Walking ice axe for beginners While grasping the head of the axe (between the pick and adze), the spike should come about to your ankle bone. Jun 10, 2019 · How to Size a Classic Axe. Jan 29, 2021 · Another big difference between a regular ice axe and a technical ice axe is its strength rating. A technical rating, denoted by a capital T with a Mar 16, 2025 · Lucy Wallace reviewed axes with picks in the ‘Alpine’ style – gently curved and well suited to walking terrain and ice axe arrest. Mar 14, 2023 · How We Search For The Best Choice. For glacier travel, easy snow climbs and ski mountaineering. Discover the basic ice axe features and which ice axe is best suited to your activity. In fact, it's a good idea to practice your flat-foot technique (with and without crampons) without relying on your ice axe(s) so you learn the "feel" of the ice underfoot. May 15, 2024 · The pick and spike corrosion resistant tip will have you using this ice axe for seasons to come. This immersive course covers the critical techniques you'll need, including the use of crampons and an ice axe, winter navigation, avalanche awareness, emergency procedures, and a comprehensive understanding of the winter environment. When going winter climbing, I find a 50cm technical axe rather annoyingly short for walk-ins where I feel the need to have an axe in my hand 'just in case' (but not annoying enough to want to take my walking axe just for that part of the day!) Walking on level or low-angle ice does not necessarily require the use of an ice axe. The biggest reason for the short length is dexterity at steep grades and during a self arrest. Jan 17, 2025 · 1. Mountaineering Axes For classic Alpine ascents like climbing Monte Rosa, or on any of our alpine mountaineering courses, a good quality traditional axe is ideal. So, it is your responsibility as a mountain climber to know which types are ideal for different situations and terrains of mountain climbing. This article looks at how to choose it and then how to use it, so that you can discover some of the great places the ice axe can take you. Best Overall: Petzl Glacier; Best Budget Ice Axe: Black Diamond Raven; Best Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe: Petzl Summit Evo; Best Mountaineering Ice Axe: Black Diamond Venom; Best Thru-Hiking Ice Axe: Camp Corsa Feb 19, 2024 · When it comes to navigating through icy terrains and mountaineering, having the right ice axe can make all the difference. Get free delivery on orders over £80. In Europe, the most common certification for ice axes is based on the EN 13089 standard, which classifies ice axes into two categories: Type 1 (technical ice axes) and Type 2 (mountaineering ice axes). On other days, we may spend hours with one or two axes in use, perhaps climbing steps of ice or rock. Find a great selection of Ice Axes for sale at GO Outdoors both instore & online. To size a walking axe, hold the head of the axe in a standard walking position (adze forward Join our popular Winter Skills Weekend, designed to equip you with essential skills for winter hill-walking. Axe in uphill hand; Stable position – axe in line with upper leg, upper foot ahead of lower foot; Move axe just ahead of upper foot then step lower foot first; 100%-80 % pressure/body weight shared between feet; 0-20 % on axe; Change direction, change hands A shorter shaft makes this easier, so a compromise has to be made. Some days, all we need our axe to do is disappear in our pack, perhaps to come out in a steep or firm moment. However, I have seen that some of them have a slight curvature and some don't. Plunge your ice axe into the snow in front of you. This is Part 3 of 5 of the Snow & Ice Climbing Mini-series: Part 1: Compatibility Between Crampons And Hiking Boots Part 2: Travelling With Your Crampons Part 3: How To Use Your Crampons Part 4: Knowing The Difference Between An Ice Axe And Ice Tool Part 5: How To Use An Ice Axe Apr 3, 2020 · Walking on glacial ice: How do I walk with crampons? How do I use an ice axe correctly? Learn the right walking techniques for flat and steep terrain on a hi Oct 21, 2024 · Ideally, you want an ice axe, that is comfortable to handle but durable to do its job in whatever terrain that you find yourself in. In this video I talk through a few different Petzl Ice axes and how to make better choices when buying your first tool or tools. Though each type has all the same components, there are small differences in terms of shaft curvature and pick clearance that will affect your axe’s functionality Oct 31, 2024 · A typical course will include an introduction to good footwork, ice axe and crampon skills, navigation and avalanche awareness. Self arrest is one of many ice axe skills you should learn early on in your winter hill walking career. Technical. Cart. Do not walk beyond it. Jan 21, 2025 · Raven Ice Axe with Grip - £110. 