Best ice axe use How to choose the right-sized mountaineering ice axe. The Black Diamond Venom is a modular ice axe that is geared towards steep snow climbs, moderate water ice, and complex glacier routes. By Wyatt Fossett. Oct 26, 2017 · Use This ice axe is suitable for general use and is specially designed for use on low relief glacier travel, or for self-arrest on gentle slopes with moderately packed snow. Mar 9, 2024 · 2. In fact, in the United States and Canada, this is one of only three ice axes that you'll see 90+ percent of mountain guides use. See all the top options for this particular equipment here. An ice axe not only provides stability and safety on icy terrains but also aids in self-arresting during falls. This non-modular ice axe is designed to conquer steep snow and ice routes with ease and navigate complex glacier terrain like a true champion. Feb 4, 2019 · Here are the ten most unique, and best Ice Axes on the market right now. The next step is learning ho. It can easily function as a cane when walking a low-angle slope, or it can be used to self-belay if you slip. In fact, compared to the Raven, the Glacier is lighter, self-arrests smoother, and climbs steep snow better, while the Raven offers a better price tag. Learn the nuances of gear selection for hiking, mountaineering, and technical climbs, and ensure your safety with our Mountain Logic recommendations. It gives stability and security with a range of techniques in skilled and practised hands. Everything from simple glissading techniques and tips to get down a mountain while climbing or backpacking with ice axes and trekking poles. Petzl Quark Ice Axe; 3. Oct 14, 2023 · This article on how to use an ice axe was first published in 2016. Using An Ice Axe To Scramble Or Climb Harder And Firmer Snow. Standout Picks Dec 11, 2019 · The Swift's burly oversized spike made it one of the easier models to plug vertically into the snow; this, of course, has numerous advantages, whether backing up a seated belay, using as a standing ice axe belay, or beefing up an existing picket anchor by placing your axe vertically in front of the Deadman (Saxon's Cross Technique). A perfect choice for the scrambler who wants a more climbing oriented axe, an alpinist looking for a tool to get across glaciers, snow, neve, and alpine ice, or the jack of all trades axe that can do it all. Feb 18, 2023 · Ice climbing is a sensational way to have a unique activity. Try several in the hand if possible: the head and grip of some are more comfortable to hold than others. Mar 25, 2025 · From survival to recreation, a sturdy axe is your trusty sidekick for limbing branches, clearing brush, and splitting up firewood for camp. Whether you are a seasoned mountaineer or a novice looking to elevate your alpine adventures, selecting the ideal ice axe is crucial for your success and safety in the mountains. Apr 11, 2024 · The performance we seek from an ice axe varies widely depending on the day’s objective. Table of contents. There is a much wider range of technical axes than basic ice axes to help climber’s pick the best ice axe for the terrain they plan on climbing. Depending on the condition of the snow, you will use different techniques. 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. Cassin CAMP USA Neve Ice Axe. Specifically, the Black Diamond Raven and its adjustable pommel make for a reliable choice, along with its classic curve shaft design, which helps reduce fatigue while making precise placements much easier. ” The Best Ice Axe – Top 5 Picks & Review / Buying Guide / By Marc McCollough Buying Guide / By Marc McCollough Which ice axe do I choose? The ice axe is an indispensable winter tool, essential for safe travel on snow and ice. 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. Straight shaft: A straight shaft ice axe is the best all-purpose tool. The Sum'tec is the brainchild of the late Ueli Steck (along Don't wait until you're standing on an exposed slope to have your axe in hand. They provide stability, enable you to cut steps in hard snow or test the depth of a snow drift. Self-arrest techniques in particular require practiced skill and cannot be adequately learned from written descriptions or videos alone. Finding the Best Ice Axes for Backpacking; Best Ice Axes For Backpacking – Reviewed. Grivel Ghost Ice Axe; 4. Oct 30, 2020 · BEST FOR: CLASSIC MOUNTAINEERING. The Petzl Summit Evo ice axe is primarily designed for technical mountaineering but is also very useful for hiking and glacier travelling. A slight curve can also be ok, but generally speaking it's for more special use cases. See relevant content for southeastclimbing. As a rule, shorter models are better for steep terrain, while longer ones are useful for low-angle slopes and building snow anchors. Use As Improvised Anchor. Sep 29, 2023 · Best Overall Ice Axe. Please turn off your ad