Ice axe vs ice pick size chart. Find out how to choose the right ice axe for your intended use. In this article, we’ll take a more in-depth look at the different types of ice axes and their benefits. In this video, Reuben from Next Adventure shows you how to determine the proper sized straight An ice axe is a versatile tool that could save your life in alpine regions, so choosing the right one is crucial. A long one is good for walking in cane position on a relatively low-angle slope. Jan 14, 2017 · There is no single best length for an ax, even for a particular person. My current mountaineering axe is 70cm and is heavy. They provide stability, enable you to cut steps in hard snow or test the depth of a snow drift. The mountaineering axe is the most versatile, and can be used for a variety of tasks, while the technical and alpine axes are designed for more specific purposes. pure water ice vs. Sep 26, 2023 · Ice axe anatomy Pick: The “blade” of the axe, used to swing into ice or during a self-arrest maneuver. And in steeper winter mountaineering routes Jun 14, 2019 · Or the hand-rest can be slid to the curve of the axe to provide hand protection and a secure grip for high-dagger or all the way to the bottom giving the axe a feel more akin to a technical ice tool. Learn how to choose an ice axe! Ice axes are an essential safety tool for travelling through winter mountains. Jun 10, 2019 · Having an ice axe is important for mountain climbing, and we will break down some options and what is best suited for different terrain. The Sum’tec comes with Petzl’s ICE pick, a very versatile T-rated pick that tapers from 4mm to 3. Axe length also needs to be factored into the buying decision. If you fall, you can (hopefully) use your ice axe to stop your slide to doom. Feb 11, 2015 · The three big differences between an ice tool and a piolet are a curved shaft, a radically shorter length and a pick with a reverse curve (imagine, well, an upside-down rainbow). As the slope gets steeper and you start getting into something more like ice climbing, you want a shorter ax or technical ice tools. What is an ice axe used for? Dec 25, 2024 · The ice axe is an essential tool in the winter mountains, and this guide will help you with choosing between the many different types. There are two main pick shapes available for ski axes. What type of ice axe do you need? Feb 11, 2015 · Characterized by a long, straight shaft and a pick with a positive curve (envision a rainbow), piolets are the old guard of the ice ax world. Jan 14, 2022 · 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 on the mountain. Additionally, it’s worth examining the materials each ice axe is made of as this will determine how heavy it is. mixed alpine climbing, it's worth checking the ratings of both parts. Jan 14, 2022 · It might be tempting to just pick out the most rugged-looking axe you can find (check out our guide to the best ice axes you can buy) but knowing how to choose an ice axe is important to make sure you end up with the right type – and length – for your adventures. A classic curved pick works best for self-arrest and snow climbing, while a sharp, recurved pick works best for steep ice and névé climbing but is less predictable in a self-arrest situation. What used to be common advice is now outdated. Aug 21, 2023 · Hey everyone, I'm thinking about getting a new, lighter axe for some Pacific Northwest volcanoes and some routes in the Tetons. These ratings apply separately to the shaft and pick of the axe, and whilst this is generally relevant to axes intended for technical climbing, eg. Not only does it need to be suited for the terrain, but also sized correctly. Sep 29, 2013 · Ice Axes come in many shapes and sizes. Ice axes aren’t all created equal. While some are made for technical ice climbing, others are best suited to mountaineering trips. I was cheating with a 56 cm Grivel Super Courmayeur with an Evolution pick that could go back and forth between mountaineering and water ice/alpine ice routes, but thinking a lighter axe might be nice. . Excepting steep, technical routes, this is all you need for winter/spring 14ers, the standard routes on most Pacific Northwest volcanoes, El Pico de Orizaba, the West Buttress of Apr 17, 2025 · Types of Ice Axes There are generally three types of ice axes: the mountaineering axe, the technical axe, and the alpine axe. The general rule of sizing an ice axe for general or traditional mountaineering says that the spike of the axe should reach your ankle when you hold the head of the axe in your hand alongside your body. Thinking of An ice axe is a must for mountaineering. Almost everyone owns one, whether you’re Noob McSelfie or Ueli Steck. 3mm at the tip. But what makes the perfect all-around tool? We explain how to choose an ideal ice axe for mountaineering. Learn how to size your ice axe, the parts of an ice axe and key features to consider. Learning how to size an ice axe is crucial to technical mountaineering. Over the last hundred years or so of mountaineering, ice axe sizing and styles have changed greatly. Feb 5, 2021 · Looking for advice on how to size an ice axe for walking or mountaineering? Our in-depth guide explains the differences between ice axes and how to select the correct length ice axe for you. tsoqi okdul hmlc mvyax avrzejk sow axw tnmvca idai gvyt