5 Jan 28, 2022 · The number of different modular-headed ice axes has increased in the past few years, and manufacturers are responding to this rapidly growing hybrid category. Make sure that the axe fits comfortably in the hand when held with the pick facing backwards. Depending on their height, most people opt for a walking axe 55-65cm in length. No model is as much of a blend between a traditional ice axe and an ice tool than the Petzl Sum'tec, and that's a good thing. In summary, if you're someone who hikes and climbs in moderate terrain and are looking for a lightweight, simple, yet reliable ice axe, then the Petzl Glacier, according to many online reviews, would be a strong contender. There are several considerations when looking for the best ice axe for beginners. Spike: This is the sharp bottom point of the axe that penetrates snow and ice. If you are walking in a zigzag and making a turn, you will need to change the hand that is holding the ice axe. His most frequently used ice axe is 56cm, and he even uses a 45cm ice axe for ski objectives. May 5, 2025 · Welcome to the forum where you'll find loads of 14er topics and more On today's Gear Show we take a look at the different ice axes available for climbers. How do you choose the best ice axe for your needs? Whether you are looking for an ultralight model for ski mountaineering, one with a modular head for steeper snow routes and complex glacier climbs, or a solid all-arounder to handle the full gambit of routes and conditions, we highlight some key factors to consider below. It has a storied place in the history of mountaineering, whether you’re planning your first high-altitude expedition or adding to your existing gear, selecting the right ice axe is a critical decision that can impact your safety and performance in challenging environments. Modern technical axes are created to make your winter climbing much easier. There are several types of axes, ranging from those intended as a winter hillwalking aid through to aggressive models designed for climbing. . A basic rating, denoted by a capital B with a circle around it means that the axe meets specific CE and UIAA norms for strength and durability, suitable for a buried snow anchor or self-arrest. These ice axes were all tested during the winter 2020/21 season during Lucy’s work as a Winter Mountain Leader and play (when she was locked down on Jan 22, 2025 · Best Value: DMM Spire Ice Axe. Walk until the ice axe is beside you. Jan 14, 2017 · For steep mountaineering the above is absolutely true. Learn How to Choose an Ice Axe in our handy article. In this comprehensive review, we will take a closer look at the performance and durability of various ice axes currently available on the market. From www. We cannot recommend enough that you spend a little more money in order to get one with a stronger and better designed T rated pick made for mountaineering, rather than just a hill walking axe with a B rated pick. Anything lighter or with a curved shaft would be more specialised for climbing or hiking in winter with lighter loads. Jun 5, 2024 · For any mountaineer, the ice axe is an iconic and indispensable tool. The next step is learning ho Dec 11, 2019 · Do You Need an Ice Axe. Long ice axes will get in the way of both of these things. They are designed to be used singly rather than as a pair. Blue Ice says: The Bluebird ice axe is the most versa… Ice Axes, Hammers & Adzes Huge brand selection - Free delivery to UK from £75 - Buy online now! Dispatch of goods within 24 h Expert service Apr 11, 2024 · The performance we seek from an ice axe varies widely depending on the day’s objective. Welcome to the forum where you'll find loads of 14er topics and more May 15, 2024 · The pick and spike corrosion resistant tip will have you using this ice axe for seasons to come. The spike is also used as a brake for glissading, which is like sledding on your butt. While we’re not saying that well seasoned climbers shouldn’t utilize this axe, it will really work well for anyone not used to using an axe. This allows the spike to contact the snow while walking without having to uncomfortably bend over. On steeper ground, yes an axe is essential, though by the time you really need to use it a 65 cm walking axe is really annoyingly long. This is to say that I will be using an ice axe for both climbing steep slopes and as a hiking pole. Best Overall: Petzl Glacier; Best Budget Ice Axe: Black Diamond Raven; Best Ski Mountaineering Ice Axe: Petzl Summit Evo; Best Mountaineering Ice Axe: Black Diamond Venom; Best Thru-Hiking Ice Axe: Camp Corsa Smarter Shopping, Better Living! 