items listed below are required and It is extremely important to the success and safety of your course that you bring them all. Weather conditions can vary dramatically and you must be prepared!
The items noted with a * can be provided at no cost by IAG/CAG as noted and are subject to availability. You must notify us no later than 7 days before your trip of any gear you require from us. Please answer the Gear Request Question in your reservation terminal to advise us of any gear you require from us.
On the left are the items you will need and on the right are some examples and recommendations from our guides. The recommended items represent some of the best gear and clothing in each category that we use ourselves, but you may find other items that will also be appropriate.
Any questions give us a call at: 877-686-2546
Technical Gear
Crampons *
Rigid ice climbing crampons are best, but general mountaineering crampons work as well. We will have a selection of crampons to try out.
Our recommendations:
Black Diamond Cyborg Pro Crampon
Grivel G14 New Matic Crampon Package
Ice Tools *
We generally recommend leashless ice tools these days. We will have a selection of tools for you to use.
Our recommendations:
Black Diamond Cobra Ice Tool
Petzl Quark Ice Tool
Harness *
A comfortable rock climbing style harness works best.
Our recommendations:
Arcteryx Men's AR-395a Harness
Black Diamond Aspect Harness
Helmet *
A climbing specific helmet is required, a bike helmet will not do. There are some very comfortable lightweight helmets on the market now.
Our recommendations:
Black Diamond Vapor Helmet
Petzl Meteor Helmet
Adjustable Ski Poles *
Must have the larger snow baskets... no small trekking baskets.
Our recommendations:
Black Diamond Traverse Poles
Black Diamond Compactor Ski Poles
Other Gear
Boots*
You need a highly insulated stiff mountaineering boot. Either a leather or double plastic boot. Regular hiking boots wont do.
Our recommendations:
Backpack *
An internal frame backpack 28-45liters in size. Ice axe loops on the outside are a good feature
Our recommendations
Black Diamond Speed 30 Pack
Headlamp *
Our recommendations:
Black Diamond Spot
2 One Liter Wide Mouth Water Bottles *
Our recommendations:
Tritan Water Bottle
Full Wrap Sunglasses
Our recommendations:
Julbo Venturi Sunglasses
Clothing
For clothing, we emphasize a layering system in which we put on and take off layers of clothing depending on the outside temperature and the level of activity.
Outer Waterproof Shell Jacket (hard shell) with Hood
A waterproof & breathable shell jacket with no additional insulation sewn in. Lightweight is better.
Outer Waterproof Shell Pant
Must be waterproof & breathable with side zippers.
Our recommendations:
Mens' Marmot Mantra Pant
Men's Outdoor Research Foray Pant
Women's Leashless Pant
Climbing Pant (soft shell)
A lighter weight non-waterproof pant that breathes much better than waterproof pants. This is what you will probably be wearing most of the time
Our recommendations:
Men's Patagonia Simul Alpine Guide Pant
Midweight Long Underwear Baselayer
Synthetic or Wool.
Midweight Long Underwear Baselayer Top
Synthetic or wool
Insulating Layer - Lightweight
Fleece or wool
Our recommendations:
Patagonia Men's R1 Pullover
Patagonia Women's R1 Pullover
Insulated Parka
Down or synthetic fill puffy parka, preferably with a hood. Down is lighter.
Our recommendations:
Patagonia Men's Das Parka
Patagonia Women's Down Sweater Hoody
Warm Hat
Wool or synthetic
2 Pairs Socks
Mid weight to heavy weight wool or synthetic socks. If you normally use liners then bring them also
Insulated Glove - Mid Weight to Heavy Weight
Water resistant & wind proof and highly insulated
Our recommendations:
Marmot Randonnee Glove
Black Diamond Patrol Glove
Calf to Knee Length Gaiters
Our recommendations:
Outdoor Research Crocodiles
Other Important Items
Suncscreen
30 SPF or higher
Lip Balm
15 SPF or higher
Toilet Paper
A small amount
Camera
Pocket sized is best
Lunch Food & Snacks
You must bring your own lunch food and snacks for all the days. Bring a blend of protein and carbohydrates. Examples: bagels, cheese, jerky, meats, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate etc. Processed energy bars are also good, but best to limit them and eat whole foods as well. Cheeses and dried meats will keep many days in the backcountry. But mostly you want to bring food you like and will eat while working hard.
For all your gear needs we recommend Moosejaw. They have a huge selection of all the gear you'll need and offer fast free shipping.
We reserve the right to refuse services to any client deemed inadequately prepared at the meeting point.