Ice Axe:
Ice axes for climbing are mostly technical ice axes and are essential tools for ice climbing. An ice axe must be lightweight, short, have interchangeable picks, come in various shapes, and be easy to control. They are used in pairs, primarily for self-protection and maintaining body balance.
Recommended brand: Black Diamond
Reason for recommendation: The axe handle has a simple design that is easy to grip and reduces fatigue. Suitable for vertical ice walls, available in either hammer or adze head options.
Reference price: 1496 CNY per unit
Other brands: Black Diamond, PETZL, Grivel, etc.
Crampon Boots:
Essential for climbing snowy mountains. The boots feature a waterproof outer layer; some are divided into outer and inner boots, with the outer boot being waterproof and durable, and the inner boot providing insulation. Used together with crampons for ice climbing.
Recommended brand: La Sportiva
Reason for recommendation: Lightweight, highly waterproof, comfortable, and more flexible.
Reference price: 3800 CNY per pair
Crampons:
Without crampons, you can’t stay stable on an ice wall. Ice climbing crampons are different from those used for general mountaineering, usually being full step-in types. In case of sudden changes in external conditions or harsh environments, you can simply remove the crampons and attach them to your alpine boots. The front teeth are upright with small saw-like edges, making it easier to kick into upright ice walls and offering good stability. They generally come in 8, 12, or 16 teeth configurations. Crampons are designed as a single unit and must be adjusted to fit snugly onto alpine boots when used together.
Recommended brand: PETZL-M10
Reason for recommendation: Lightweight and hard, very convenient to wear, with sufficient hardness providing excellent ice gripping performance. The only downside is that the front teeth are not replaceable.
Reference price: 2460 CNY per pair
Common brands: PETZL, Grivel, etc.
Helmet:
A helmet is even more important in ice climbing than in rock climbing, as threats come not only from falling ice and collisions but also from errant ice axes. Additionally, a face shield is ideal to protect against impacts from falling chunks of ice when detaching from the ice wall or during ice axe use.
Recommended brand: PETZL ELIOS-A42
Reason for recommendation: Lightweight yet sturdy, multi-functional. So light you’ll forget it’s on your head even on a cliff, yet durable. Comfortable and light (under 350g), breathable, and strong, with an expanded polypropylene liner that absorbs impact, and an injected polycarbonate shell that resists scratches and impacts.
Common brands: PETZL, Black Diamond, etc.
Reference price: 660 CNY per unit
Ice Screws:
Made of alloy steel, they are hollow and spiral-shaped, fixed into the ice by twisting forcefully. They play a crucial protective role in ice climbing. The introduction of ice screws has greatly improved safety, significantly reducing ice fracturing and making it quicker and easier for climbers to place them securely.
Recommended brand: SIMOND RACING
Reason for recommendation: Ice screw with a length of 190 mm, featuring a unique crank handle system for easier one-handed operation.
Reference price: 500 RMB per pair
Common brands: PETZL, Black Diamond, Grivel, etc.
Harness:
Any general mountaineering or rock climbing harness can be used. Like those for rock climbing, the focus should be on safety and comfort, and the leg loops should preferably be adjustable.
Recommended brand: KALAS KE73001 MAKAK QB sit harness
Other:
Slings, quickdraws, ropes, carabiners, descenders, quickdraws, slings, ropes, protectors, prusiks, etc., are also essential gear for ice climbing.
Warm gear:
Clothing, pants, and gloves must be waterproof. Ice is essentially solid water, and it melts under strong sunlight. Some ice walls may have a lot of water during climbing, so you must wear waterproof gear, otherwise you’ll get wet quickly and risk catching a cold.
For ice climbing, it’s common to wear two types of gloves: an outer windproof and waterproof layer, and an inner glove that fits well and provides warmth. Jackets and pants should be waterproof, warm, breathable, and comfortable—these are the basic requirements for ice climbing clothing.
Jackets, gloves, fleece hats, backpacks, and socks are best made of coolmax fabric, which is warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Underwear and undershirts should also be moisture-wicking and warm—avoid pure cotton. Although it's very cold in icy areas, ice climbing is also an extreme sport. While pushing your limits, you'll also sweat a lot.
How to clean your “gear”
1. Carabiners, protectors, ice screws, crampons, etc.: Soak in clean water, wipe off dirt, rinse again, then spin dry in a washing machine’s spin basket, and hang to air dry indoors.
2. Ropes, slings, harnesses, etc.: Place in a large basin, soak briefly in clean water, then gently scrub to remove mud and dirt. Wash twice, then spin dry in a washing machine’s spin basket, and hang to air dry indoors. Once completely dry, they can be stored.
Note: When using a washing machine’s spin basket, only use the one from a twin-tub washer; do not use a top-loading single-tub washer as it may damage the gear.
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