I need some specifics on Ouray Ice Festival gear demos

Hello Everyone,

I'm headed to Ouray for the ice festival in Jan to give ice climbing a try. What I need to know is - what all is available for gear demo? I hear a lot about tools, boots, and jackets, but what about pants or baselayers? Is there a limited number of women's items available?

I'm assuming there are different lines for each vendor and most vendors won't be offering everything so is it unreasonable to hope to be able to check out a full set of gear before going for a seminar? If so I may rent some gear in my home town and bring it out to the festival.

What size pack do you normally bring? What is the best layering plan for ice climbing?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

May

i don't think you can demo base layers...

i would try to arrive with as much as a full set of gear as you can, even if its just borrowed or rented old junk.

no guarantees that you will get to demo anything.

i think you will more likely be able to borrow fellow climbers tools for a lap or two.

I wouldn't want to demo a baselayer anyway. Kinda gross. Even if they have them available, I can guarantee they aren't washed each night. You can get really nice merino stuff (Kirkland-brand) at costco for $20. It's an unbeatable deal.

There is outerwear available to demo, but I honestly wouldn't risk coming without anything. You can always borrow a friend's axes... but you somehow don't get pants and your day of climbing is gonna be jeopardized big time.

Pack size - err on the side of larger. The approaches are short and easy, so there's no real risk in overpacking (other than looking like an overladen gumby). But 50% of the people climbing at Ice Fest are overladen gumbies, so nothing to fear there :)

Layering - Non-cotton moisture wicking baselayer. Insulative mid-layer (lightweight puffy or fleece). Non insulated shell. Puffy belay jacket that goes over everything. Adjust as necessary for personal preference or unusually hot/cold temps. Last year at ice fest everyone was climbing in T shirts.

Things that are nice to have: chemical hand warmers. small thermos for coffee/tea. spare gloves. extra socks. sunblock and moisturizer. Aftermarket insoles (especially if planning on demoing lots of boots). ibuprofen. sunglasses.

Just the confirmation I needed guys. Thanks!

If you are gearless, arrive early on the first day. Get in crampon line first. Stand in line for boots next. If you're in crampon line, get someone to stand in the boot line for you until you can get over there.

Ideally you can go to the Grivel or Petzl tent first and get crampons and tools at one stop then go out and find your boots. Also, out of courtesy to others, plan on sharing tools. It's happened to me and I've seen it happen to others where you are all geared up minus tools and they are all fresh out. Nothing to do then but wait for tools to reappear.