Mountaineering ice axe length for 5 10 reddit That’s what ice tools are for. There have been a few seasons of change in ice axe development, starting in the mid 1800s with the traditional Alpenstock (a long pole with a metal spike on the end that has been in use since the 1750s) being adapted to feature a forward facing pick. The Kruk is a mountaineering ice axe. I took a climbing course, and Mt Baker was my first glaciated peak. Choosing the Right Ice-Axe Length. 5 oz. My axe of choice for that route was a BD Raven Ultra in 55cm. Adze: On general-mountaineering ice axes, the opposite side of the head to the pick is the adze: a flattened, squared-off wedge. I'm 173 cm height (5'8 ) I soon realised this ice axe was too long for the routes I'm taking, and now I'm selling it and looking for an alternative (or I might keep it for glaciers. An Ice Axe Fitting Guide. But it also sucked on even moderately steep and hard ice. For general mountaineering, the common length was 70 cm and for climbing ice, the common length was 50 or 60 cm and the pick was curved downwards a bit more. Main pack must be able to carry extra 15lb of climbing gear. Extra socks and thermal undershirt ~ 12 oz. When you start doing more technical routes, buy an appropriate axe. 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. 8m): 60-70cm >6'0" (>1. If you have a rubber handle) Can pair it with a single climbing axe (like a Quark) on the pitches too. If you're doing graded routes (scrambles/low grade winter climbing if you're a brit) you'll probably be happy on gentle ground anyway and the reduced weight and bulk makes for a much nicer carry in the hand. ) * high angle ice climbing axe: ~50 cm. 75 cams. People absolutely get away with it - but it doesn't mean that those choices are smart or responsible. An ice axe should mostly be used similar to a trekking pole when climbing ice/snow, as an extra sturdy point of contact with the mountain. When climbing or traversing steeper slopes, a shorter ice axe is easier to handle since you don't have to plunge the axe as deep and pull out 65cm of shaft then rinse and repeat. Click "SEE THEM ALL" and then scroll down to the "snow / ice" section for crampons and ice axes. For many people, mountaineering is an extension of hiking. I say this because far too many people falsely think an ice axe is only really for self-arresting. I love the external crampon pouch, and use it for big water bottles in the summer climbing season. Or better still, if you get the chance to try it out, the difference between your shoulder height and arm length. e. Since I havent been to the US yet I have no clue how they would react to gear like that at the Airport. a shorter axe climbs steep snow better and lets you move through short ice sections just fine, especially when paired with a more technical axe. That is the perfect size for you unless you have really long arms, in which case you could size down. When you shop for an ice axe, you'll need to know its basic components: Ice axes aren't walking sticks or canes. You should rap down. Alpine (ice, allround): Get a Sumtec and a Quark hammer, maybe another quark later. A general mountaineering ice axe. Ice axe sizes state the distance from the tip of the axe to the top of its head; sizes are listed in centimeters because ice axes originated in Europe. Straight handle, no rubber grip, and ankle bone length is my preference for a basic ax, others may have different preferences. • Heavy thick mountaineering gaiters (to 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). Self arresting, depending on the situation/steepness/etc, can be REALLY REALLY FUCKING HARD TO DO. . As others have said, your ice axe is for self arrest and not a walking stick. It recommends I bring one mountaineering axe and one ice tool (without an adze). 5) 2 x ice screws (I prefer a 20cm and 16cm) Simple basic kit which will almost certainly be a part of an alpine climbing rack. A lot of people had a ice tool used for ice climbing as their second ice Axe. Ice axe in one of the ice axe loops. The whippet takes the place of the long axe, but is lighter and more useful and comfortable in general. Assuming you are talking about the mountaineers route, it is a ski gully, about 400' of double black at the very top, then single black to blue for another 800+ feet. Let me explain. It's really nice to have access to a lot of contents without having to take the bag off. Hi all, I’m planning my first mountaineering trip for this summer and just beginning research, but I have many questions. It will work better I just used an Osprey Aether Plus 70 this weekend on a 3 day, 2 night trip. If I am climbing technical pitches it just depends. Using an ice climbing axe for self arrest is a good way to dislocate your shoulder or get the axe ripped from your hands without even slowing you down. You are a