The equipment, gear, and accessories used in rock and ice climbing are the focal point of this part of our web guide.
Whether climbing a surface of rock or ice, the climber has to navigate vertical or near-vertical surfaces. Both of these activities require significant upper-body strength, balance, and problem-solving skills. Each of these sports demands the use of specialized gear and equipment.
Rock climbing typically involves warmer conditions and climbing on rock surfaces using hands and rock-specific gear like chalk and climbing shoes. Ice climbing is performed on frozen structures, such as icefalls and glaciers, in cold conditions, requiring specific equipment like ice axes and crampons.
Weather plays a crucial role in both. Ice climbers must consider ice quality and temperature, while rock climbers are more concerned with dry rock conditions.
As this is the shopping area of our guide, we will focus on the equipment and gear used in climbing rock or ice faces rather than the activities themselves, which are covered in more detail in the corresponding category within our Sports & Recreation area.
While the activities are similar in that the goal is to climb upwards, there are significant differences in the conditions and the equipment required in rock or ice climbing.
Climbing shoes are designed to provide maximum grip and precision on rock surfaces. Rock climbing shoes are typically snug-fitting with a rubber sole that enhances friction. While other manufacturers also produce shoes suitable for rock climbing, some popular brands include Five Ten, La Sportiva, and Scarpa.
Climbing harnesses allow climbers to attach themselves to ropes and anchors. Harnesses are designed to distribute weight evenly and provide comfort during long climbs. Leading brands include Black Diamond, Mammut, and Petzl.
Carabiners and quickdraws are also used in rock climbing. Carabiners are metal loops with spring-loaded gates used to connect various components of the climbing system. Quickdraws are pairs of carabiners connected by a sling and used to clip the rope to bolts on the rock. Black Diamond and Petzl are prominent manufacturers of these.
The ropes used in rock climbing can stretch to absorb the impact of a fall. They come in various lengths and diameters, with brands like Edelrid, Mammut, and Sterling Rope leading the market.
Chalk is often used to help climbers maintain a firm grip by absorbing sweat from their hands. Chalk bags are used to carry and easily access the chalk during climbs. Friction Labs and Metolius produce chalk used for these activities.
Ice axes and other ice tools are essential for ascending icy slopes and providing stability. Technical ice tools, which are more specialized, are used for vertical ice climbing. Black Diamond, Grivel, and Petzl are renowned for their high-quality ice axes and tools.
Crampons are metal spikes attached to the bottom of climbing boots to provide traction on ice. They come in various designs, including strap-on, step-in, and hybrid models. Black Diamond, Grivel, and Petzl are leading manufacturers of crampons.
Ice screws are tubular metal screws used to create anchor points in ice. These are crucial for protection and safety during ice climbs. Black Diamond, Grivel, and Petzl produce some of the best ice screws on the market.
Helmets protect climbers from falling ice and debris. They are designed to be lightweight yet durable. Black Diamond, Mammut, and Petzl are well-known for their reliable climbing helmets.
Ice climbing requires specialized clothing to keep climbers warm in freezing conditions. This includes insulated jackets, pants, gloves, and base layers. Brands like Arc'teryx, North Face, and Patagonia are popular choices, although there are several others.
Rock and ice climbing require specialized equipment and gear to ensure safety and enhance performance. Manufacturers who provide equipment, gear, and accessories for these disciplines are appropriate resources for this category, along with rock and ice climbing retailers.
Recommended Resources
Founded by two rock climbers in 2008, Banana Fingers is located in Bristol, England, a five-minute drive from Bloc Climbing Centre and The Climbing Academy. Shoppers may make purchases from its store or through its online store. Shoppers may browse the website's catalog by category (climbing shoes, approach shoes, men's clothing, women's clothing, harnesses, belays, ropes) or by activity (bouldering, sport climbing, trad climbing, alpine climbing). The shop's location and contacts are provided.
https://bananafingers.co.uk/
Black Diamond Equipment is a manufacturer of climbing, skiing, and mountain sports that is based in Utah, with a global office in Innsbruck, Austria. Its climbing products include carabiners, quickdraws, harnesses, protective gear, belay devices, helmets, ice tools and piolets, crampons, ice screws, bouldering pads, and big wall equipment. Online shopping is enabled, and local dealers may be located online. Free shipping is available on orders over $99. An affiliate program is available.
https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/
Blue Ice is a manufacturer and retailer headquartered in Les Houches, France, and is known for offering minimalist and technical alpine equipment designed for climbers, mountaineers, and skiers. Founded in 2008, it is a leader in this market. Its products include backpacks, crampons, harnesses, ice axes, ice screws, and accessories. Besides its product catalog, the company's site includes a history of the company, a store locator, size guides, and safety alerts.
https://us.blueice.com/
International Mountain Equipment
IME is a respected shop for climbing, mountaineering, and outdoor gear in North Conway, New Hampshire. Locally owned and operated since 1974, the store offers a wide range of new and used gear for hiking, climbing, skiing, and other products. Its online shopping area features published guides, books, posters, and gift certificates, while it appears that other products are available from its brick-and-mortar store. Its location, a map, hours of operation, and contacts are posted on the site.
https://www.ime-usa.com/
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Trango has been in business since 1991, specializing in climbing gear and holds. It offers products for various climbing disciplines, including alpine, bouldering, trad, sport, and gym climbing. Its online catalog is divided into Gear, Holds, Macros, Tenaya, Sale, and All Collections, as well as subcategories for products. Purchases may be made online. Other resources include product alerts, press releases, a blog, and information about its Pro Purchase program.
https://trango.com/