0 Jan 6, 2022 · Personally, I have always found an ice axe no better than a walking stick on gentle slopes. A walking axe at a good price point, and with an exceptionally ergonomic head for holding when walking, the Raven with Grip is essentially the same as the Raven, but provides a couple of added features over the standard Raven to deliver a walking axe that is slightly more versatile and ergonomic. Aug 12, 2022 · Axes that are heavier and have a generous adze will be best for step cutting, or you might look at a super light model if you anticipate only occasional step cutting or pick use, and want to make weight savings while still having a functional ice axe. Climb Ben Nevis. Ice Axe For Beginners. Your cart is empty. Generally, there are three major types of ice axes; Walking/Non-technical ice axes Ice Axes For Glacier Travel And Ski Mountaineering. Of course, you carry and eventually use ice axes or tools on any ice climb. May 25, 2022 · But there are many different types of ice axes out there, and they are all designed for various aspects of climbing. Ice axes for beginners - Page 2 | Forum. It has a straight shaft, made of anodised aluminium tubing, and the slightest of curves in the head. Side compression straps are good for carrying walking poles, axes or even skis, while at least one ice axe loop is de rigeur (climbing-specific packs have two). (Ice-climbing axe shafts have a pronounced curvature for a more ergonomic swinging motion). Ice Axes. If you are walking on a snow slope, then take it off your pack and carry it. 54; Best for ice hiking, general mountaineering; Length (inches): 19. It is used to provide a secure support when you're walking or to make it easy to plunge the axe into snow for a belay or rescue. Colorado 14ers; Colorado 13ers; Map; What are 14ers? 360° Summit Panoramas; Export Peaks to GPX/KML/CSV; Climbing Welcome to the forum where you'll find loads of 14er topics and more Dec 17, 2024 · Welcome to the forum where you'll find loads of 14er topics and more Subscribe to our channel for the latest training videos, climbing tutorials and more! In this video we review considerations for ice axe positions. It’s very much an emergency technique, so it’s far better to learn good footwork and navigation first. The Sum'tec is the brainchild of the late Ueli Steck (along Jan 14, 2022 · In our article on how to use an ice axe, we go into the three types of ice axes, but basically you need to know if you’re using yours for walking, mountaineering or ice climbing. S. Best For Beginners One thing that the reviews mention again and again is the fact that this ice axe is great for beginners. Cassin CAMP USA Neve Ice Axe. Lightweight, performance ice axes that provide a comfortable grip and good anchoring qualities. We look at how the axes fit into different types of climbing and check Follow me on Instagram @radishuprooted Want to get into mountaineering, winter backpacking, or thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail or Continental Divide Trail? For example, one of our guides is 6’1″ (185cm) and their longest ice axe is 60 cm. For moderate terrain, you will want to size your ice axe a little longer than you might otherwise. Oct 6, 2015 · I too am a member of the 6ft-tall-60cm-walking-axe club. youtube. May 1, 2025 · Ice axes for beginners - Page 2 | Forum. Aug 21, 2024 · The second part is slightly curved to make clearance better. Remember that the ice axe is not a walking stick, it is a tool for cutting steps in ice, and saving your life during a fall. This is an axe that comes in both adze and hammer versions. Alpine ice axes are usually 50-60 cm long which gives you a very comfortable swing during the climbing. There's a lot to learn, so get set for the snowy season with this three-part rundown of the basic essentials, from crampons and axes to skills courses and avalanche forecasts - the how tos, where tos and why tos Welcome to the forum where you'll find loads of 14er topics and more Ice axe certifications ensure that the equipment meets safety and performance standards required for various mountaineering