Ice Climbing Gear List

This ice climbing gear list covers what to wear and bring for guided ice climbing trips with The Mountain Guides — including programs in Cody, Wyoming and the South Fork drainage, one of the most extensive concentrations of moderate to expert ice routes in the American West. The South Fork alone holds 100+ established ice and mixed lines, with a season running roughly late November through March.

Ice climbing puts you in cold, often shaded environments for long stretches — sometimes belaying still for an hour at a time. Layering matters more than for almost any other mountain activity, and the right footwear and gloves can make or break your day. Our AMGA-certified guides provide guidance on what your specific objective requires, but this list covers the standard kit for a guided ice climbing day.

What to Expect on a Guided Ice Climbing Day

A typical day starts with an approach hike to the climb — sometimes 15 minutes, sometimes over an hour through snow. You'll spend the day alternating between active climbing (hot, working hard) and belaying or transitioning (still, cold, exposed to wind). The dramatic temperature swings between activity and stillness are why ice climbers carry multiple insulation layers and three pairs of gloves.

Cody and South Fork ice climbing days run cold — single digits to low 20s °F is typical, with wind chill in shaded canyons. Plan accordingly.

What's Included vs. What You Bring

The Mountain Guides provides all rope systems, ice screws, anchors, and group safety equipment.

Boot, crampon, and ice tool rentals are available through Sunlight Sports in Cody — please contact our office in advance to coordinate sizing and reserve gear.

You provide all personal clothing, layering, and accessories (detailed below). For Cody-area programs, you'll also be responsible for providing your own technical ice climbing kit (tools, harness, helmet, belay device) — coordinate with the office if you need to arrange anything.

Layering Strategy for Ice Climbing

Ice climbing layering follows a specific logic: breathable base and mid layers for high-output climbing, plus a dedicated insulated belay jacket that's only worn when you're stationary. The belay jacket lives in your pack while you climb and goes on the moment you stop. Think of it as your warmest, most insulated piece — sized to fit comfortably over everything else.

Upper Body Layers

Synthetic or Wool Base Layer – mid- to expedition-weight long-sleeve top Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Butterman 1/2 Zip (or equivalent)

Soft Shell or Fleece Mid-Layer Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear A-Therm Jacket

Lightweight Puffy – synthetic or down for mid-climb warmth Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Jacket

Shell Jacket with Hood – waterproof, cut to fit over insulation Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cloudseeker Jacket

Insulated Belay Jacket – sized to fit over all other layers; hood recommended Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Supercharger Jacket or Dynotherm Hooded Jacket

Lower Body Layers

Long Underwear Bottoms – synthetic or wool, mid- to expedition-weight Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear 32 Degree Not So Tight or Butterman Tight

Shell Pants – full side zips and built-in gaiters Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Firefall Pants or Highball Pants

Climbing Socks – synthetic or wool, sized for your boots; liners recommended for blister prevention

Head & Hands

Three pairs of gloves – one lightweight (skinning/approach), one mid-weight (climbing), one heavyweight insulated (belaying) Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Cyclone Alpine Glove (mid- to heavy-weight)

Warm Hat – mid-weight, fits comfortably under a climbing helmet

Buff or Neck Gaiter – wind and warmth protection for face and neck

Footwear

(Boots, crampons, and tools can be rented in Cody from Sunlight Sports — contact the office to inquire about sizing and reservations.)

Ice Climbing Boots – rigid or semi-rigid, step-in crampon compatible, fully insulated. Plastic or hybrid construction; specifically rated for ice climbing

Tall Gaiters – to seal between boot and pant

Crampons – rigid or semi-rigid with appropriate front points (mono or dual depending on terrain)

Technical Ice Climbing Equipment

For Cody-area programs, you are responsible for providing your own technical ice climbing equipment. If you don't own one or more items on this list, please contact the office well in advance so we can arrange a rental or loan.

2 Technical Ice Tools – no adzes; modern leashless tools recommended

2 Tool Leashes (optional) – if using leashed tools

Climbing Harness – with adjustable leg loops to fit over insulation

Belay Device – tube-style or assisted-braking

2 Locking Carabiners – HMS or pear-shaped

Climbing Helmet – modern lightweight model; rated for both rock and ice impact

Backpack & Hydration

30–40L Climbing Pack – with ice tool attachment and crampon strap Guide Pick: Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 35 OutDry Pack

Insulated Water Bottle or Thermos – hydration bladders freeze in winter; thermos with hot drink is a morale boost

High-Calorie Snacks – bars, jerky, nuts, dried fruit, chocolate; foods you can eat with gloves on

Other Essentials

Sunglasses – Category 3 lenses; bright snow plus low sun angles

Ski Goggles – useful in storm conditions or windy approaches

Extra Prescription Glasses or Contact Lenses

Sunscreen – 35+ SPF

Lip Balm with SPF – cold dry air destroys lips fast

Headlamp – with fresh batteries; short winter days mean some climbs finish in the dark

Small Personal First Aid Kit – guides carry full kits; bring blister care and personal medications

Cody & South Fork Considerations

Climbing in Cody and the South Fork drainage involves:

Long approaches in some cases — South Fork climbs frequently require an hour+ of walking through snow to reach the ice

Sun-shaded canyons where temperatures stay 10-20°F colder than ambient

Variable weather — Cody sits in a wind funnel; check forecasts and ask your guide about conditions before traveling

A pair of approach skis or snowshoes can make South Fork approaches significantly more pleasant — coordinate with the office if you're considering bringing them.

Related Trips & Resources

Wyoming guided programs — including Cody and South Fork ice climbing

Mountaineering programs — for combined ice/alpine objectives

Winter Equipment List — for backcountry skiing and avalanche education courses

Ski Mountaineering Gear List — for technical ski mountaineering objectives

Questions About Gear?

We're here to help. Contact our office with any questions about gear requirements, Sunlight Sports rentals in Cody, or trip-specific kit recommendations for your specific climb.