Ice Axe Sizing Guide

Ice axes for glacier travel and ski mountaineering.

Ice axe sizing guide.

With the flat of the handle resting against your palm the head of the ice axe should reach the middle of your ankle. The biggest difference between the two. While many people use ice axe loosely to describe the tools used for both mountaineering and vertical ice mixed climbing they technically have different names. Parts of an ice axe.

By drmanhattan tue dec 15 2015 10 40 am 7 replies 3074 views last post by seano fri dec. However personal preference and the slopes you expect to typically encounter may shorten the length. As aa grapsas commented it also depends on the type of climbing. 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.

Hybrid ice axes are more aggressive than a traditional mountaineering axe yet less technical than an ice tool. Fingertip to floor method. Versatile models for intermediate climbing on varied terrain. 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.

When you shop for an ice axe you ll need to know its basic components. Too short is generally better than too long. Avoid getting an axe longer than 70cm unless you re tall enough to measure out as needing an axe that size. A rough guide to ice axe length is.

This ice axe buying guide put together by the experts at ellis brigham mountain sports highlights the features and benefits of walking alpine and technical axes plus some of the different leash systems and accessories available. They feature a curved shaft a rubber grip or hand rest and a reverse curve pick. For glacier travel easy snow climbs and ski mountaineering. Lightweight performance ice axes that provide a comfortable grip and good anchoring qualities.

Axes used for technical ice climbing are actually called ice tools rather than ice axes. Classic mountaineering ice axes. This method can be adjusted a few inches longer or shorter to compensate for personal taste. Ice axe size by j4ever sun sep 25 2011 8 12 am 13 replies 12947 views last post by lcarreau tue sep 27 2011 8 56 pm size difference between ice axe and hammer.

Axes in this category are effective for climbing steeper sections of ice and hard snow while still remaining useful on sections of less technical terrain. The grivel air tech evolution ice axe is cheaper and lighter comes with a leash and is durable and sturdy for solid anchors on alpine ascents yet performs well on steep climbs. The petzl sum tec is a best mountaineering ice axe that is a bit pricey but comes with a slider for a leash a pick that is good for ice climbing and an adze great for chopping.