Walking ice axe length reddit. It means the length an ice axe should be to walk with, and this is how that style of ice axe is measured. I'm 6ft tall and a 70cm length ice axe is a good length for me for glacier climbs. Now, I want to start mountaineering, and for my beginner tours, I believe I need an ice axe. . I’d recommend looking at used, since many people buy long, straight axes and then realize they want something more aggressive. Most walking axes are B rated. Jan 1, 2017 · Ice axes have a CE rating of B (Basic) or T (Technical). Coyote: The '70cm' thing comes from the old-fashioned advice that the 'optimum' length is that in which the spike just touches the (flat) ground when you're holding the pick end in your hand. You need an ice axe. Since you are on budget, my suggestion is to get the cheapest walking ice axes possible, simond, omega pacific or anything on sale. Ice axes for climbing are generally shorter than those for walking. Petzl makes real axes that are quite light AND you can trust. Ice ax length depends as much on steepness of terrain as on height, the steeper the terrain the shorter the ax. " If I'm using an ice ax, it's because I'm in terrain where life or safety is at risk, otherwise I'd just be sticking with my poles. 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. If you carry a long walking axe, you may find that you use trekking poles less -- and vice versa with the shirt tech axe. Climbing axes are T rated, which means they are stronger than B rated axes and suitable for hard usage on rock and ice and for use as belays. Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc) Going that long is great for gentle slopes, but you loose a lot of stability on steeper stuff, dexterity when swinging/hooking and its more dangerous is arrest with. Most straight handled pure-walking axes are made at that length (BD raven etc). The ideal pick shape is gently curved for a smooth self arrest. If you’re set on a “walking” ice axe, 60cm is the absolute limit for vertical progression— any longer is just too cumbersome. His most frequently used ice axe is 56cm, and he even uses a 45cm ice axe for ski objectives. I've searched extensively on Reddit and the internet about ice axes and found a variety of opinions. Rainier in 2019. I'm about 180cm and I prefer ~ 53 cm semi-curved axes with sharp picks. Lengths of axes don't really correlate much with the person's size. When you say ice climbing I assume more like steep couloirs filled with snow and ice, an axe for this would be 45-55cm so right from the start there is going to be some compromising regarding length. They are designed to be used singly rather than as a pair. Straight long-handled ice axes are more just glorified walking poles for use on glaciers and snowy hills, or for guiding people who aren't used to walking on snow so want the balance on even very gentle slopes. As others have said, your ice axe is for self arrest and not a walking stick. - Length: The longer an ice axe becomes, the worse it gets at just about everything an ice axe is used for. Jan 14, 2017 · There is no single best length for an ax, even for a particular person. 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. I slipped once and got into an accident and the axe couldn't arrest. Also, ice axes are not walking sticks and will not replace poles. Not saying it's axe's fault - the slope was 45 deg and not sure if any other axe would have arrested. A long one is good for walking in cane position on a relatively low-angle slope. Baker and Mt. As the slope gets steeper and you start getting into something more like ice climbing, you want a shorter ax or technical ice tools. Notes on Length: Hand to ankle (length) is an absolute maximum, not a rule!! Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is unwieldy on any significant slope. And for Denali I would definitely not go bigger than a 60cm. In theroy if you acually thinking about jamming the axe into cracks then you need a T rated axe, but I highly double you would do so based on your experience. Jan 24, 2020 · Ice axe vs whippet vs trekking poles? Hello everyone, I am interested in your thoughts on what is best for assisting on a goat hunt: ice axe, whippet, or just my plain trekking poles, specifically looking at Kodiak in the springtime if you have advice I would appreciate it. I really stay away from ice for the most part, but may use it to get up a 5ft section of an ice slab/bulge, but generally not purely vertical. 