blocker. You need the best ice axes for frosty outdoor excursions. The Orgins of the Ice AxeThe predecessor of the ice axe was the alpenstock, a Selection Process. Full winter conditions in the hills and mountains present an added challenge for even the most experienced hill walker or mountaineer. Sep 23, 2020 · This small axe is likely to appeal to anyone who may be new to the idea of throwing a blade into the ice! It’s cleanly designed and has several carabiner holes, meaning that it’s built to easily strap and connect to any backpacks or other walking luggage you may have to hand. Black Diamond Raven Pro Ice Axe; 2. May 15, 2025 · Yes, proper training is essential for safe and effective use of an ice axe. Follow me on Instagram @radishuprooted Want to get into mountaineering, winter backpacking, or thru hike the Pacific Crest Trail or Continental Divide Trail? Jan 22, 2025 · There’s only one manufacturer still making ice axes right here in the UK, and that’s DMM. Founded in 1981, DMM turns out some of the most highly regarded climbing hardware in the industry, which includes a selection of ice axes that range from highly technical ice tools to hill-friendly walking axes. All adventures require precision instruments. The best ice axe can define the success of your outdoor trip during the frigid season or when you are in icy terrain. Most people consider it just a walking stick used by mountaineers, but it ensures an excellent grip by providing the required balance for the climber. Most climbers use an ice axe and most backpackers use poles to maintain control. Follow these steps to measure yourself for an ice axe: Feb 17, 2025 · Weights stated are as measured on Alex’s digital scale; note that the same length was not available from every brand, so the length of the axe tested is also stated. Apr 28, 2025 · Modern ice axe blades are typically made from high-quality steel, such as chromoly or stainless steel. The curvature on this particular ice axe is fairly shallow, and the clearance is slightly positive compared to a neutral surface. As the slopes become steeper and the consequences of falling become more severe, it’s time to use it. However, in the real world, there are situations where the loss of your axe might be catastrophic, so rather than risk losing it into the abyss, you tether it. Grivel G zero Ice Axe; 5. Easily held at the handle for strength or just under the pick for control, the Evo’s pick is made thicker in the middle for soft snow and sharp toothed at the tip for thick ice. To choose an ice axe, you will first need a clear idea of what terrain you will mostly be on. The most important factor of an ice axe is its length. 1. Dec 11, 2019 · Do You Need an Ice Axe. If you do slip and fall, you'll use your ice axe to stop your fall—this is called self-arrest. Best Value: DMM Spire Ice Axe. For example, if you are into steep mountaineering, a long walking axe is not the best idea. com. The 57cm shaft is a goldilocks length for me – it’s just right for wielding over my head and long enough I can comfortably use it as a walking stick. 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. From more technical models that blur the lines of what could be used for even water ice climbing to Ultralite models for alpine rock, ski-mountaineering, or spring backpacking trips on the PCT. S. Nov 20, 2012 · I'm gearing up to climb mt. Suitable for: Hiking; Trekking; General Mountaineering; Technical Mountaineering; Glacier travelling; Climbing . And in steeper winter mountaineering routes May 18, 2015 · The G1's pick isn't super aggressive (one reason it self-arrests so well) but was aggressive enough for moderate snow and ice routes. Oct 21, 2024 · Best Ice Axe for Winter Hiking 2025. 7 to 31. Petzl Aztarex Ice Axe; 4. Stainless steel is corrosion-resistant, while chromoly steel offers increased strength and durability, particularly in hard ice. For vertical ice climbing, you need to use a shorter ice tool. When getting into very steep or vertical terrain, the route may require the use of two axes – generally one hybrid axe, and one ice tool; or potentially two ice tools for truly vertical terrain and beyond. The Best Ice Axe for Winter Hiking 2025 is: 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; Grivel G1 Feb 12, 2024 · Finding the best ice axe can be tricky. Jun 10, 2024 · Selecting the best ice axe is crucial for anyone planning to engage in mountaineering, winter hiking, or alpine climbing. This review first appeared in the December 2024 issue of The Great Outdoors. I've spent a lot of time reading up on different forms of ice axe leashes and a lot of people, including the Mazamas suggest attaching the Ice axe directly to the climbing harness, which I have a tether to attach the ice axe to my harness. To find the right length ice axe based on your size, hold it while standing upright and