From Climbing · Anthony Walsh · · 2m
Best Ice Climbing Gear of 2027
Testers found the top ice climbing gear for 2027 after climbing from Patagonia to Rockies.
In brief
Testers found the top ice climbing gear for 2027 after climbing from Patagonia to Rockies. Testers identified the best ice climbing gear for 2027 after testing from Patagonia to Canadian Rockies. Originally reported by Climbing.
Testers Climbed from Patagonia to Rockies
Testers climbed up to WI6 and M7 across the Canadian Rockies to Patagonian Andes.
“Our testers climbed up to wi5+ and m7 from the canadian rockies to the patagonian andes”
2027 Ice Climbing Gear Tested
The best ice climbing gear of 2027 includes Petzl Dart crampons, La Sportiva Olympus Mons Pro boots, Black Diamond Viper ice tool, Blue Ice Choucas Pro harness, and Mountain Equipment Xenith jacket.
“The best ice climbing gear of 2027 includes petzl dart crampons, la sportiva olympus mons pro boots, black diamond viper ice tool, the blue ice choucas pro harness, and the mountain equipment xenith jacket”
Testers Climbed Extreme Conditions
Testers climbed up to WI5+ and M7 in temperatures down to -30°F across multiple regions.
“Our testers found it extremely warm for 11.3 ounces (with 4.3 ounces of 800-fill hydrophobic goose down), making it the ideal midlayer on -30°F days”
Best Ice Climbing Apparel
Mountain Equipment Xenith Hooded Jacket is the top choice for warmth and lightness in extreme cold.
“Mountain Equipment’s all-new Xenith is the big experiment in winter insulation this year”
Patagonia M10 Hardshell Pants
Patagonia M10 Hardshell Pants offer the best range of motion for ice climbing in cold conditions.
“The M10 Storm Hardshell offers hands-down the best range of motion we’ve ever experienced in an alpine climbing pant”
Showa Temres 282-02 Gloves
Showa Temres 282-02 Gloves are waterproof and breathable for ice climbing in cold weather.
“The Temres is not exceedingly warm, but for temps hovering around freezing (or those with excellent circulation) these are a fantastic, cheap option”
La Sportiva Olympus Mons Pro Boots
La Sportiva Olympus Mons Pro Boots are the warmest technical mountaineering boots for ice climbing.
“Knee-height mountain boots are no longer just for guided Himalayan climbers. La Sportiva’s new Olympus Mons Pro, a 4-pound-4-ounce pair of "8,000-meter boots", is a game changer for ice and mixed climbers who need serious warmth without sacrificing performance”
La Sportiva G-Summit Climbing Boots
La Sportiva G-Summit Climbing Boots are versatile for small feet and mixed ice climbing.
“The G-Summit climbing boot accomplishes a small but significant miracle: It’s a double boot that climbs like a single boot”
Scarpa Phantom Tech HD Climbing Boots
Scarpa Phantom Tech HD Climbing Boots offer top-tier durability and comfort for ice climbing.
“Scarpa’s fan-favorite Phantom Tech HD offers the same climbing precision as the old Phantom Tech, with more warmth, durability, and comfort at just a 2.5-ounce penalty”
Blue Ice Choucas Pro Harness
Blue Ice Choucas Pro Harness is lightweight and packable for ice climbing.
“For multi-pitch ice, where hanging belays are rare, our testers gravitate to a minimalist harness like the updated Blue Ice Choucas Pro”
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio
Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio provides communication for ice climbing teams in cold conditions.
“An ip56 water resistance rating and a -20f lower operating limit make the rocky talkies as well suited to ice as to the mountains they’re named for”
Sterling 70m DYAD 7.7 XEROS Half Ropes
Sterling 70m DYAD 7.7 XEROS Half Ropes are durable and easy to handle for ice climbing.
“If you’re the kind of person who prefers the safety and flexibility of a half/twin rope setup, you’d be hard-pressed to do better than the DYAD 7.7”
Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool
Black Diamond Viper Ice Tool is customizable for ice climbing with modular accessories.
“Its 2.5-millimeter pick is incredible in ice, but the tool’s standout feature is its customization: it comes with modular headweights, a long alpine spike for snow plunging, a micro spike, a full-size alpine hammer, a micro hammer, and an adze”
Petzl Dart-Hybrid Crampon
Petzl Dart-Hybrid Crampon is lightweight and durable for ice climbing.
“With razor-sharp points and a modular design, the Petzl Dart has been our favorite technical crampon for years”
C.A.M.P. X-Dream Total Dry Ice Tool
C.A.M.P. X-Dream Total Dry Ice Tool is flexible for steep mixed ice climbing.
“The first widely available commercial tool with a triple-grip handle, it gives you tons of flexibility and reach in steep terrain”
Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool
Black Diamond Hydra Ice Tool is precise for moderate and vertical ice climbing.
“An impeccably balanced swing, ultra-precise pick, and a high degree of modularity make the black diamond hydra our tool of choice for moderate and vertical ice”
Blue Ice Aero Screws
Blue Ice Aero Screws are lightweight and durable for ice climbing.
“The lightest steel screw on the market, the aeros are easy to start, easy to clean, and rack neatly on a harness”
The main idea
Testers identified the best ice climbing gear for 2027 after testing from Patagonia to Canadian Rockies.