100% agree with this. There are some hybrid tools that are good, but these are still called ice axes. Make sure that the axe fits comfortably in the hand when held with the pick facing backwards. Weight I'm 6'0'' and I used a 65cm BD Raven as my first ice axe. Beyond that, it's really just individual preference. First thing is the length, an axe for mainly walking around would be fairly long, 65-75cm depending on how tall you are. That’s why many more advanced climbers prefer shorter axes - they just don’t need the ax until things are quite steep, they’re fine with ski poles or nothing until then, and on that steep terrain a shorter ax will be better for swinging or dagger position or other things than I never really bought into this classic measurement of ice axe length. And when you say you used your friend’s ice axe, was it a straight-shafted axe or a hybrid or an ice tool? I can see how you might think it’s short if you used it for hiking and climbing support. On most routes you want both and it's worth the extra weight. If I need a hiking stick I'm just using hiking sticks, and I'll switch to the axe when a short axe is what I need, that is, when I'm into steeper terrain. That is the perfect size for you unless you have really long arms, in which case you could size down. 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. There is a common misperception that an ice axe should work as a cane while walking on flat ground. This as a standard, is a little old fashioned. The former for general mountaineering and the latter for ice climbing. It's more about what activity you're going I think the axe I have used most in the alps is 65cm, a beautifully balanced axe with a laminated bamboo shaft and substantial head for chopping ice. "The TiCa Ice Tool is not a replacement for a UIAA-certified ice axe on technical terrain and should not be used where life or safety is at risk. I have a BD Raven Pro 70cm (older model with the straight shaft before the bend was added) that I used to climb Mt. But it also sucked on even moderately steep and hard ice. The weight shouldn't matter too much. For your height, 50-60 cm is the recommended ice axe length. It was said: An axe of the correct length should reach the top of your boot. 6. The only real requirement is that you need an axe with which you can perform self-arrest maneuvers. On the other hand poles are very useful in easier terrain, but won't do any good if you need to self-arrest. I typically use it as a more secure way to climb up steep snow/ski routes, along with crampons, and have as a self arrest tool. On modest slopes a combination of poles and a short axe on the pack for steep bits is a good answer. 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 For example, one of our guides is 6’1″ (185cm) and their longest ice axe is 60 cm. I actually find my longest axe (60cm Raven Pro) to the best self arrest axe, then my Camp Corsa (55cm), and Petzl Gully (45cm) the worst. Ice axe is necessary for safety if the terrain is steep enough, but kind of useless on level ground. 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. 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 I currently use a 50cm ice axe for ski mountaineering. Ice axes aren't walking sticks or canes. My opinion: if you want a walking stick, get one - but that's not what an ice axe is for. In the past the standard way to choose a walking axe was to hold the axe head in your hand and hang your arm by your side. Don't go larger than 60cm. My axe of choice for that route was a BD Raven Ultra in 55cm. My recommendation for a general purpose axe would be to go for the shortest axe that is long enough that it’s easy and intuitive to Aug 21, 2023 · I prefer an ice axe that is good and comfortable for self arrest rather than as a walking cane. If you plan on any graded winter climbs then a T rated axe is a better choice than a B rated one. Depending on their height, most people opt for a walking axe 55-65cm in length. A number of years ago I switched from a longer axe (older BD Raven) to a short axe (Petzl Summit Evo) and a BD Whippet (trekking pole with an ice axe head). Super light and a workable length. Oct 19, 2018 · The best length for an ice axe has made for great debate over the years. Either kind of axe is fine -- both types will get you started just as well. The whippet takes the place of the long axe, but is lighter and more useful and comfortable in general. Oct 6, 2015 · In reply to While E. -Walking Ice Axe -Easy access snacks -Head torch with Spare batteries maybe even a spare head torch -Base layers (merino) -Emergency whistle -Dry bags for your gear -Water proof rain cover -Spare hat if you need it If you've never done a munro before or only done stuff in the lakes I'd advise waiting till late spring or summer Length I often see people with ice axes that are too big for them. Poles (2 of them) for the easy parts, ice axe for the steep bits. Exactly. I'm from Switzerland and I want to start with easy high mountain tours, such as the Breitenhorn or Sustenhorn via the normal routes. 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 A shorter shaft makes this easier, so a compromise has to be made. Best for snow sloggers over walking paths, but is a burden on anything graded. What is a technical ice axe? There are ice axes and ice tools. This length of ice axe has a few problems. Somehow the mantra "the absolute longest an ice axe should be is that the spike hits your ankle" was twisted into "the spike should hit your ankle. thzuunhj fqooyl nqazwgz egwbxqcx lsj cmfity gmgq osj fvqqn ckqrv