The winter days in the northeast can be extremely cold and windy. It is most important that you are properly clothed and equipped to undertake ice climbing in this environment. Here is a list of clothing items you will need to stay warm and dry for day and overnight climbs during the winter months in New England:

Long Underwear: Silk weight or lightweight capilene are used as base layers as they provide fast and efficient moisture transport. These synthetic products work to wick moisture away from your body, keeping you warm. All of our winter clothing must be synthetic.

Heavy Weight Fleece:This is the layer over your long underwear. Most mid-heavy fleece or capilene layers will be fine here. Only in extremely cold conditions do we wear heavy weight layer on our legs.

Fleece Jacket: This is the third layer and usually is worn over your under layers. The weight will depend on other items in your system.

Storm Parka & Pants: This should be Gortex or a similiar waterproof breathable material and needs to fit over underwear and fleece jacket layers. The jacket should certainly feature a hood and pants or bibs should have full side zips.

Expedition Parka: This jacket will be used around camp or at belay ledges. Whether its down or synthetic it should be fit loosely to be worn over your shell clothes.

Hats: Ski hat or other synthetic cap. Balaclava works well on climbs as it offers better protection and keeps the neck area warm.

Gloves & Mittens: You will need a pair of gloves to climb in. Often this is a two part system consisting of a fleece glove with a shell. Plan to bring extra fleece liners to replace when wet. There are many new gloves on the market. Make sure they are warm yet dexterous. You will have to handle ice screws and carabiners. Generally people size gloves too largely. Make sure you can manipulate a carabiner while wearing them. Often we carry a pair of mittens to stay extra warm at the belay areas.

Mountaineering Boots: A plastic double or 4 season leather boot will work the best. Make sure they are not too tight and comfortable for long approaches. Leather boots require a break-in period while plastics do not.

Socks: Start with a synthetic liner then add a wool/synthetic blend to go over. Thorlo or Smartwool are good choices.

Gaiters: You will need a set of gaiters to keep snow out of boots and protect your pants from crampon tears. Try them on over your mountaineering boots for a good fit. Generally size L or XL is best.

Backpack: A pack with at least 3000 cu. in. is best winter climbs. Ice axe and crampon attachments on the outside of the pack are needed.

Personal Items: Goggles with double lens, sunglasses, small first aid kit, hand warmers, headlamp, camera, sunscreen and a small thermos.

Technical Equipment: Mooney Mountain Guides provides Koflack Mountaineering Boots, Petzl Charlet crampons and ice tools, harnesses and helmets. If you are missing any of the items listed please ask as we may be able to provide them for you.

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