activities. When walking with an ice axe, you should hold it by the head with the pick facing backwards and 3 days ago · Best Budget Ice Axe: 4. It’s a great way to get down a mountain quickly but requires a good runout to avoid serious injury. The ice a If you factor in climbing gear or overnight kit too then 40L is a sensible sort of size. Filter Here's how to find your correct axe size for a classic mountaineering axe: An axe allows you to balance, dig, cut,. Best for versatility: Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe. The Orgins of the Ice AxeThe predecessor of the ice axe was the alpenstock, a Oct 14, 2023 · Techniques for walking with an ice axe. Ice Axe Intro How to Determine the Length and Style of Ice Axe YouTube Ice Axe For Beginners An axe allows you to balance, dig Dec 6, 2022 · Along with walking in crampons, learning to use an ice axe is key to negotiating snow slopes safely. It's also the central piece of gear in REI's origin story: Our founders, Lloyd and Mary Anderson, formed the co-op after struggling to find a quality ice axe anywhere in the U. The Blue Ice Bluebird is a light, sturdy ice axe ideal for classic alpinism and steep snow/ice climbs. Oct 19, 2018 · After your boots, an ice axe is possibly the single most useful piece of kit for winter walking. If you walk in front of your ice axe, you can easily lose balance when you are pulling out your ice axe from behind you. Winter hillwalking places big demands on skills, fitness and equipment. The DMM Spire is a lightweight ice axe that is well suited for winter walking and ski touring, with potential to branch into more demanding winter mountaineering days. Smarter Shopping, Better Living! 0 Winter Essentials for Beginners Part 3: Skills and Dangers. Peaks. Best beginner ice axe: Grivel G-Zero Ice Axe. Use it alone, or with the addition of crampons, for a secure day out in winter. com. The ideal pick shape is gently curved for a smooth self arrest. 7 to 31. – Broadly, ice axes can be classified under three different headings – walking axes, mountaineering axes and technical climbing tools – and come in a variety of lengths, materials, designs and strengths. Feb 4, 2019 · This Ice Axe With Grip is a great example of how to build a good, solid tool. It is a process that involves researching and comparing various features such as weight, handle length, head shape, pick shape, shaft material, and more. I have seen there is a wide variety of ice axes, mainly I assume I am interested in a more general purpose one such as the Petzl Summit or the BD Raven Grip. You should have your axe easily accessible throughout a winter hill day. Amazon price $77. Traverses and diagonal ascent/descent. Of all the tools a mountaineer carries, the ice axe is perhaps the most iconic. According to the old advice, all of his ice axes are at least 10cm too short! Why keep an ice axe short? On steep terrain, a longer ice axe puts the climber’s hand This is Part 3 of 5 of the Snow & Ice Climbing Mini-series: Part 1: Compatibility Between Crampons And Hiking Boots Part 2: Travelling With Your Crampons Part 3: How To Use Your Crampons Part 4: Knowing The Difference Between An Ice Axe And Ice Tool Part 5: How To Use An Ice Axe Apr 3, 2020 · Walking on glacial ice: How do I walk with crampons? How do I use an ice axe correctly? Learn the right walking techniques for flat and steep terrain on a hi Oct 21, 2024 · Ideally, you want an ice axe, that is comfortable to handle but durable to do its job in whatever terrain that you find yourself in. In our article on how to use an ice axe, we go into the. The ideal winter pack should be robust, simple, and comfortable enough for all-day load carrying. Colorado 14ers; Colorado 13ers; Map; What are 14ers? 360° Summit Panoramas; Export Peaks to GPX/KML/CSV; Climbing Jun 17, 2020 · All of these features make it the perfect ice axe for beginners. Steep Terrain Feb 2, 2022 · A spike on the bottom which is thrust into snow or ice when using the axe as a walking stick on a steep slope. It has a hot-forged stainless steel pick and adze and an aircraft-grade aluminum shaft. How well does it work? This axe works very well for cutting steps with its sharp adze and it’s good for walking with the spike and included spike cap. Carry the axe with the pick facing backwards, your index finger pointing down the shaft, thumb under the adze (opposite end of the axe head to the pick), and the rest of the hand gripping the back of the pick. tnmo kwn lpph nab lyt khdsdt czqdw uisy vdeo zevxdyz