Ice climbing isn’t just a sport for hard-swinging dudes. Meet the hardware that gets a girl up that frozen waterfall.
Shell
1. Women’s Marmot Zion
If we were betting types, we’d put money on Marmot winning an industry award for this game-changer. Constructed with Polartec NeoShell, a new stretchy, waterproof/breathable fabric, the Zion provides the protection of a hard shell with the breathability and mobility of a soft shell. It’s lighter and more comfortable than anything we’ve climbed in, and doesn’t ride up, even with your arms fully extended.
$375; marmot.com
Leash
2. Black Diamond Spinner Leash
No one wants to drop a tool, but leashes can be awkward. The innovative Spinner Leash gives you the sensation of climbing leashless thanks to built-in swivels and proprietary elastic webbing that stretches for maximum reach and absorbs less water than nylon.
$50; blackdiamondequipment.com
Helmet
3. Petzl Elia
It’s hard to beat a Petzl helmet for light weight and durability, unless your head is smaller than your boyfriend’s 60-centimeter noggin. Enter the Elia, sized specifically for women with a 52- to 58- centimeter headband. It includes smart features, from headlamp clips to washable foam inserts, plus a patented headband system that will accommodate ponytails.
$66; petzl.com
Harness
4. Arc’Teryx M-280
Arc’teryx streamlined the lightweight M-280 for optimal performance on route, bucking buckles altogether. Plus, the extra-wide mesh leg loops will easily accommodate boots and extra layers for those frigid belays, and you’ll never run out of rack space thanks to four Ice Clipper slots and two large gear loops.
$135; arcteryx.com
Boots
5. Boreal Kangri Lady
We have zero tolerance for cold, wet toes—one of the many reasons we love the Kangri. This high alpine/winter boot combines durable, waterproof leather backed by DryLine textile with a triple layer of Thinsulate insulation. And it’s built on a women’s last, which means you’re not trying to translate your fit into men’s sizing.
$450; e-boreal.com
Pack
3. Gregory Freia
Slim yet spacious, the Freia was designed for “done in a day” activities, making it a good fit for the fast pace and gear requirements of ice climbing. Gregory engineered this pack to balance minimalism, versatility and durability. The women-specific anatomical back panel kept our load both comfortable and stable when we were hiking or swinging a pick.
$129; gregorypacks.com
