During Ice Fest our headquarters is the ultimate “toy shop” that a climber can dream of. From clothing to gear if it is made for ice climbing, you’ll find it here!   All of the leading manufacturers will have booths set up displaying and selling the latest and greatest gear with sales representatives on hand to answer any questions you might have. And that’s not even the best part! As a participant at the Michigan Ice Fest you are entitled to a 20% discount on all purchases made during the festival.

From now until Ice Fest we will be giving you a sneak peak on a small sampling of what you can expect to find in the sponsor booths!

CAMP USA / CASSIN Blade Runners

The Blade Runner represents a new era in technical ice crampons. A wealth of innovative features combine to create a crampon that conforms to the ergonomics of modern boots, increases rigidity along the entire length of the crampon without decreasing dexterity or compromising fit, adapts to alpine conditions with a variety of front points and toe bail configurations, and naturally reduces balling with its inverted V-shaped front platform. The patented heel slide integrates the linking bar with the heel piece for better torsional rigidity. This allows the Blade Runner to offer the best of both worlds by combining the power and stability of vertical frame crampons with the precision and ease of adjustment of horizontal frame designs. The elimination of connection joints leaves little room for play and reduces much of the flex that can make crampons seem less secure on technical terrain. The sophisticated geometry of the front points interact with the secondary points on the main frame for easy penetration and superior hold even in the most fickle conditions. Switching the front points between dual and mono, centered or offset, is made easy with the hook and notch system on the rear contact point. The optional snow points convert the Blade Runner into all mountain machines with their beveled design and precise shape and spacing that maximizes purchase in ice and hard snow. Optional semi-automatic toe bails also allow the Blade Runner to be used on boots without rigid toe lugs – a great feature for alpine climbing where the bulky toe lug reduces sensitivity and performance on rock.

Patagonia Women’s Nano Air Hoody

The Patagonia Women’s Nano Air Hoody is a synthetic jacket for alpine climbing and fast, aerobic activity. The Nano Air Hoody uses a nylon ripstop shell and plain-weave liner that provides plenty of stretch for movement with a durable water repellent finish to deter a light rain or snow. Worn as an outer layer, the jacket provides warmth and breathability, to combat the cold weather without overheating as you work your way to the top. When worn as a mid-layer under a lightweight shell, the synthetic 60 gram FullRange Insulation turns up the heat in the thermal department. The hood stretches, meant to be worn next to the head, but capable of fitting over a low-profile helmet when necessary. Two chest pockets and two hand pockets secure smaller items close by without interfering with your harness. The 12.4 ounce hoody is ready for your next adventure.

Scarpa Phantom Tech

You’ll see them in the park at Ouray, sending big in Cody, and anywhere the temps plummet….like the U.P.! For good reason, too–we love the sensitivity and low weight for steep ice and mixed pitches. Nothing lets you climb better than warm, dry feet. Quick lacing for a customized fit. The same materials as our Himalayan boot, the Phantom 8000–including a redesigned and more durable Flexseal® zipper closure–so you get warmth for extreme environments, but in a svelte, sensitive iteration for objectives demanding precision climbing. The Phantom Tech draws on modern technology to create our most versatile cold-weather boot, at 20% less weight than a traditional leather mountaineering boot.

Trango Raptor

A warm, affordable, and water-repellent synthetic bag, with unique Lamina™ construction for ultimate warmth. A warm synthetic bag with Thermal.Q® insulation is both compressible and durable. Welded Lamina™ construction enhances loft and eliminates cold spots. Soft polyester lining wicks away moisture and lightweight nylon shell repels water. Full-length durable #8 zipper has double sliders for ventilation.