relaxed with your arms by your sides. Navigate snow and ice with confidence using our detailed guide to choosing ice axes and crampons. For more ice axes tested by the experts, see our guide to the best ice axes for mountaineering. The ice axes in this test are all designed for general-purpose winter or Alpine mountaineering. If you had to choose just one ice axe to handle a wide array of alpine activities, the Petzl Summit Evo would be the top contender. Your ice axe is a key tool in effective and efficient movement. Gran Sudaruska is a Legendary Greataxe; a tall and heavy black bat-winged battleaxe fused by frost and Sudaruska's soul, lighting it with cold color. How to Hold an Ice Axe Parts of an Ice Axe. Before using your ice axe, you'll need to know its basic components: Pick: This is the sharp, pointed bottom end of the ice Jan 17, 2024 · Best Mountaineering Axe: Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe; Best Value Technical Ice Tool: Trango Raptor Ice Axe; Best Value Mountaineering Axe: Grivel G1 Ice Axe; Best Size Range in Mountaineering Axes Mar 16, 2025 · The Black Diamond Swift is one of the best ice axes on test over the past few years. Camp USA Corsa Ice Axe; 5. 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. It's not only about the fancy jargon like 'pick penetration' or 'adze functionality', it's also about how comfy it feels in your grip and how trusty it is during those demanding glacial journeys. CAMP USA Corsa Ice Axe; 3. On other days, we may spend hours with one or two axes in use, perhaps climbing steps of ice or rock. It scales with both Heavy and Frostdraw. Before learning how to use an ice axe, you need to choose the right type for your climb. Some axes use materials like carbon steel for weight savings, but these may be prone to rust if not maintained 3 days ago · Best Budget Ice Axe: 4. Awesome multi purpose ice axe/tool hybrid. Mountaineering ice axes mostly range from 45-75cm. A leashed ice axe can impale you if you take a long fall and lose control of it, so ideally you would never use one and always have control of your axe. MSR Dynalock Carbon Ice Axe; Why Do People Need to Buy Ice Climbing Ice Axes? Ice Climbing Techniques and Their Relation to Ice Axes; Maintenance and Care for Ice Climbing Ice Axes; Comparative Oct 18, 2020 · How to mountain glissade safely. For our current blade-to-blade tests, we purchased the 12 top-rated contenders and put them to work clearing Dec 11, 2019 · Steep Ice and Snow. Ice axes come in two broad categories: mountaineering axes and technical ice tools. Feb 14, 2024 · The best icy outdoor adventures demand the best ice axes. 54; Best for ice hiking, general mountaineering; Length (inches): 19. But if you are dealing with a slope that’s at a 45 degree incline, you can use an ice axe to help you climb. Dec 25, 2024 · Choosing an ice axe. The axe is used for balance, cutting, probing, extra security, support, digging, as a hand hold and as insurance should things go wrong. Feb 04, 2019. It is measured from the tip of the axe to the top of the head. Colder temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns and fewer daylight hours make factors like kit selection, route planning and assessment of conditions May 15, 2024 · The pick and spike corrosion resistant tip will have you using this ice axe for seasons to come. The curve provides a Of all the tools a mountaineer carries, the ice axe is perhaps the most iconic. We carefully considered every model in this review after considering every possible option available in North America. Feb 24, 2025 · You should use the best ice axes in Singapore as a balancing tool while ascending and descending routes involving snow, ice, or other frozen conditions. Best for versatility: Petzl Summit Evo Ice Axe. It is a simple, well-made, T-rated axe that will cover you from hillwalking into climbing. Last updated: Feb 22, 2019. While the primary use of a basic ice axe is for self-arrest and walking up a snowy slope, a technical axe is primary built for climbing. Mountaineering… Have you ever felt completely lost staring at a wall of ice axes? Finding the right Ice Axe For Mountaineering can be incredibly confusing! Oct 19, 2018 · After your boots, an ice axe is possibly the single most useful piece of kit for winter walking. Best of all, it is aggressively priced compared to most of its modular or higher-performing competition. If you fall, you can (hopefully) use your ice axe to stop your slide to doom. Mountaineering Ice Axes: These are straight-shafted, lightweight tools used mainly for glacier travel, self-arrest, and moderate snow Oct 1, 2021 · You can purchase an ice axe with a straight shaft or a curved shaft. Since 2020, we've spent countless hours testing axes, examining their balance, precision, and ability to hold an edge in real-world conditions. Always have an ice axe in hand