beginner but you would like to climb harder stuff in the near future (proper ice climbing, mixed climbing routes, dry tooling): Crampons: Modular vertical front points crampons that can be used also as mono points like petzl lynx or darts Ice axe: 2x technical ice tools like petzl quarks that are fantastic all rounders. The first 1/3 of the hike is on volcanic dirt until you reach the glacier. ) My candidates: Petzl Gully Marmot Rain jacket 13 oz. Stupid light, steel head. MSR water filter 5. Hey folks, im planning a thru-hike für 2019 and I was wondering if I could bring my ice axe and crampons I use at home with me to the US by plane or if I should rather buy them when I Need them on Trail to prevent having them confiscated. I am 5'11" and a normal ape index, and I climb with a 158. Sleeping bag in sleeping bag compartment. I have no experience with using ice axe, but I plan on practicing with in on San Jacinto, so I'm more comfortable with its use (and self arrest) when I enter Sierra. Dec 11, 2019 · Do You Need an Ice Axe. That's genuinely the full spectrum. They also do mountaineering multi-day seminars for advanced mountaineering stuff like crevasse rescue, winter expedition prep, etc so that will bring more experienced people. Any random skimo dual certified helmet, check out skimo. It’s not rated for falls because it wouldn’t pass. The length of your axe depends on your height. The ice axe stay on the ice axe loops and clips under the side compression straps of the pack. They walk up bigger and steeper things that start needing more equipment and skills, eg ice axe, crampons and knowing how to use them. For the “ice tool”, without getting too technical would the Sum’tec with the hammer back be good enough to climb with? Hello all. Chouinard equipment stopped to exist over 30 years ago, so it doesn't matter that your dad is 62 years now as he was under 30 when that axe was sold. 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. I’ve climbed short sections of 45* ice in the alps with it just fine. Weight I really like the Black Diamond Mission 35. I would also do lot's of crag ice climbing before doing glacial ice climbing. 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 The primary use of an ice axe is protection against a fall, secondary is self arresting. If you have mountaineering boots, you can get step-in crampons. They say that, for a walking axe, the ideal length axe should brush your ankle when held with a straight arm. ), while other climbers I've met swear by them. But need ice and crampons. Pick: The pointy end of the head, the ice axe’s pick is used for driving into the snowpack in a self-arrest situation, or into ice or glazed snow when climbing near-vertical or sheer slopes. you can throw on a SO i have this quite large ice axe that was a gift a few years ago. When it comes to sizing an ice axe, the key metric is your height. Whether it's classic mountaineering, scrambling, or hiking, getting the right length and understanding the key features of your ice axe is essential. It's the brainchild of the late Uli Steck (with influence from Kilian Journet and Colin Haley, and others) who wanted a lighter less technical ice tool that could perform the basic functionalities of an ice axe, without giving up a pick that offers a high level of technical performance. co. Jan 14, 2017 · A rough guide to ice axe length is: <5'8" (<1. We bounced every possible selection off OutdoorGearLab staff, our friends, and over a dozen guides who specialize in alpine guiding and mountaineering. I have climbed steep snow/ice routes using my Summit/Trig and a Quark. If you are willing to buy more stuff and want to do actual mountaineering and ice, like water ice. I have a black diamond ice axe that works great for me. Personally left too late in the day and would have exceeded my turn around time if I had made the summit push. AAI requires a hammered ice tool such as the Quark, but also a hybrid axe measuring between 50-59cm such as a Petzl Sum'Tec, Petzl Summit Evo (a bit less of a hybrid I guess), or the BD Venom. The conditions are usually pretty hectic until later on in the season. “Mixed climbing” uses ice tools on rock and ice. Blue Ice Hummingbird Ice Axe: Tried it before, liked it besides the price CAMP Corsa Ice Axe: seems like the light weight axe most people have CAMP Corsa Nanotech: Seems like it's slightly more aggresive and a bit heavier. Total ~ 172 oz or 10. If you plan on any graded winter climbs then a T rated axe is a better choice than a B rated one. You need crampons and an ice axe, and overnight gear. Outside will go: Black diamond helmet 12. Granite-the last 1000 feet is technically technical you should be on a rope and belay. I’m not talking specifically about the DMM Rebel model, but about modern ice axes in general. What other technical gear would I need for west butt? I