How to Dress for Ice Climbing

While the advice to dress warm for ice climbing may seem obvious, you'd be surprised as to how many climbers are underdressed for a climb. This is because once you start moving, your body temperature will rise and you'll be tempted to strip to the bare minimum, such as pants and t-shirts. This can lead to serious health problems, though, and should be avoided. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Choose the Right Clothing

1. Select flexible clothing that will allow for maximum movement when climbing. Lycra, fleece and other similar materials are perfect, since they are both warm and protective. If you choose to dress in materials such as Lycra, make sure the underlining of the clothing is heavy enough to protect you from the cold temperature.
2. Choose gloves that are windproof. Specialty ice climbing gloves are available, but if you can't afford them, you can also look into other water-proof options. In any case, keep in mind that you will to carry with you several pairs, as the snow tends to get into the gloves and you will have to change them in order to keep your fingers dry and warm.
3. Get double-glazed goggles or visors to protect your eyes from flying ice and falling tools and debris. Climbing helmets are also useful if you're in an area prone to avalanches, as they may protect you against impact.
4. Dress in layers, as this will allow you to adjust your clothing according to the environment. Keep in mind, though, that every time you remove a layer, you will need to somehow carry it with you, so make sure you choose thin clothing that you can fit into a backpack or pocket upon removal.
5. Wear insulating layers under your regular clothing. This includes a pair of long underwear bottoms and liner socks. Hats (even if you're wearing a helmet) and glove liners should also be worn.

Tips & Warnings

• Just because you can't feel the cold at the moment, during climbing, it doesn't mean the temperature has no impact on your body. Frostbite can occur even if you're not aware of it at the time.
• Always bring replacement pairs for everything you wear. Gloves and socks get wet, windbreakers may get wet and you may lose some items because of wind or simply by them falling.
• Select clothing with plenty of pockets. You will need them to carry flashlights, pocket knifes, chapstick and other small essentials.