With the right gear in hand, ice climbing becomes unstoppable.

    When participating in outdoor sports, the importance of equipment alongside skills goes without saying. Especially for professional expeditions like wilderness ice climbing, the right gear is your best tool for ensuring safety and conquering icy walls. With the 2014 Siguniang Mountain Ice Climbing Festival approaching, many climbers have asked about choosing ice climbing equipment. Here, after some research and advice from experts, I’d like to recommend several standout KAILAS ice climbing products.

 

    Without a doubt, technical ice axes are as essential to ice climbing as assault rifles are to soldiers. A pair of high-quality technical ice axes is the best tool for climbers to forge ahead and dance across icy walls. The KAILAS ENTHEOS II Technical Ice Axe, a classic product that has won multiple Asian Outdoor Awards, is definitely worth having.

    The “ENTHEOS” (Size: 48cm, Weight: 560g excluding weight plates) is the world’s only mixed climbing technical ice axe with a full-body design—shaft to handle—created entirely through CNC digital control technology. Its all-terrain pick design easily penetrates hard ice, and the tooth distribution on the pick aids in hooking. The upper teeth can be used for pull-down techniques. It offers excellent weight distribution, superb handling, and high stability, with greater strength and less weight. Additionally, the pick comes with removable weight plates, adding more force when swinging into the ice, and removing them makes hook placement more agile. In short, the ENTHEOS II Technical Ice Axe is ideal for extremely steep, high-difficulty ice walls and mixed ice-rock terrain—it’s your go-to choice for conquering icy challenges.

 

 

    Working in tandem with the ice axe is the “ice screw,” and this one is the fastest ice screw in the world for penetrating ice. This ice screw is the 2013 Asian Outdoor Industry Design Award winner, featuring multiple patented designs. Its unique thread pattern makes it 1.85 times faster at penetrating ice than standard ice screws. The refined surface treatment gives it a smooth finish, further reducing penetration resistance. The handle is easy to grip. The screw hole can accommodate two carabiners simultaneously for easier operation. Suitable for setting protection points in snowy environments, such as during mountain climbing or ice climbing.

 

 

    Having great ice climbing tools like ice axes and screws isn’t enough—ice climbing is a highly challenging outdoor activity where ice fragments can fall at any time. That’s when you need a sturdy, durable professional helmet to protect yourself. The latest KAILAS Selma Climbing Helmet is an excellent choice.

    The “Selma” climbing helmet is designed for high-difficulty climbs. Lightweight (only 275g) yet strong, it’s your best bet for climbing faster and safer. The “Selma” is made using polycarbonate-injected EPS integrated molding technology. This one-piece construction effectively reduces impact force upon collision, making the helmet both very light and exceptionally sturdy. Particularly considering that climbers often instinctively lower their heads when encountering falling rocks, the helmet offers enhanced protection for the back of the head.

    Meanwhile, the carefully designed internal air channels combined with 12 ventilation holes effectively expel moisture and heat from the head, keeping you more alert and comfortable during climbs. For lightweight convenience, the slightly arched forehead line doesn’t obstruct the climber’s view, while the large rear adjustment knob allows quick, one-handed tightening or loosening—even with gloves. An adjustable strap at the back accommodates different head shapes.

    Climbing isn’t about reckless bravery but doing so safely. This places higher demands on climbing rope safety. KAILAS’s 9.4mm “Intuition” rope is lightweight and low-impact, making it perfect for double-rope techniques in mountaineering, traditional climbing, and ice climbing.

 

    The slightly thicker sheath of the “Intuition” enhances durability and lifespan, capable of withstanding big falls and group climbing. Its special double-braided manufacturing process provides extra protection on rough terrains like sandstone or granite. The unique Thermo Shield Treatment makes the rope extremely supple with top-tier handling. Its dry-treated surface resists water and dirt. Plus, the new Duo Tec process features a unique permanent mid-mark in the center of the rope—all ensuring maximum climbing safety. The “Intuition” comes in 50m, 60m, and 70m lengths.

    Ice climbing isn’t difficult—if you want to smoothly reach those massive icy walls deep in the mountains and experience the thrill of higher, riskier climbs, gearing up fully will give you that extra edge. And you’ll need other gear working together with you.

 

 

 

    Ice climbing, braving wind and snow across snowy peaks, wouldn’t be complete without a solid hardshell jacket. KAILAS’s newly released hardshell jacket uses the latest EVENT fabric, with waterproof and breathability ratings that meet high industry standards. Designed and crafted with ultrasonic seamless technology and professional ergonomic tailoring, it balances comfort and durability, as well as waterproofing and breathability. The tailored cut + helmet-compatible hood + laser heat-sealed inner pockets + bidirectional underarm waterproof zippers + detachable non-slip hem guard + hidden one-handed drawcord + reinforced panels on stress points + front waterproof pockets make it a benchmark for alpine climbing. There’s also a women’s version of the 3L Extreme Jacket (Mystic Wing).

                

 

    Got a 3L jacket? Might as well pair it with matching pants. KAILAS’s Extreme Ice Climbing Windproof Bib Pants are professional trousers designed for mixed ice and rock climbing. Both their structure and materials focus on mobility and functionality for climbing.

 

 

    The entire inner layer of the pants is made with plush, warm material, ensuring a cozy feel in cold climates. The front panel uses water-resistant fabric for direct breathability, quickly venting sweat from climbing. The seat area uses SOFT SHELL fabric—thick and elastic—for more comfort when sitting on ice or snow. The knees feature ultra-durable fabric with built-in cushioning to reduce impact damage from brushing against icy walls. The outer side of the feet uses FILTERTEC-SUPER waterproof, abrasion-resistant fabric, functioning like gaiters in snowy conditions. The inner side of the feet, frequently brushed by crampons, uses reinforced wear-resistant fabric for added durability. Slim-fit design with stretchy fabric on all moving parts. YKK waterproof zippers on both sides of the thighs help regulate temperature and release heat during movement. Suitable for mixed ice and rock climbing in drier areas. Removable suspenders make these pants suitable for long expeditions. Also available in men's and women's versions.