Here’s a list for Euro style cascade climbing, based on staying in the valley overnight. Warm clothing and a sharp pair of axes and crampons are key.
I’m a big fan of check lists – check out The Check List Manifesto by Atul Gawande.
This page functions as an online checklist by checking off the tick button for each item.
Alternatively, access a print version by hitting the button to the right.
This will hide all the images and supplementary info and you can then print it off as a hard copy.
| Item | Detail | Tick | More info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climbing Kit | Things to climb with. | ||
| Boots | For ice climbing, you will need a B3 (i.e. fully rigid) boot | I use Scarpa Phantom Guides | |
| Crampons | A pair of rigid crampons will provide best performance | I use Grivel G20 monopoints | |
| Ice axe and Hammer | There's a wide range of great axes on the market | I use DMM Switches. Disclosure - they were given to me for a field test years ago. I've carried on using them | |
| Leash(es) | Leashless is definitely the way forward, but… | some form of system is essential if we're on multi pitch in particular | |
| Helmet | There's not many pieces of Camp kit I use, but a helmet is one | The Camp Armour has done me very well for years | |
| Harness | Adjustable legs and plenty of racking | I have an Arc'teryx model. Ice screw holders from Petzl or BD are useful too | |
| Sling | 120 cm slings | ||
| Screwgates | 3 should do it | I use Petzl 3D Attaches | |
| Belay Device | This needs to be compatible with skinny ropes | I use a Petzl Reverso with a dedicated krab | |
| Day Pack | About 40 liters should do it | I use a Lowe Alpine Alpine Attack 35 | |
| Headtorch | Fresh batteries or fully charged | I use a Petzl Tikka RXP as it has reactive lighting and a red bulb option as well | |
| Clothes | Staying warm is a very good idea | ||
| Shreddies | That's underpants in northern England | ||
| Socks | Good quality socks are essential. | I use Lenz heated socks. I must be getting soft | |
| Thermals | Depending on temperatures, you may need 1, 2 or 3 leg layers | I'm testing out some kit from Natural Peak. So far so good... | |
| Powerstretch pants | The second layer of leg insulation | Sometimes I even use a sleeveless salopette, aso known as a Farmer John or a romper suit | |
| Shell pants | A good shell pant with side zips | I use Arc'teryx pants Alpha AR with full side zips for uphill effort or getting on and off over boots | |
| Gaiters | Required if your boots don't have an integral gaiter | Scarpa Phantom Guides, like many full winter boots, have an integral gaiter. If you're more traditional then get gaitered. Calf to knee length please. | |
| Thermal Top | A long sleeved crew necked or short zip top | ||
| Mid layer top | A long sleeved top with a full length zip | A model with a hood can be useful | |
| Insulation layer | A light weight synthetic or down jacket | I use the Arc'teryx Atom. Light and warm | |
| Shell top | A good quality waterproof, windproof and breathable shell jacket | I use the Arc'teryx FL | |
| Belay jacket | This goes on over the shell | I have an old Lowe Alpine Camp 4 jacket with a hood. | |
| Beanie | Woolly hat. Long enough to cover your ears as well | ||
| Sunhat | Baseball cap if you want to look continental, a cricket hat for Brits | Useful on walk ins | |
| Goggles | Low light screen useful | Very rare to use these | |
| Light Gloves | Gloves to climb with | I use BD dry tooling gloves | |
| Warm Gloves | For when it's chilly. Mittens if you must, but not recommended | I have a pair of ski gloves that stay down the front of my jacket and get swopped out as soon as I reach the belay | |
| Shades | Protection from lumps of ice as well as UV | I use Cébé S'Tracks with interchangeable lenses | |
| Other Stuff | |||
| Suncream | SPF 30-50. Just enough to last the trip. Share with your mates? | ||
| Lip salve | Don't share this with anyone unless you're prepared to kiss them | ||
| Watch | So you can get up for breakfast at the right time. | I use a Suunto with an integrated GPS | |
| Sandwich bag | Depending on our plan for the day | ||
| Lunch | Something to go in that bag | ||
| Snack bars | Chocolate, nuts, energy gels ? Keep some in your pockets | ||
| Water bottle/flask | "How much water do I need?". If I had a £ for every time... | A flask is normally a good idea | |
| Wallet | For beers and snacks at the end of the day | ||
| Mobile Phone | Keep it switched off and somewhere warm. | Make sure you know the emergency number for the area. Ask me if you don't | |