already have a harness, crevasse rescue kit, grivel crampons, ice axe, ice axe leash, belay/rappel device (BD ATC guide), ascender, rope, accessory cords, locking and non locking carabiners The John Muir Trail passes through what many backpackers say is the finest mountain scenery in the United States. You can pair it with a single climbing axe (like a Quark) too for easier roped-up routes. I'm 6'0'' and I used a 65cm BD Raven as my first ice axe. I went to a shop and got measured for an ice axe. An extra ice axe will be one of the cheapest things you buy in mountaineering gear. • Self-arrest with an ice axe • Crampon travel and for that, you'll need: • Climbing helmet (No substitutes--must be certified for vertical climbing) • Ice axe (NOT ice tools) • 10- or 12-point Crampons (NOT microspikes, instep crampons, etc) • Boots that will work with your crampons. My honest advice, rethink the Lynx. Once you have those skills, it can replace both for most any mountaineering. Buy a standard axe now (like the BD Raven) and use it. In the game, Lara often: uses ice axes to climb rocky cliffs that have no visible snow or ice on them, uses ice axes as melee weapons in close combat, uses ice axes as a crowbar/prybar and even a mining pick axe. Good luck with the shoe situation. Apr 9, 2004 · * General mountaineering axe--should reach the ground minus an inch or two. I rarely use ropes and stuff, but have done some straight up ice climbing--used a curved pair of specialty ice climbing axes, ice anchors, a moving belay climb. No rope needed but need an ice axe and crampons. If you can afford an ice axe, you can afford a pull up bar. 100% agree with this. 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. Everything they list should be UIAA certified. The Kruk is fairly agressively curved for a mountaineering axe but still has a straight shaft with spike for plunging instead of a handle like the tool in the picture. They not only bounce of ice, but it's also harder to get them to stick to hard snow pack when self arresting. I own one. I thought I would use a rope w pickets for exposed snow slopes. When the terrain will be steep I use my ax with an ice tool or two ice tools. For fans of ice climbing. A few guides I've met have said leashes can do more harm than good (discouraging you from moving the axe from one hand to the other, etc. I did see plenty of people in trainers on the way down slipping over and struggling to get down. Otherwise get a Petzl gully (the ultimate ski mountaineering axe), slightly heaver, way more functional. The reason is I've seen it recommended that you use the smaller size for manuevering in the case of actual need to stop a fall. a 35+10L lowe alpine climbing/mountaineering pack that's around 1. Like isn’t that a basic first purchase for just about anyone getting into climbing/alpinism. Hood-similar to Shasta. It is equipped with an adjustable leash with a rubber tip. Don't overthink tools. Super light and a workable length. That being said, I also feel the urge to use or play with my gear at home, but don’t do anything that puts your well being into the hands of gear that’sbeing used for any anything other General mountaineering: everything from walking to low grade un-roped scrambling/climbing: mid-calf length alpine/hybrid axe: Petzl Summit Evo Full-on roped climbing: Tech tools (Quarks) I am heading to Switzerland next week and planning on soloing the Matterhorn. At the end of the day your placements and footwork have much more of an impact then your equipment. Be up to the challenge - get an ice axe, and When choosing your first ice axe for high-altitude adventures in Himalayas, it's crucial to consider the type of activity you'll be engaging in. Both the pick and the axe side have good bite and work well for self arresting. You're hiking the CDT - the cream of the crop, as far as skill-challenges go. 4) 2 x prusiks on an open carabiner. I haven't been impressed with the various attachments that hold the ice axe shaft to the pack; it looks like your pack doesn't even have them. The practical grip and the aluminum shaft make it easy t Sep 18, 2003 · The usual method for determining the proper ice axe length goes like this: Divide your femur length by the angle of your shoulder slope. 8m): 60-70cm; Too short is generally better than too long. The kautz route is another route on rainier that is for people with more technical experience and requires climbing and belaying steeper pitches I think. Must have summit pack and emergency gear for summit push (spot & emergency bivy). In fact, I've only used them twice, once to rap a serac/ice fall on Artesonraju in Peru, and again to rap the same sort of formation on Rainer's Kautz glacier route. 