Table of contents
- Introduction to Ice climbing
- Ice Tools
- Crampons
- Climbing Harness
- Climbing Rope
- Ice Screws
- Conclusion
Introduction to Ice Climbing
Whether you are here because you are trying to get into Ice Climbing,
or you are just curious as to how exactly peaks like Everest and K2 are conquered,
this page is for you.
You see, humans mourn for adrenaline. There are few sports in our world that give us less adrenaline than Climbing, specifically Ice Climbing.
They offer a unique adventure in some of the world’s most stunning icy landscapes. Whether you’re scaling a frozen waterfall or navigating a glacial ice field, ice climbing requires specialized gear and techniques to ensure safety and success.
Ice Tools
Ice tools are arguably the most important piece of equipment you will need on your mountaineering journey.
The most important Ice Tool is the Ice Axe
The Ice Axe usually comes in pairs, and they are used for the climber to create stabilisation. Furthermore, they are also used for the climber to pull himself up while climbing, and lastly, they can be used as a safety measure when the climber is sliding down a slope. God forbid.
One of the most well-known Ice Tool brands is “Blue Ice”, whose products we will be showcasing.
We havent tested all their products yet, however their Ice Axes are world renowned.
Link (affiliate): https://amzn.to/468VB4B
Crampons
There is a huge debate in the climbing world.
Would you rather not be able to use Ice Axes? Or Crampons?
The truth is, they are both extremely important. No peak (okay no tall peak) can be climbed without an Ice Axe, or without Crampons.
Crampons are essentially “spikes” that you attack on your climbing boots. They stop you from sliding down the mountain, to say it briefly. Above 4000m, crampons are basically neccesary. Imagine trying to climb a mountain, when you are constantly sliding down. This is why crampons exist. To stop you from sliding down.
If you are looking for high-quality crampons, that climbers use when climbing some of the tallest peaks in the world. BLACK DIAMOND make some of the highest end crampons in the market.
Link (affiliate): https://amzn.to/3y49V1x
Climbing Harness
Climbing, especially ice climbing, is a very danerous sport. Hence the adrenaline. This is why every single piece of equipment we list here is vital to a mountain climber.
The Climbing Harness is no exception.
It’s primary function is to secure the climber to the rope system, providing a safety connection that prevents falls from causing injury. It does this by distributing the force of the fall across your whole body.
BLACK DIAMOND, is a well-known mountaineering equipment brand, and they also make climbing harnesses. I will provide a link below for a high-quality, ice and mountain climbing harness.
Link (affiliate): https://amzn.to/4d75TV1
Climbing Rope
The climbing rope is a fundamental piece of climbing gear designed to ensure safety and support during ascents and descents.
Like the Climbing Harness the main function of the Climbing Rope is safety and fall protection. It works together with the Climbing Harness to ensure your safety.
Think fo the Climbing Rope as a pen, you never really care what pen you buy, as long as it works. Because when your pen fails during an examination. You have a problem. We have linked a reliable Climbing rope below.
Link (affiliate): https://amzn.to/46armKC
Ice Screws
Lastly, Ice screws are essential tools used in ice climbing for creating secure anchor points in frozen ice. They can help you and your team climb the mountain safely and consistently.
Ice screws are designed with sharp, threaded metal shafts that cut into ice as they are screwed in. They come with a crank handle or a knob that allows climbers to turn the screw and embed it firmly into the ice. This process ensures that the screw holds securely under the weight and stress of climbing.
If you are going to climb a peak like everest, we reccomend you to conduct your own research on ice screws, however for smaller peaks, here are some affordable, reliable ice screws.
Link (affiliate): https://amzn.to/4fa23w3
Conclusion
The goal of this blog post is to give an introduction to the main tools used when mountaineering. It is not to give any proffesional advice. We hope that this post has sparked your curiosity, and it has driven you to do more research, and perhaps even start your mountaineering career.
If you are passionate about wildlife, nature, and the outdoors, please feel free to read other posts on our blog, such as Best Camping Chairs or Best Camping Tents.
Happy travelling and Mountaineering 🙂