Ice | GearJunkie

‘Sending in Color’ Finds Community in Ice Climbing Despite Warming Winters

‘Sending in Color’ is a unique D.E.I.-focused ice climbing group in the Midwest that is building a diverse community of people sharing a common passion.

Written by Will Brendza February 14, 2025

My Favorite Ice Climbing Gear for Alaskan Epics

I’ve been chasing frozen formations in Alaska for decades. Here is my list of favorite ice climbing gear for the big routes in the 49th…

Written by Seiji Ishii January 02, 2025

Watch the Hydra Ice Tool Come to Life: Black Diamond’s Creative, Production, and Testing Process

The new Black Diamond Hydra ice tool is here, and it has a modular head system for extreme versatility. Watch how this tool came to…

Written by Seiji Ishii September 04, 2024

Samaya ULTRA35 Review: Minimalist Dyneema Pack Worth Maximalist Price

The Samaya ULTRA35 combines Dyneema fabric with a tubular aluminum frame, making for a capable and ultralight alpine pack.

Written by Seiji Ishii April 10, 2024

Edelrid Rage Ice Axe Review: Solid Tool in Steep Terrain

The new Edelrid Rage ice axe was a highly effective tool for taking down big routes in Alaska’s backcountry this winter.

Written by Seiji Ishii March 21, 2024

Hut Trip Capacity, Ski Touring Size: Blue Ice Kume 40L Review

Blue Ice added innovative features to a simple, tried-and-true pack design to maximize functionality and versatility for committed winter outings. Now it’s my favorite ski…

Written by Bergen Tjossem February 27, 2024

Ice Climbing Is the Best Example of Accessible Outdoor Adventure — Here’s Why

Of all climbing disciplines, Mo Beck fell in love with ice climbing because “…it’s adaptive for everybody.” This film is a rad look at what…

Written by Mary Murphy January 05, 2024

‘Searching for Christmas Tree’: An Ice Climbing Alternative to ‘Die Hard’ and ‘Home Alone’

This Chinese climbing doc has nostalgia, mystery, and an epic quest for a mythical waterfall frozen into the shape of a Christmas tree. What more…

Written by Andrew McLemore December 27, 2023

Ice Climbing in South Africa? Will Gadd Shows Us the Goods

Thinking about your next adventure climbing destination? Don’t count out South Africa, says one of the world’s best ice climbers in a new YouTube doc.

Written by Andrew McLemore December 07, 2023

Not Quite Ready for Everest: Reddit Users Reveal Homemade ‘Crampons’ — And It’s Hilarious

When it comes to shared jokes about niche topics — in this case ice climbing — there really is no place like Reddit.

Written by Andrew McLemore November 27, 2023

Winter Gloves So Good, I Bought 3 Pairs: Hestra Ergo Active Gloves Review

Hestra’s Ergo Grip Active gloves are my number one pick for fit, durability, dexterity, and quality — I destroyed my first pair after multiple seasons…

Written by Bergen Tjossem November 22, 2023

The Rescue That Changed the Future of Prosthetics: Arc’teryx Teases ‘109 Below’

In 1982, two climbers were stranded in a -20 blizzard for days on end. Their rescue was a tragic and traumatic experience that changed the…

Written by Will Brendza November 03, 2023

Maximum Versatility for All Your Alpine Objectives: Black Diamond Venom LT Review

A versatile mountaineering collection, Black Diamond’s Venom LT converts from all-mountain ice axe to piolet and shovel for ski mountaineers and adventurers.

Written by Bergen Tjossem November 02, 2023

‘Super Bomber’ Rocky Talkie Review: The Radios I Haven’t Been Able to Break

The Rocky Talkie is an incredibly durable FRS radio with impressive range and battery life. This is the best no–license radio for most.

Written by Seiji Ishii August 07, 2023

‘World’s Hardest Ice Climb’ Sees First Ascent

Tim Emmett and Klemen Premrl pulled off a stunning new line on British Columbia’s famously steep Helmcken Falls.

Written by Andrew McLemore June 27, 2023

‘Translucent’ Mountain Pack for All-Season Action: The North Face Phantom 38 Review

The updated North Face Phantom 38 Backpack attaches every tool you’ll need for mountaineering, ski touring, and backpacking if you don’t mind it getting dirty.

Written by Bergen Tjossem May 08, 2023

Arc’teryx Gamma Pants Review: Essential Legwear for Technical Missions

Dream big and brave the elements in these high-performance softshell pants from Arc’teryx.

Written by Katie Griffith April 28, 2023

Expensive Taste: My Favorite Belay Parka Has a Price Tag to Match

The Arc’teryx Alpha Lightweight Parka is a great belay parka. It was warm, windproof, durable, and packable. But the price is high.

Written by Seiji Ishii April 06, 2023

Woman Crushed Saving Belayer From Falling Ice Block

The Utah climbing community at large today mourns Meg O’Neill, who reportedly died rescuing a fellow ice climber.

Written by Sam Anderson April 05, 2023

Scan Your Body, Choose Features for Perfect Hardshell Kit: Made Custom Apparel Review

Made Custom Apparel builds a custom-fitted shell with custom features. Remarkably, the price is comparable to other high-end shell systems.

Written by Seiji Ishii March 28, 2023

Sure-Footed, Lightweight, and Foldable: Black Diamond Neve Pro Crampon Review

Black Diamond went back to the drawing board with their lightest crampon, the Neve Pro — the result is even lighter and ultra-packable.

Written by Bergen Tjossem March 23, 2023

‘Crack Baby’: Alpinist Retraces Steps of Legendary Swiss Ice Climb

Ice climbing comes in many forms. This edit from Mammut explores the history and future of a legendary Swiss route that’s helped define the discipline.

Written by Andrew McLemore February 22, 2023

LOWA Alpine Ice GTX Climbing Boot Review: High Dexterity and Warmth, Low Bulk

The LOWA Alpine Ice GTX climbed ice exceptionally well due to its low bulk and kept my feet warm in extremely cold conditions.

Written by Seiji Ishii February 20, 2023

Salewa Piuma 3.0 Review: The Mountain Adventure Helmet You Want

The Salewa Piuma 3.0 helmet is a true quiver-killer for all forms of climbing and ski touring. Our tester is ditching his other helmets.

Written by Christian Black February 13, 2023

Patagonia DAS Light Pants Review: The Missing Link in Ultralight Puffy Pants

The newest contender in the belay pant showdown goes minimalist to maximize functionality across the outdoor rec spectrum: the Patagonia DAS Light pant.

Written by Bergen Tjossem January 24, 2023