Dust Off Your Ice Gear The Right Way

Temperatures are dropping and the water in the mountains is starting to freeze. Before you know it, you’ll be knee deep in snow as you approach another elusive waterfall that has been frozen in time for your enjoyment. But before you jump straight into another season of ice climbing, be sure to inspect your gear the right way to determine what should be fixed or replaced.

Along with inspecting your gear at the beginning of the season, you should routinely inspect your gear before each use.

ICE AXES

1. Review the product history
2. Verify the presence of a serial number, CE mark, and that the product has not exceeded the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan
3. Check the shaft, rivets, grip, and spike
4. Check the head, pick, and adze/hammer
5. Inspect the GRIPREST and TRIGREST

CRAMPONS

1. Review the product history
2. Verify the presence of a serial number, CE mark, and that the product has not exceeded the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan
3. Verify that the pair of crampons is complete and that all the parts are compatible with each other
4. Inspect the front and rear parts
5. Check the length adjustment system
6. Check the antibott system
7. Check the binding system
8. Check the fit on your boot

HELMETS

1. Review the product history
2. Verify the presence of a serial number, CE mark, and that the product has not exceeded the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan
3. Check the shell
4. Check the liner
5. Check the harness system
6. Check the headband
7. Check the adjustment system
8. Check the chin strap
9. Check the comfort foams
10. Check the headlamp clips
11. Check any attached accessories

HARNESSES

1. Review the product history
2. Verify the presence of a serial number, CE mark, and that the product has not exceeded the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan
3. Check the straps and webbing
4. Check the tie-in points and the belay loop
5. Check the adjustment buckles
6. Check the comfort parts

ROPES

1. Review the product history
2. Verify the presence of a serial number, CE mark, and that the product has not exceeded the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan
3. Check the sheath
4. Check the core
5. Check any plastic sheaths or sewn terminations
6. Check the length of the rope and location of middle mark

BELAY DEVICES

1. Review the product history
2. Verify the presence of a serial number, CE mark, and that the product has not exceeded the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan
3. Check the frame
4. Inspect the connection elements
5. Check the friction elements
6. Perform a function test on a rope

CARABINERS

1. Review the product history
2. Verify the presence of a serial number, CE mark, and that the product has not exceeded the manufacturer’s suggested lifespan
3. Check the frame
4. Inspect the gate
5. Check the manual locking sleeve
6. Check the automatic locking sleeve

For tips on how to maintain your gear during the season, download Tips For Protecting Your Equipment: Ice Axes, Crampons, Ice Screws