In short any climbing harness can be used for ice climbing. They are all tested to the same standards and serve to keep you safe and help hold all your gear while you climb. There are a few extra features to look for when considering a harness for ice climbing. The first two are all about gear storage. 4 to 5 solid gear loops and potentially dedicated spots for ice clippers are a plus. As you get more into ice and alpine climbing it's nice to have a harness with a more streamlined design. Extra padding doesn't always mean more comfortable and you'll likely be wearing more layers. Check out our picks below for some rock solid choices for getting out on ice.

Ice Tools differ from a traditional ice axe in that they are meant specifically to perform on vertical ice. They are generally much shorter than a traditional ice axe and have aggressive picks and pick angles. Ice Tools generally have a more aggressively curved shaft to aid in the correct pick angle when swinging into vertical ice. The newest style of leashless tools will also have a set back handle, meaning the handle is not aligned with the shaft. All Ice Tools are T Rated, meaning they are rated to withstand the torque and forces applied while ice climbing.