before reaching a challenging set of conditions. The lightweight Summit Evo Ice axe is a versatile, strong tool that can dig into the roughest of surfaces. It features a heavily tapered positive curve steel pick that is designed to excel at climbing steep terrain and penetrating firm snow. Black Diamond Viper Ice Axe; Why Do People Need to Buy Ice Axes for Backpacking? Understanding Ice Axes: Types and Their Uses; Essential When to use an ice axe. Curved shaft: As expected, curved-shaft ice axes feature a slight bend. Ice axes are an essential safety tool for travelling through winter mountains. Use it alone, or with the addition of crampons, for a secure day out in winter. Think of it like sledding on your butt without the sled. May 1, 2025 · Understanding the Types of Ice Axes. There are several types of axes, ranging from those intended as a winter hillwalking aid through to aggressive models designed for climbing. Mar 21, 2019 · The Petzl Glacier is a fantastic ice axe for an excellent price and was nearly the winner of our OutdoorGearLab Best Buy award. Jan 20, 2025 · The Best Ice Climbing Ice Axes. Petzl Summit Evo. 5 Check out the official Heian Trello board and Discord server with the latest information on the game like cursed techniques, clans, and more. hood for the first time with my roommate who has climbing experience. 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. To help Jan 12, 2023 · An ice axe is a tool that is used by mountaineers to scale steep slopes that are covered with snow and ice. Jun 21, 2024 · Technical ice axes are used for steep snow and ice climbing. We thought the G1 featured a well-designed pick Jan 28, 2019 · The Grivel Air Tech Evolution is one of the best mountaineering axes currently available. The ice axe can be strapped to your pack while covering safe terrain. The Air Tech Evo excels at nearly every mountaineering activity and will stand up to even the most demanding users. The average ice axe will be between 50cm and 75cm. This guide delves into the best ice axes, highlighting their features, benefits, and ideal use cases. They provide some much-needed traction and stability, and depending on the style, they can be used on routes that range from “easy” to “technical. The Ride provides security in steeper terrain far better than you'd expect from a sub-9 ounce ice axe. Gran Sudaruska comes with two passive abilities: Sudaruska's Fury - Landing three M1 attacks on an enemy makes ice Jun 10, 2019 · Generally, hybrid axes are sized between 50-59cm, with a preference toward being too short rather than too long. Many outdoor organizations, guide services, and alpine clubs offer courses in basic mountaineering skills, including ice axe use. Amazon price $77. Although most will cope with steeper general mountaineering routes or low-grade climbs (up to about The best technical ice axes of 2023 boast features designed with the modern climber in mind. The gratifying sound of an ice pick cutting into pure ice or the spike of an ice ax smashing into hard snow while crossing snow and ice fields. Best beginner ice axe: Grivel G-Zero Ice Axe. May 15, 2024 · In our quest to find the 'Best Ice Axe', the Petzl Summit Evo came out on top, ticking all the right boxes. Consider the following factors to decide whether an ice axe is needed: 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. From lightweight options perfect for long treks to robust models designed for technical climbs, we’ve curated a selection that caters to varying levels of skill and ambition. Jan 22, 2025 · What are the best ice axes of 2025? Best in Test: Petzl Glacier Adze Ice Axe. Here’s how you can do it: Dec 10, 2024 · In this guide, we delve into the best ice axes for backpacking, combining thorough reviews and expert insights to help you make an informed decision. May 20, 2024 · In this comprehensive guide, we explore the top contenders to help you find the best ice axe for ski mountaineering that aligns with your needs and preferences seamlessly. Steep to Vertical Terrain. Climbs ice better than expected, and performs great as a ice tool. Some days, all we need our axe to do is disappear in our pack, perhaps to come out in a steep or firm moment. Let’s take a further look at how to use an ice axe to keep you confident and safe. The G1 is a CEN B rated ice axe, meaning it is suitable to be used as a deadman or in a “T-slot” type situation for moderate loads. If you get into actual alpine ice climbing you're going to use ice tools not axes which are much shorter and are curved so that both ends are in constant contact with the ice and snow for better grip. You can wield it either one-handed or two-handed despite having lower than 40 HVY. Perfect for climbers aiming for Rainier, Denali, and beyond. 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.
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