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. They have a big database of mountaineering and climbing gear. 3 oz. 6. Not sure if that helps, but that was about a week ago 🤷 Assuming you are talking about the mountaineers route, it is a ski gully, about 400' of double black at the very top, then single black to blue for another 800+ feet. I have a BD Raven Pro 70cm (older model with the straight shaft before the bend was added) that I used to climb Mt. I slipped once and got into an accident and the axe couldn't arrest. Solo or with another person?: Possibly solo, possibly with one other person. I would bring headphones because you are staring at ice in the dark almost the whole way up, it’s a grind once you get up to 17k. Kit: 1) Mountaineering ice axe (preferable T rated) 2) 120 cm sling with screw carabiner. I currently use a 50cm ice axe for ski mountaineering. ALWAYS buy the shortest length of ice axe available. My first snow climb was cristo couloir on Quandary. Plus, the traditional curve of the pick makes it better for self arresting. 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. They are primarily a balance aid, or self arrest tool in case of a slip, and generally not used for actual extended climbing. Mar 12, 2021 · i find that my 57cm BD venom gets pulled out way more than my 65cm straight shaft raven on anything remotely technical. o. Jan 14, 2022 · If you’re hiking or mountaineering at high altitude, your outdoor kit will probably include items like crampons and even an ice axe. About 90% of the time you will carry the head of the axe in you hand, not the shaft. I'm 173cm/5'8" and use a 52cm Aug 21, 2023 · My current mountaineering axe is 70cm and is heavy. If you can't climb ice with a mountaineering axe comfortably then the tools aren't going to make that much of a difference. I'm considering buying one of those hybrid axes but after climbing for 20 years I still get by without. axe; 5'8" to 6'2", use a 70 cm. Posted by u/Status_Faction - 3 votes and 16 comments Shop for Ice Axes. And for Denali I would definitely not go bigger than a 60cm. Two Salomon 500 ml soft flasks 2. Make lists, cross out some optional luxuries, and reevaluate. Elbows and toes or fists and toes (fists tight up against your armpits/chest), butt up in the air, is the best form for self arrest without an axe. axe. It’s great for cutting steps. 3) 60cm sling with 2 x open carabiners. 2. We discourage ice axe leashes that attach to the wrist as these mostly get in the way on the multiple switchbacks on the route. The Suluk isn’t an ice axe. Patagonia puff jacket 12 oz. Something challengi Rope w. Use the following general mountaineering formula: up to 5'8", use a 65 cm. if going for a 2nd axe, i would highly recommend something with interchangeable picks like the venom or sum'tec. Summit pack must have ice axe loop. 75 lb including crampons, ice axe and helmet! Posted by u/Fun-Mistake-2877 - 5 votes and 13 comments Sorry if this post isn't strictly about back-country skiing! I'm looking for advice/recos on what you guys use as a strap/loop for a mountaineering axe (as opposed to ice-climing axe). For scrambling, they often come loose when the axe bangs into something like a tree branch. I’m short and a lot of brands don’t have short enough ice axes for me. Hello, I'm about to start my attempt at thruhiking the PCT, and I'm a little out of my depth with picking out an ice axe. Disassembled shovel and probe go in the stretch mesh front shove-it pocket. Heights 5'4” and under should use a 52 cm axe, 5'5'' to 6’0'' use a 59 cm axe, above 6'0'' use a 66 cm axe. 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. My only gripe is there isn't proper ice axe attachment points. Borah-really just a scramble. Neither shovel nor axe tore the shove-it panel. Just use your imagination and move your body around the axe manually. Will Gadd Mountaineering medicine (comprehensive wilderness first aid) Climbing self rescue Mountain guides manual (advanced climbing skills) Advanced Rock Climbing, expert skills and techniques Accidents in north american climbing (any year) The typical climb is two days. Obviously ice axe, crampons, harness ice screw x 1 picket x 1 belay device x 1 pulley x 1 tibloc x 1 locking biners x 3 non-locking biners x 4 pre-tied prusik x 2 pre-tied foot-length prusik x 1 sling x 2 double length sling x 2 extra cordelette It should hit around your ankle when holding it, 60cm sounds about right then. Camp Corsa if you never plan to have to swing the pick into anything ever. So i have one axe for everything. May 13, 2013 · 50 years ago, all ice axes had straight shafts and the only real differences were the shape of the pick and the overall length. Most walking axes are B rated. We did 3 persons on a rope, with a minimum of two May 11, 2012 · For your general mountaineering axe, what you have now seems about right. Additional Information: Will be sleeping on rocks/scree. It also isn’t suited to learn those skills. not ice-climbing conditions). I've used both and IMO it's a great device that works really well for a thru. Don't even look at ice climbing stuff unless you are harnessed up and doing legitimate ice climbing. 