Best mounteneering & ice climbing equipment according to redditors
We found 17 Reddit comments discussing the best mounteneering & ice climbing equipment. We ranked the 16 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Y'all are acting like weenies. Just buy some cheap shoe spikes off Amazon and have at it! It does this every year. It's part of living in the Midwest. Also if you buy some now you can rub it in the face of the unprepared people next year.
20 bucks could save you alot of time getting between classes or whatever, and could prevent a nasty fall.
Be careful walking on wood and/or tile floors. You don't want to tear up floor surface.
Edit: provided a link to the item so I'm not just taking out my ass:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MA4V3KN/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1522704503&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=crampons&dpPl=1&dpID=51RM%2BCd4v6L&ref=plSrch
PSA: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NEWYC1Y/
Snow chains for your shoes. Meant for hiking I guess, but great if you work outside despite it being too fucking cold and icy to work outside.
I bought some similar to this when I was in Kathmandu for Everest Base Camp and use them in the Rockies for winter scrambles http://www.amazon.com/Universal-Cleats-Traction-Crampon-Walking/dp/B00ABW5BYM/ref=zg_bs_3402711_9
Cool idea. Does she have a quiver and arrows? If you can swing the expense, I think a climbing axe would really bring it all together. I checked Amazon, and sorting low to high, this is the cheapest one they have that looks close to the style used in the games.
https://www.amazon.com/Singing-Rock-Edge-Adze-RK008SS00A/dp/B01DPEG3FS/ref=mp_s_a_1_11?dchild=1&keywords=climbing+axe&qid=1571720995&sr=8-11
It's the wrong color, but you could paint it. Some cheap rope and and a walkie talkie to go on a belt would be a nice touch as well.
Some of these aren't on Amazon, but all of them outside of amazon are on my wishlist, is that okay?
1.) Something that is grey.
[This compilation of xkcd comics!] (http://www.amazon.com/xkcd-0-Randall-Munroe/dp/0615314465/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1KXQQYMQ3MHEJ&coliid=I12D1D7CV12AVC) Though there aren't any formerly-unseen comics included, this is perfect for the lover of the famous (and always relevant) Xkcd webcomics.
2.) Something reminiscent of rain.
[This t-shirt for fans of Incubus that is apparently out of stock now, but I'm keeping it on my wishlist to gaze wistfully at.] (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/315rOsJeWzL._SL135_.jpg)
Incubus has always been one of my favorite bands, and all art that the lead singer (Brandon Boyd) produces is amazing, so I had high faith in this shirt being wonderful if I had the money to buy it.
3.) Something food related that is unusual.
[So I typed in "candy" and this popped up..] (http://www.amazon.com/LOCOMO-Rainbow-Hedgehog-Plastic-Baseball/dp/B00BRWH99K/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_2_49?s=apparel&ie=UTF8&qid=1376327288&sr=1-49&keywords=candy)
I'm not sure what I was expecting.
4.) Something on your list that is for someone other than yourself. Tell me who it's for and why.
[My mom has always wanted to learn calligraphy and someone recommended this book to me] (http://www.amazon.com/Learn-Calligraphy-Complete-Lettering-Design/dp/0767907329/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1KXQQYMQ3MHEJ&coliid=I35YCU37X7E6Y2)
She paints signs for people, usually featuring newborn babies or pets, and she always has to print out a guide and trace it if her customers request a font for their name.
5.) A book I should read! I am an avid reader, so take your best shot and tell me why I need to read it!
[This compilation of postsecrets-- artistic postcards with secrets written on them-- that are all touching in their own way.] (http://www.amazon.com/PostSecret-Extraordinary-Confessions-Ordinary-Lives/dp/0060899190/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1KXQQYMQ3MHEJ&coliid=I22JZDFLS686V8)
If you haven't heard of Postsecret yet, you should check it out [here] (http://www.postsecret.com/)
6.) An item that is less than a dollar, including shipping... that is not jewelry, nail polish, and or hair related!
I dunno!
7.) Something related to cats. I love cats! (keep this SFW, you know who you are...)
I have two cats, but I got nothing for this one.
8.) Something that is not useful, but so beautiful you must have it.
[This key from KeypersCove] (http://www.amazon.com/Handmade-Winter-Rose-Key-Necklace/dp/B00D3S4GVU/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376329005&sr=8-1&keywords=keypers+cove)
I had a similar one on my wishlist but it's out of stock now.
9.) A movie everyone should watch at least once in their life. Why?
