Winter Icefall Climbing Equipment List 2027
Choosing the right clothing and equipment is an important part of preparing for your winter icefall climbing adventure.
Winter Clothing & Equipment List – 2027
The learning starts hereWinter Clothing & Equipment List – 2027
Our ISM Mountain Guides have spent years using and testing equipment in the mountains, including the demanding conditions encountered when winter icefall climbing. Throughout this list, we'll explain what to look for, why particular features matter and recommend examples of equipment our Guides use themselves.
Where we mention specific brands or products, these are recommendations rather than requirements. You don't need to buy expensive equipment or particular brands to join an ISM course. There are many excellent alternatives, and clothing or equipment you already own may be perfectly suitable.
Winter ice climbing places particular demands on clothing and equipment. Staying warm at belays, managing moisture while climbing and having sufficient dexterity to handle ropes and technical equipment are all important considerations.
If you're unsure about anything, please ask us before making a purchase. We're always happy to help.
The learning starts here.
Clothing
Hard Shell Jacket
A good-quality, breathable waterproof hard shell jacket with an adjustable hood that fits over a climbing helmet. Your jacket should offer reliable protection from wind, snow, melting ice and wet winter conditions without restricting movement when climbing.
It should be comfortable to wear over your base layers and active insulating jacket.
ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Alpha Jacket.
Hard Shell Pants
Durable, breathable waterproof hard shell trousers that fit comfortably over your winter climbing trousers and thermal base layers.
Look for side zips that make them easier to put on and remove while wearing mountaineering boots.
ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Beta Pant.
Winter Softshell Mountaineering Trousers
Comfortable, durable and warmer softshell trousers that provide freedom of movement, wind resistance and good breathability.
These will be your main trousers for winter icefall climbing and approaches. A thicker softshell provides additional warmth and protection compared with lightweight summer mountaineering trousers, while still allowing moisture to escape during physical activity.
They should fit comfortably over thermal base-layer leggings.
ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Gamma AR Pant.
Long-Sleeved Thermal Base Layer
A warm, breathable long-sleeved thermal base layer worn next to the skin.
Your base layer should help manage moisture during physical activity while providing warmth beneath your active insulation and hard shell jacket.
Merino wool or suitable synthetic materials work particularly well. Avoid cotton, which retains moisture and can leave you feeling cold.
A half-zip design is particularly useful for regulating temperature during approaches and while climbing.
ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Rho Long Sleeve Half Zip.
Thermal Base-Layer Pants
Warm, breathable thermal leggings worn beneath your winter softshell trousers.
These provide an additional layer of insulation during cold winter days while allowing freedom of movement when climbing.
Choose a comfortable, close-fitting synthetic or merino wool base layer that manages moisture effectively without adding unnecessary bulk.
ISM Guide recommendation: Arc'teryx Rho Bottom.
Active Insulating Jacket
A lightweight, breathable synthetic insulating jacket worn over your thermal base layer and generally beneath your hard shell jacket during winter climbing.
Modern active insulation provides warmth while allowing moisture and excess heat to escape during physical activity. It offers an excellent alternative to the traditional heavier-weight fleece jackets previously used for winter mountaineering.
At ISM, our Guides favour synthetic insulation for active winter climbing because it continues to provide useful warmth even when damp from perspiration, snow or melting ice.
Your active insulating jacket should allow good freedom of movement and fit comfortably beneath your hard shell.
ISM Guide recommendations: Arc'teryx Proton Hoody or Atom Hoody.
Warm Insulated Belay Jacket
A substantial, warm insulated jacket designed to be worn over your hard shell jacket and other clothing when standing at belays, resting or remaining inactive in cold conditions.
This is a separate piece of equipment from your active insulating jacket.
Winter icefall climbing often involves periods of physical activity followed by time standing still while your climbing partner climbs. Having a warm insulated jacket that you can quickly put on over everything else makes an enormous difference to comfort and warmth.
Choose a generously sized jacket with sufficient insulation, a protective hood and a design that allows it to be put on and removed easily.
Synthetic insulation is particularly practical in the damp conditions sometimes encountered when ice climbing, although suitable down-insulated jackets can also
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ISM support independent outdoor retailers:
Both shops stock a wide range of equipment and offer a discount (in store and online) when you book a course with ISM. A discount code will be sent when your booking is confirmed.