9. CE Rating Ice axes have a CE rating of B (Basic) or T (Technical). I wouldn't consider super-light ice axe for your first axe though. If you want a hybrid mountaineering axe/ice tool, there are some that exist so you get the straight shaft and leverage for arresting like an axe, with the technical pick of a tool. Just Mountaineering, get any walking axe. Avoid getting an axe longer than 70cm unless you're tall enough to measure out as needing an axe that size. You might also discover I use that size for 4-season tips. The ice axes in this test are all designed for general-purpose winter or Alpine mountaineering. I bought a couple of Petzl sum'tec ice axes and build a new head made for snow, for self arresting. Get a non-technical ice axe. I had even practiced with it on icy, steep slopes and had no issues. So i was wonder what can i do should i just hope it sells and get the proper size. On the grand Teton for example I bring 5 ice screws (1 long), a set of nuts, and a . But it’s not for climbing. Made it up about 10 days ago to roughly the last 1000 feet and it was mostly rock at that point. I was also up on Mount Hood today climbing, we did the pearly gates on the left side and I really wish I had a second axe for how icy it was! 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. 72-1. In addition to the locations already answered, you can practice the motions of self arrest on any floor with the plastic guards on your ice axe. Petzl glacier ice axe 13 oz. His most frequently used ice axe is 56cm, and he even uses a 45cm ice axe for ski objectives. 5 hours to the top and 2 hours back down. Not saying it's axe's fault - the slope was 45 deg and not sure if any other axe would have arrested. We are expecting snow and ice at that time of year (night temps around -5 to -10 at 3000m) so March/April is going to be a lot of snow still. This is a land of 13,000-foot and 14,000-foot peaks, of lakes in the thousands, and of canyons and granite cliffs. What ice age do you recommend? I'm looking mostly at these As a beginner, without any friends practicing this sport to give me advice, the first ice axe I bought was a Petzl Summit Evo of 59cm. Jan 24, 2020 · I am leaning towards the actual height-based recommendation for ice axes for mountaineering rather than the trend some guys go with here of the long ones that are almost trekking pole size. I like the summit evo 55cm (I’m 5’9”) for my mountaineering axe. The smaller size forces you to make smart gear and food choices. You can’t use it as an anchor for climbing. r/Ultralight is the largest online Ultralight Backcountry Backpacking community! This sub is about overnight backcountry backpacking, with a focus on moving efficiently, packing light, generally aiming at a sub 10 pound base weight, and following LNT principles. Plenty of experience in dry/snow/ice scrambles, climbs, solos, etc. I want a beginner mountaineering experience, crampons and ice axe, etc. 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. If you want an ice tool for ice climbing it will naturally be sharper and will require frequent resharpening depending on the terrain you climb in. If you're a begginer and just going to do some laps on snow, there's no need for an ixe axe. Posted by u/Status_Faction - 3 votes and 16 comments I want to buy my own ice axe. You need to stick the ice axe into the snow to do that while hiking, and you shouldn't be doing that with an ice climbing axe's handle. Probably should have had an Ice Axe, but even without that, seems like you need to get some training and a lot of practice on self arresting. A longer axe, though, can be unwieldy to use during self-arrest because the spike can catch in the snow and send you and your axe flying. Would be cumbersome. The picture OP posted doesn't look like the Kruk. First day to the Lunch Counter at 9,300', 5 hours. We left at 1 and got to the top right at sunrise around 5:30 and it was spectacular. Maybe there's glaciers to cross, in which case ropes and crevasse rescue kit and training becomes necessary. 5K subscribers in the iceclimbing community. The ground pad and tent and ice axe and picket (if brought) go on the outside. I considered the Venom but the extra weight and worse function as a classic mountaineering axe put me off it. I can't use mine as a cane on flat or low angle slopes, but it's more manageable in technical climbing than a long axe. Aug 13, 2018 · The glacier could be snow covered or ice, or both. As a beginner, without any friends practicing this sport to give me advice, the first ice axe I bought was a Petzl Summit Evo of 59cm. It’s clearly less effective than two tools, but works well for mountaineering with somewhat technical (mixed and up to WI3) sections. Agree with all the recommendations about browsing resale or at least shopping a sale, an ice axe is an ice axe but the BD Raven Pro or Petzl Summit are the go-to's for me. I have both pairs (vasak and lynx), walking anywhere on a glacier I wouldn't take the Lynx. I ce axes are not a new tool, in fact they have been around for hundreds of years. 