[Cloud Atlas!] (http://www.amazon.com/Cloud-Atlas/dp/B00CRWJ5GO/ref=sr_sp-btf_title_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1376329072&sr=8-4&keywords=clouds+atlas)
Terribly confusing unless you see the [trailer] (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWnAqFyaQ5s) first, it's surprisingly appropriate for this sub.
10.) Something that would be useful when the zombies attack. Explain.
[This climbing pick] (http://www.amazon.com/Omega-Pacific-Mountain-Axe-80cm/dp/B002J91R1G/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376330277&sr=8-2&keywords=climbing+pick)
Ever played Telltale's The Walking Dead? Well, one character had a climbing pick that they used pretty frequently to scale buildings and kill zombies..it opened my eyes to the possibilities and dual uses of items.
11.) Something that would have a profound impact on your life and help you to achieve your current goals.
[This book] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Emotion-Thesaurus-Character-Expression/dp/1475004958/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) for my writing skills, I always have trouble finding just the right way to convey the proper emotion, plus I have severe social anxiety so it would help me figure out how to act in real life as well.
[Or this book by the famous Virginia Woolf] (http://www.amazon.com/The-Waves-Harvest-Book-ebook/dp/B004R1Q41C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1KXQQYMQ3MHEJ&coliid=IHP0D0N718720) just the type of writing style I'm aiming for.
[Or this book that I'm sure would help me with my technique.] (http://www.amazon.com/Writing-Tools-Essential-Strategies-Writer/dp/0316014990/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)
12.) One of those pesky Add-On items.
Hm?
13.) The most expensive thing on your list. Your dream item. Why?
I used to have this on my list, but a [Geiger counter] (http://www.amazon.com/Radex-RD1503-RADEX-Radiation-Detector/dp/B00051E906/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376331004&sr=8-1&keywords=geiger+counter) because I'm paranoid about radiation and etc. Deleted it off my list because it's not useful for everyday life.
14.) Something bigger than a bread box. EDIT A bread box is typically similar in size to a microwave.
I got nothing on my list.
15.) Something smaller than a golf ball.
[These socks] (http://www.amazon.com/Portal-Chells-Aperture-Science-Socks/dp/B008JGPSJU/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1KXQQYMQ3MHEJ&coliid=I2KUOG9B813AXT) because they're ultra thin and I'm sure they could be crumpled up that small.
16.) Something that smells wonderful.
I'd put something here, but there's nothing I'm sure of. [This book] (http://www.amazon.com/White-Fluffy-Clouds-Inspiration-Forward/dp/0974512001/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=1KXQQYMQ3MHEJ&coliid=I16LKBYPI8BE5U) because it could smell like Brandon Boyd?
17.) A (SFW) toy.
I've got nothing!
18.) Something that would be helpful for going back to school.
[This shirt] (http://www.designbyhumans.com/shop/rising-t-shirt/13087/) because I find it amazing, oh my god oh my god.
19.) Something related to your current obsession, whatever that may be.
[I've been trying to learn Irish for quite awhile now..] (http://www.amazon.com/Learning-Irish-Michael-OSiadhail/dp/0300121776/ref=sr_sp-atf_title_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376331377&sr=8-1&keywords=learn+irish)
20.) Something that is just so amazing and awe-inspiring that I simply must see it. Explain why it is so grand.
[This poster, this poster!] (http://smbc.myshopify.com/products/dear-human-19x27-poster) To see what it's based on, the original comic is [here] (http://www.smbc-comics.com/?id=2223)
Replace all of them with retro-fit caps. They work just as well, and are silent. No roof work is required, as it goes over the base of the whirlybird:
https://www.amazon.com/Duraflo-6001BR-Weatherpro-Turbo-Retro/dp/B004Y75FNW
You will die in those jackets. Literally.
Here's my winter setup.....
Crampons
I got these for Christmas and don't have any complaints. Maybe once a hike I'll readjust them, but that's about it. I also try not to hike on rocks a bunch with them. Otherwise, 50-60mi on them with no complaints https://www.amazon.com/Unigear-Traction-Walking-Jogging-Climbing/dp/B07NSQ9ZBN
I know it may look strange but we look at them as "hiking axe".
They have multiple purpose. You could also have to cross an large hard section of snow in the north face of the mountains that did not melt in the summertime.
it is just one like these
https://www.amazon.com/Black-Diamond-Raven-Ice-Axe/dp/B0012EA6EI
For a warm climate, go with trail runners and synthetic fabrics. People here are saying gym shorts, but I'm a cargo shorts fan for hiking.
