Ice Climbing (Winter) - Equipment Information
ISM has a large stock of mountaineering equipment which is lent to clients
at no extra charge. Experienced climbers will find it best to bring their own
tried and tested personal equipment.
Your Guide / ISM will supply all ropes and climbing hardware.
Technical Equipment which ISM can provide (FREE OF CHARGE - however we ask you to replace any item you lose)
- Rucksack
- Ice axe
- Ice hammer
- Crampons
- Helmet
- Harness
- Belay device and karabiner
- Ropes and technical hardware (the rack / ice screws)
Personal Clothing
Dressing properly for the mountains can make the difference between an enjoyable
trip and an uncomfortable one. Clothing should give the right degree of warmth
for the activity, wick perspiration and be easy to ventilate. You should avoid
clothes made from cotton as they become cold and clammy when wet.
Recommended Retailers - We are pleased to recommend retailers who stock a comprehensive range of mountaineering equipment and who give good service to ISM clients. The retailers below can offer expert advice and provide excellent mail order services. Please click on the image to reach their websites.
Equipment List
Waterproof, breathable jacket (Goretex or similar)
Waterproof trousers (Gore-tex Pro. Full
length zips are extremely useful)
Rigid mountaineering boots (please
see Boots section for further details.)
Gaiters (in breathable fabric).
Warm Gloves
Inner gloves - great for walking in, so as not
to sweat in your warm climbing gloves and climb with cold hands.
Thermal Top (a wicking base layer, long sleeves).
Mid layer thermal Top (layers are much more
versatile at regulating your body temperature).
Soft Shell or Fleece Jacket.
Insulated
Jacket (an optional extra
to wear when belaying
& keeping warm in the valley.
Mountain trousers combination - tough, allowing free movement and
giving some warmth & wind resistance. Not cotton.
Waterproof and fleece trouser combination
Warm hat to fit under a helmet.
Loop stitch socks, and spares.
Map Not essential. The guide will have the correct
map. May be purchased during the course or in advance form Stanfords: www.stanfords.co.uk
Compass and whistle (optional).
Head torch and batteries
Rucksack 45 to 55 litres A simple design works
best for climbing, i.e. with no side pockets or frame.
Small personal first aid kit (‘Compeed’ and
tape for blisters and pain killers such as aspirin or ibuprofen).
Water Bottle or flask - hot
drinks are great when out on the hill in winter. NB. No Camelbacks
- external tubes freeze in cold conditions.
Pen Knife (to use for packed lunches)
Sunglasses (‘glacier’ quality,
CE rated 3 or 4)
Sun cream (factor 25+, total block) and lip
block
Trekking Poles - very effective in deep snow
or on icy paths
Money (for drinks & sundries), Passport
(and Alpine Club or BMC card if you are a member)
Camera - compact recommended
Training/Approach shoes (for travelling and
evening wear)
Spare clothes for wearing in the valley.
Technical Equipment
Ice axe & Ice hammer ie a pair of technical ice tools. Fully curved axes such as the Petzl Quark or the Climbing Technology Fly Hook
Crampons such as the Petzl Dartwin or Grivel G14’s
Helmet - polycarbonate/plastic helmets seem to be hardest wearing, e.g. the Climbing Technology free air or Stark helmet range.
Harness - with adjustable leg loops, and gear loops either side such as the Climbing Technology Ledge Harness
Belay plate such as the Climbing Technology Doble V Row or Doble with a Climbing Technology Concept HMS karabiner.
Large locking karabiner such as the Climbing Technology Concept HMS karabiner.
Prusik Cord (x2) with snapgate karabiner. Prusik Cord is generally 5 or 6mm in diameter & 130cm in length. The prusik cord is knotted together using a fishermans knot, this tied loop of cord can now be used to make prusik knots.(prusiks are used in crevasse rescue and when ascending ropes which is called prusiking)
Sewn tape sling An 8ft Sewn Dyneema tape sling is perfect for snow & rock belays such as the Zero-G 120cm Dyneema open sling.
You can buy your climbing hardware on-line and direct from Mountain Works at          http://www.mountain-works.co.uk/. Cathy and Paul are happy to help with any questions or enquires regarding equipment found on their website - please tel:017683 62782 or email: info@mountain-works.co.uk
Mountain Works are also offering a 15% discount on any purchases from their website to ISM clients booked onto a course. You will find the 15% discount code on your booking form receipt, which you can enter on-line when making a booking.
PLEASE NOTE that Sleeping Bags are NOT required as we spend
every night at a valley base.
BUYING EQUIPMENT For a list of recommended retailers in the
UK and discount arrangements please go to our Links page by CLICKING
HERE.
For Boots and Crampons - Guidance notes, please
click here