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. Questions: I've seen length of rope for rapping anywhere from 10m-60m, I was planning on a 20m after reading a couple trip reports? 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. I have been liking the Dynafit TLT helmet. Multiply that by one-third of your body weight, then add Mar 16, 2025 · The factors affecting your choice of axe include shaft length and shape (straight or bent), pick type (traditional curved or reverse curved, which is more technical), adze, weight, and durability. Hello all. Edit: the style should be general mountaineering. It's a pain the the ass to walk, you numb the points on any rocky ridge / really quickly (the technical points are why you pay extra over vasak) and unless you climb WI4 and above you rea For example, one of our guides is 6’1″ (185cm) and their longest ice axe is 60 cm. Day 01: Start 08:00 – Check gear & start approach, refresh ice climbing gear use & snow/ice hiking skills, ice climb on top rope, introduction leading – Man-made/natural Day 02: Start (07:00) for approach to crag, 15-30m single pitch route top rope & lead climbing, lunch & descend – natural ice fall. Baker and Mt. I haven't climbed with the Sum-tec, but the Summit is my usual axe for general mountaineering such as the standard routes up Cascade Volcanoes. Technical ice axes are used almost exclusively for climbing high angle ice. 2 oz. I am much faster with resetting my self-belay when using a shorter ice axe thus my preference for my 50cm shorter ice axe when doing scrambles but no roped glacier travel. Weight Straight handle, no rubber grip, and ankle bone length is my preference for a basic ax, others may have different preferences. However, personal preference and the slopes you expect to typically encounter may shorten the length. Crampons are in a crampon bag in the main compartment. The theory behind the general mountaineering axe is that an axe that will reach the ground is too long to use effectively on steep ground and you shouldn't need an axe on the level. 196K subscribers in the Mountaineering community. I was able to return it in time so now im stuck with it, im trying to sell it with no luck. I'm 5'10. It's not the fanciest or lightest, but it is really durable, and has great features. Its 70cm so quite big already, but the main things im not that tall(5'8) so extra big. I'm climbing Kautz with Alpine Ascents in June and wanted some advice on ice tools. 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. A lot of axe length is personal preference. Nothing I have read or watched seems out of my comfort zone. The Sum'tec is the brainchild of the late Ueli Steck (along If you are willing to buy more stuff and want to do actual mountaineering and ice, like water ice. For reference I'm 5'5", 135lb male. When in doubt, a shorter ice axe is better than a longer axe. I’m from the Midwest so I dont get many hiking opportunities. I think you're too worried about saving 100 bucks. (Typically ~70 cm for average height climbers. I skied a line in the Alaska range though where we had to climb a full pitch of sustained ice and so I brought 10 screws and no cams. Jan 29, 2021 · If you’re new to winter hiking and climbing, the first thing you need to understand is the difference between a regular, or basic ice axe, and a technical ice axe. I do whenever there is risk of rock/ice fall (most mountaineering objectives), whenever there are terrain traps, or whenever rock/ice climbing. I have a Blue Ice Reach 12 vest I've worn quite a bit for chill alpine stuff like snow gullies and scrambles. Classical ice axe, with simple steel blade and adze, with removable plastic cover for comfort and thermal protection. More technical in terms of snow travel and/or steeper snow climbing but still doable with just axe and crampons: Shasta (almost wanna put it in 1st category but due to length imma half-upgrade it), Hood, the couloirs on Broken Top with decent snow coverage (i. 5 and . 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. The second day is to the summit (4 hours) and all the way back to the car (4 more hours). Maybe play with a petzl glacier ride a bit. Fingers are not an effective tool for that. 5kg also from lowe alpine A hybrid axe like the sum’tec doesn’t climb ice as well as dedicated tools and doesn’t arrest as well as a general axe. Mar 20, 2019 · The Petzl Sum'Tec is a true hybrid of a traditional ice axe and an ice tool. 