For a cold/wet climate, I'd recommend putting some money into some wool socks, mid-height waterproof boots, and some synthetic layers-- you'll want like a puffy jacket and a good shell jacket. I get most of my hiking clothes from Costco. If your trails get icy, I can't recommend micro spike cleats enough.
Whatever backpack you already have is probably good enough-- you just need to carry a jacket, a water bottle, some snacks, and whatever other little essentials are being recommended here. Swiss army knife, first aid kit, maybe a map and compass if you want to get into orienteering. No reason to go Bear Grylls with bigass knives and survival gear.
Thanks for the article! It explained a lot.
I'm 186cm tall (around 6' 2'') so I was thinking of getting an ax of 3' (90cm) since the last axe I used was really small.
Would you recommend this crampons??
http://www.amazon.com/Crampons-Altitude-Slip-resistant-Strengthen-10-Teeth/dp/B00PA6UNHY/ref=sr_1_18?ie=UTF8&qid=1417398861&sr=8-18&keywords=crampons+strap+on#customerReviews
They're strapons, so I think they would work. Here in Colombia the climbs aren't really too technical, so I wouldn't need something too fancy.
Not sure about the ice in Iowa, but you might consider investing in yak tracks (ice cleats) for your outdoor boots/shoes. I recommend styles with the spikes over the chains as the chains can clog up with snow and become useless in mixed ice/snow conditions. Also, the chains can slip/roll on the ice if you don't have them on properly, so I prefer the spiked cleats.
Driving in snow will be a learning curve, but you can imagine it being similar to driving on loose sand over exposed slickrock like in southern Utah/southwest Colorado. Add twice the breaking time and anticipate sliding. Take it slow when you can unless there's a hill or drift to watch out for. If it's windy, assume the shoulder/sides of the lane contain snow drifts (deeper snow) and should be avoided when possible if your car has low clearance/no 4wd. If you start to slide/spin, try to GENTLY and SLOWLY straighten out the car. Never jerk the wheel, imagine you're in a canoe or kayak on a lake where every movement is easily exaggerated (make slow, wide turns instead of quick jerky ones). Definitely ask ahead about whether people get/need snow tires and start factoring in/planning for the price + the price of getting them on/off (ask what the average fee of that is and if it's per tire; LesSchwab scams people where I live by charging $100/tire to put them on and again to take them off, it's their insane way to deter the road damage WA state legislature assumes come from snow tires, they passed a moronic ban on them.....you idiots need them because you don't plow or treat the roads....chains are not enough) and where/how you're going to store them in the summer. If the program's just for one year/1 winter, ask if it's worth you getting them if you're planning to move on elsewhere at the end. Maybe you can carpool or take local transit in the winter months (or get a set of chains)? If you have a chance, find an empty/vacant parking lot (like an abandoned shopping mall/Kmart/Sears) right when there's a shallow fresh layer of snow and get some practice in (try to make a loop around an aisle, a turn like you would at an intersection, full stop, etc.) to get a fee for driving on shallow snow if you can (first time it snows "a little" up there). Also, try to learn 1 or 2 different ways home/to work/to stores in good weather in case some roads are closed for winter (not sure if this is a thing in Iowa, but some side streets in the town in WA where I live are considered "non-priority" and don't get plowed like at all the entire winter, so those people have to get snow tires or rely on walking up the steep hills from the bus stop on the main street that is plowed). Oh, and one more thing about car-related stuff you might not know: do not get in and out of your car while pumping gas, you'll risk creating a static charge that could start a fire at/around the pump (there ought to be warning labels [tiny fine black print ones, not scary/Look fool! ones] about it at the pump). Side note about static: if your clothes start sticking to you (b/c it's dry inside compared to the more humid climes outside), static spray can be found usually in the ironing board/laundry basket section of Walmart or in a pinch, rubbing a dryer sheet on the offending sweater/skirt/tights/leggings can fix any static cling.
I also recommend getting some hand/foot warmers (sold in the hunting/outdoor/camping section of like Walmart in winter/cold months, "hot hands" is the brand I know of that makes them) that activate when you crush/crumple them up. The foot/boot ones usually have an adhesive built-in so you can stick them to the sole inside your boot and they'll help keep your feet warm without shifting around too much (I worked in some cold/drafty offices in PA and WA and they're a lifesaver since I'm always aware when my feet are cold when the rest of me is warm).
