Written by Colin — (@c.class_photography)
When most people think about ice climbing, the big-ticket items usually come to mind first—tools, crampons, boots, ropes. But the truth is, the smaller pieces of kit can make or break your day out on the ice. After plenty of frozen approaches, long days on belay, and a few humbling learning moments, these are the five pieces of gear I never head out without.
1. Petzl Meteor Helmet
The Petzl Meteor has earned its reputation in the climbing community for good reason. It’s lightweight, extremely breathable, and designed to protect against both top and side impacts—huge peace of mind when you’re below the business end of an ice climb. The Meteor adjusts easily to accommodate different head shapes and even a toque, and the magnetic buckle is a dream when you’re wearing gloves.
Why I love it: it’s low-profile, durable, and—bonus—it’s one of the most budget-friendly helmets in its class.
2. Garmin inReach Mini 2
Once the helmet is on, the next layer of safety is communication—especially when things go sideways (ask me sometime about the tree incident).
The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is my go-to for staying connected in the backcountry. You can message directly from the device or pair it with your phone via the Garmin Messenger app for easier typing. Weather updates, 30-day battery potential, shock resistance, and full IPX7 waterproofing make it a reliable partner on big days out.
It weighs next to nothing at 100g, but the SOS function alone is worth carrying it every time.
3. Patagonia R1 Air Hoodie
This is the mid-layer that somehow ends up on every single adventure I take—from campfires in the summer to ski tours, shoulder-season hikes, and ice climbs. The R1 Air Hoodie punches way above its weight for warmth and breathability.
Some people say it runs warm (great if you tend to run cold), but the full zip makes temperature regulation easy. It’s comfortable, packs down small, wicks moisture like a champ, and has become a true staple in my year-round layering system.
Simply put: it’s worth every penny.
4. Darn Tough Wool Socks
If there’s one under appreciated piece of gear in the ice climbing world, it’s socks. I used to double up cotton socks in the winter—until the day I bit the bullet, spent $40 on a pair of Darn Tough Hiker Boot Midweight socks, and immediately wondered why I hadn’t done it sooner.
Merino regulates temperature, stays warm even when damp, and resists odour. And Darn Tough’s construction speaks for itself—I’m still waiting to wear through a pair.
Now, no matter the season or activity, if I’m outside, I’m wearing wool socks. Always.
5. All Good Lip Balm
Hear me out: lip balm might be the most forgotten essential in cold-weather missions.
An SPF 15 lip balm like All Good is one of those “small but mighty” items that saves the day when you’re exposed to sun, wind, spindrift, and freezing temps. It’s cruelty-free, reef-friendly, vegetarian, and free of parabens, GMOs, and oxybenzone.
Toss one in every pocket so you’re never searching for it at the worst moment—your future self will thank you.
