Best ice axe for mountaineering reddit. Losing your axe in a precarious place could be bad news.

Best ice axe for mountaineering reddit Any light axe is going to struggle when you have to swing it, dig with it, etc. But it’s not for climbing. I am 6’2” so the rental shop has typically set me up with anything between 60cm-70cm over the years. You could self arrest in most conditions with it if it’s not extremely steep or use it as a grippy pole with an axe head. I want to buy my own ice axe. I’m typically never winter climbing, and summiting during the March - Sept mountaineering season. I just wanted to generally ask people their thoughts on general features and designs of axes such as what style blade, handle grip, shaft angle, eyelet, and spike they may prefer For ice axe, I use the CAMP Corsa Alpine for my ski mountaineering and am very happy with it. Crampons, Helmet, Ice axe, and rope I strap to the outside. However, whenever I look online for recommendations, they always say that certain axes are good for general mountaineering, but some are much better (but also more expensive). That's genuinely the full spectrum. 5 Apr 28, 2025 · The Corsa Alpine is one of the lightest ice axes on the market, making it ideal for mountaineering and ski mountaineering where weight is a critical factor. The major drawback from using a leash is that you need to change your leash hand every time your ice axe changes hands. But for a walk up, I'd stick with a straight axe with no grip. 100% agree with this. Alpine (ice, allround): Get a Sumtec and a Quark hammer, maybe another quark later. You can’t use it as an anchor for climbing. com Jun 9, 2025 · Best Budget Ice Axe: 4. It’s not rated for falls because it wouldn’t pass. Longer axes will facilitate descending and downclimbing. Its aluminium shaft provides durability without unnecessary weight, and the steel pick ensures solid performance on snow and ice. I’ve been considering getting the BCA Shaxe Tech for Skimo. I own one. 99; Best for ice hiking, general mountaineering; Length (inches): 19. See full list on outdoorgearlab. Here are some options I'm looking at: Blue Ice Hummingbird Ice Axe: Tried it before, liked it besides the price I'm currently looking into getting my first ice axe that fits my future endeavours best. But if you can do that it becomes a do-everything axe, (except roped climbing where you'll need a reverse a pick). There are lighter options out there but if you’re already carrying an axe this means one less tube to carry. Looking at buying a ski mountaineering oriented ice axe after lugging my 60cm straight shaft ice axe around. Makes plunging the axe easier as well. I know there isn't the perfect allround model but i still have to start somewhere. I climb in the Cascades with a mountaineering organization, and they usually lend me gear, but now I think I'm ready to purchase my own ice axe. As such, don’t fall into the trap of getting a “cane”. It’s great for cutting steps. It'll keep you safe on gentle ground and is far superior to longer axes on moderate slopes. I recently just got interested in Ice climbing, and as such I've been kind of curious about designing an ice axe as either a personal or capstone project for school. Reply reply The Suluk isn’t an ice axe. . It’s a combo ice axe and shovel at 2lbs. It's inspirational as well as instructive. More important than the brand name of the axe is buy Yvonn Chouinard's excellent book Climbing Ice. Petzl Gullys or SumTecs are really neat in that regard. Not looking to do anything technical, just occasional steep snow or crevasse travel. The Black Diamond Raven ice axe with Grip is an update on Black Diamond’s classic single axe for mountaineering. Amazon price $76. For general mountaineering and not climbing steep ice, I'd just go with the black diamond raven. As an example, I had to dig a bollard last weekend which took a lot of work because of the tiny adze, but that's what you tend to get with a lightweight axe. I have not done any trips into extreme cold conditions though, so no 4 season tent or heavy insulating layers. Cassin CAMP USA Neve Ice Axe. Non sketchy but would like a bit of a nicer hold while climbing - whippet Sketchy to point of needing one tool - ice axe Pretty sketchy with one tool - ice axe and whippet Two tools required - steep to near vertical ice Remember ice axe = boot crampons and a helmet. Most routes involve a lot more trekking where ski poles are handy and you only need an ice axe when the terrain gets steeper. Get an ice axe that goes to around the bottom of your After years of renting, I’m finally ready to purchase my own ice axe for summits in the area (Adams, Hood, Helens, Rainier). If you are willing to buy more stuff and want to do actual mountaineering and ice, like water ice. So far i did a lot of hiking, ferratas (D) and easy climbing (UIAA 1-2, without rope) around 2500m in the austrian alps. Just Mountaineering, get any walking axe. It has a straight shaft and head with a very sharp triangular point at the tip. I would say: Get a sumtec and a pair of Nomics. Michael Covington is on the cover climbing Mt Kilimanjaro I believe. Used for attaching your ice axe to your wrist and preventing the ice axe from disappearing down a long slop if you drop it. If you start climbing steep stuff, then look at the venom. Regarding ice axes don't get hung up on the old "it needs to reach your ankles" too much - I personally rather take a slightly more technical (bent & shorter) ice axe, because it will be more versatile in the long run. Losing your axe in a precarious place could be bad news. 7 to 31. It'll be easier to walk with and easier to get used to as a first timer. Whatever long axe you can afford will serve you well. One thing to keep in mind is that your ice axe will most likely be on your backpack more than your hand. You can pair it with a single climbing axe (like a Quark) too for easier roped-up routes. fsldymtl wavud nyvhhyx behmo uvk fluqmyk dslxjwz xrmcyxn ozacp kaoa