Like others have said, invest in a good insulated (and waterproof) and wind-blocking (especially for the MidWest!) coat (with a hood if you can get one), probably to the knee to get max protection and coziness (I personally can't stand them that long, so I pair a mid-thigh length coat with fleece-lined jeans (yes, such a ting exists, along with insulated fleece-lined tights or under-armor to fit under them) to survive the Pacific Northwest's (as a VA, then PA, then TX transplant who does archaeology in CO/NM during summer months) teen and under temps (just like you're used to saying, "yeah, it gets that hot", "yes, it gets that cold", maybe google average/coldest temps and make sure to find gear with those ranges included in the recommended temps or 10-20 degrees colder to be sure if you're not one to acclimate quickly/at all/find it "freezing"/unbearable anywhere below 40-60F).
Get insulated boots, you only get one pair of feet in your life and you best protect them. If Iowa is anything like parts of PA or WA, the snow. doesn't. melt. So, one storm of 6 inches ain't so bad, so you think ankle-height boots are A-ok. Nope, another storm comes through and dumps 18 inches on that "not so bad" 6 inches. Week later, and it's snowing 1-2 inches every day, totaling to another 6-8. Get knee-high ones if you can. Certainly to the mid-calf and no shorter. Flat, or low heel (think men's cowboy or work boots in height), DEEP treads (deepest ones you can find), rubber sole, insulated (see if the temp range suggested includes what you can find for average/coldest X-City, Iowa winter temps), and waterproof if you can (snow might not melt outside, but it will inside the car/buildings/upon contact with your toasty toe warmer inserts inside you new insulated boots). Wet boots lead to wet socks which leads to cold/frozen/frostbit toes.
Get a tight-weave knitted hat (or fleece-lined one) that will cover your ears (10-15 minutes in extremely cold temps can risk frostbite on the ears, nose, and any other exposed skin, embrace your inner snow-ninja), and a long wide scarf you can wrap around your neck and face that covers your lips and nose (if you don't want a ski mask type of thing) to complete the full snow-ninja look.
Also get insulated gloves (maybe with the touch-screen friendly tips/pads, so you won't have to take them off to run any touch-screen tech like ATMs, phone outside in an emergency, phone while waiting/checking on a bus/uber, etc.).
Hope I haven't terrified you, but better to know up front than to find yourself ill-prepared and finding the store out and you needed this stuff yesterday. Also, recommend the vitamin d lamp (or take extra vitamin d supplements and be consistent about it).
Some/a lot of this will probably be expensive, so you might want to try and get some stuff on sale (Black Friday, Back to School/Dorm, etc.). If your a difficult size or picky on color, I'd suggest Black Friday over end-of-winter/New Years sales for winter gear so you have a better selection. Unfortunately, most stuff suited for Iowa will prob be sold in Iowa over AZ, so try online ordering/returning or see if an outdoor store (REI, Cabella's, etc.) carries it and try it on there to know what size you'd need (then shop around to compare prices/deals). Account for bulky sweaters or any layers when looking for a coat so you have room to move around comfortably.
So I have well over a thousand miles on my microspikes. Primarily winter trail running. But for mixed terrain backpacking they are severely lacking. For one, they are super heavy. More importantly, they make traversing mixed ice/rock a death trap. Does anyone here have any experience with the new nanospikes? I'm tempted to use these for hiking. http://www.amazon.com/Kahtoola-NANOspikes-Footwear-Traction-System/dp/B00NEWYC1Y
Well I guess hammer but it has to be this Innovation Factory IF-221 Trucker's Friend USA Made All-Purpose and Survival Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HAT9SM/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Ajl-ub1P8MVCQ
Or another good one would be an ice axe used for ice climbing. Omega Pacific Mountain Axe, 70cm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002J8YMEQ/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Qml-ub0K20MJM
I bought the following crampons which is somewhat similar to yours (see below link). Short answer to ur question is "No". Your crampons lack front kicking power which is what you need. I found out the hard way. You need something with front spikes to dig into the mountain or slope. I would recommend a brand like Diamond backs or Pretzel. Again you need front teeth, also you need ice climbing-- not hiking boots. There will be parts where your digging into the mountain to climb up. Also you need trekking poles and an ice axe.
One additional note, I would consider bringing along ice shoes. Baldy turns into a mountain of slush where some parts your climbing, and some parts your trying to not sink into the mountain.
https://www.amazon.com/Docooler-Crampons-Altitude-Slip-resistant-Crampon/dp/B00GQROYIA/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1486599797&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=crampons+do+cooler