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 Jan 1, 2017 · 5. , Gannett-long approach. Petzl Ride: Weird hybrid where I think most people just get the Gully so they can ice climb. No rope or pickets for steep snow, just ice axe & crampons. Note that wrist leashes should be removed from your axe. Here's how to find your correct axe size for a classic mountaineering axe: I have heard mixed opinions about having a leash on your ice axe (we're talking general mountaineering ice axes, not ice tools for ice climbing). Obviously not a replacement for actual practice on snow/ice, but a way to get in more repetitions. They’re much shorter than a regular ice axe, tend to have picks that are oriented at a much more acute A surprisingly versatile axe considering its impressively low weight: Nearly half the weight of many of its all-mountain counterparts, it has a steel pick and proved surprisingly versatile: A solid general purpose mountaineering axe at a very good price: A solid general mountaineering axe for a great price: Rating Categories: Petzl Glacier Backcountry skiing, skills for ski touring and ski mountaineering Ice and mixed climbing. I held a 65cm and a 60cm and the employee said my optimal length is smack dab in the middle of the two. Not sure what else. It has the adze for making footsteps and stuff. Axes less than 60cm are generally for technical ice climbing and are best used for very steep or vertical slopes. I'm 173cm/5'8" and use a 52cm Summit evo. 72m): 50-60cm; 5'8"-6'0" (1. Tailored to meet the demands of climbers and skiers navigating va Unless you start late and hike fast, you should not plan to hike the CDT without an ice axe and the practice using it. 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). Skip the Summit Evo all together, its heavier and you don't hold onto the bottom of the shaft of an ice axe where they put the rubber as much as you hold onto the head. I would say: Get a sumtec and a pair of Nomics. My crampons (strap-on) work with snowboarding boots as well as my regular winter hiking boots. We will be learning and doing some basic ice climbing. Honestly, 50L is really big for most ice climbing adventures. It took me 4. I found a warm pair of gloves, good hardshell, microspikes/crampons, and goggles to be invaluable, and I didn't use it, but was glad to have my ice axe in my hands after about the 800m mark. We recommend the following size as a general guideline to follow. Rainier in 2019. Thinking of the Petzl Summit and wondering about length and whether 52 or 59 cm. There are several different styles of ice axes -- a "walking axe" is a good place to start, for general mountaineering. Need an axe and crampons. Just be sure to get the right length, the length of an ice axe is crucial. It's a 60cm Black Diamond, and I'll be using for a bit of glacier travel this weekend (possibly for getting up some steeper sections and in case of self-arrest). Top is steep and exposed. axe; and taller, use a 75 cm. Mine is packed for Ice Climbing today. Must be able to survive alpine Dec 19, 2023 · Needing an ice axe to take on Mont Blanc and a load of other peaks I had my eye on, the Grivel G-Zero stood out as a lightweight ice axe explicitly crafted for beginners planning their first ski-touring and mountaineering endeavours. 3kg, and has very few bells and whistles: no mesh pockets or anything like that, definitely more for mountaineering than hiking a 55 + 10 traditional style hiking pack that weighs around 2. Don't go larger than 60cm. I'm 6ft tall and a 70cm length ice axe is a good length for me for glacier climbs. The hammer is designed to smash in pitons, pickets and snow anchors. I read a recent accident report of someone falling on top rope (due to stretch in the dynamic rope used to lead the route) and bashing their head bad. Spikes and axe were all that was needed. Rope not needed most of time. I'm 6'0" and 70cm is the right size for me in boots for basic glacier travel, if you're well experienced you can go shorter but 60cm sounds a little short. As AA Grapsas commented, it also depends on the type of climbing. Mountaineering ice axe, ideal for glacier walking and easy climbs. There is never a "one size fits all" solution to anything in life. It thus requires greater skill of its user to give the similar results. For your height, 50-60 cm is the recommended ice axe length. Ideally, you never have to arrest, but you likely will want protection on the steeper slopes. Parts of an Ice Axe. 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. 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 The snow is too deep in the alpine for an ice axe to be useful in winter. I’m heading over in late May to the Southern Alps and will still carry an ice axe and crampons. pickets for glacier travel. humlv pbga dyfgw onlec pgohix ljbf phzltui tonktdp yoa zlo