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Step 1
Mix up your bag of tricks with what will henceforth be known as "The Essentials." You will absolutely need the following: ropes, harnesses, helmets, crampons and ice tools. Beyond that, you will need to have the proper clothing, footwear and whatever personal items you may require, when not in the comfort of your own home. Many might find that a stay overnight is going to happen and in most cases, it is important to be prepared in the event that a slumber party with the frozen waterfall happens. Gear for this occurrence includes tents, stoves and cooking utensils. Most importantly, you will want to remember a sleeping bag and a pad to sleep on, if needed. Of course, you will also need a backpack of some kind to carry all of your equipment.
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Step 2
Buy your clothing and equipment next. This will require you to know where to purchase such items and to try them on. Not only do you want to ensure that the equipment is going to fit you properly, but you will also want to make sure that the style is something you can live with for a while. Good sense will tell you that when you get ice climbing gear, being happy with your purchase before you make it is the ideal mode of operation. This gear is expensive and in many cases responsible for your livelihood.
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Step 3
Visit as many specialty retailers as you possibly can. For instances such as this, you will realize that what you pay for is almost always what you get. Spending the right amount of money for your safety may supersede your frugality. Get ice climbing gear from someone who knows the sport and is passionate about it. Finding a salesperson that knows what he or she is talking about will be of almost limitless value to you. Listen to what the salesperson has to say. Often they are simply stoked to be passing on the knowledge that they have accrued and will impart actual wisdom on you. Not only will he or she tell you that some of the more prevalent manufacturers of clothing and equipment are Columbia, L.L. Bean, Marmot, Patagonia and North Face, but also give you some personal recommendations.
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Step 4
Purchase your clothing with comfort in mind, but also remember that color can be easy to spot against the stark whiteness of snow and ice, should you get lost. Get ice climbing gear to not only make it in the outdoors, but make your trip to the outdoors more interesting.
